Filmed three times, most famously as Get Carter in 1971 with Michael Caine in his all time signature role, the novel was based on the real life one armed bandit murders.
The novel centres on small time hustler Jack Carter returning home to Doncaster to investigate the death of his brother whom he hasn't seen in a great many years. Carter finds himself entering a twilight world of prostitution, gambling dens, psychotic gangsters and underworld enforcers.
The crime bosses worry that Jack's snooping into his brother's death will upset their delicate operations and soon the contract it out - Get Carter.
It's a shame this book has been largely forgotten because of the great success of the original film based on it. It really is British Noir done well - that narrative is as tough as old nails and the world of the American Gangster novel is successfully transplanted to suburban Britain.
8 comments:
Good reminder - we all remember the film but not the book which is a great piece of fiction.
I think part of the problem is that we made a number of films during the sixties and into the early seventies that were based on books to the point that films can be recalled but not the likes of Barstow, Braine, Storey, Lewis etc wrote the books in the first place.
Very much agree Ray - I myself only became aware of this book a couple of years ago when it was replublished as part of a NOVELS THAT BECAME ICONIC FILMS SERIES. I also got Alfie.
It's a title that seems to live on... I enjoyed the forgotten history as well. I just read about Angus Sibbet for the first time.
I'm so out of it that I haven't even seen the movie! Fun for me--a recommended book AND movie! Thank you.
This is a perfect selection. I didn't even realize this was a book. I liked the movie OK so will have to check it out.
I know there's the original film with Caine, and a remake with Stallone--what's the third?
Nice review, as per usual. :)
Chris - it was also filmed in 1972 under the title, The Hitman
One of the few books I've tried to find over here with no luck ever. At some point I'll break down and order it from Amazon UK
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