This terrific, tough British thriller hides its story of raw revenge behind some fascinating Newcastle upon Tyne locations, courtesy of cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky, and its impact remains undiminished. Director Mike Hodges keeps a firm hand on the surly proceedings and Michael Caine is at his most impressively impassive as the London gangster who goes north after his brother is murdered and finds his teenage niece involved in a blue-film racket. Playwright John Osborne, appearing here as a North East crime boss, has a razor-slash presence. This is sex and death with a British accent, and it makes a welcome change from the more familiar American-set thrillers of today. Unfortunately, a glossy Hollywood remake starring Sylvester Stallone was released in 2001, so be advised to stick with the unadulterated original.

Jack Carter is a small-time hood working in London. When word reaches him of his brother's death, he travels to Newcastle to attend the funeral. Refusing to accept the police report of suicide, Carter seeks out his brother’s friends and acquaintances to learn who murdered his sibling and why.