Black Jack is a 1979 British period adventure drama film directed by Ken Loach and based on the Leon Garfield novel. It is set in Yorkshire in 1750 and follows a young boy, Tolly (Stephen Hirst) and his adventures with a large French man (Jean Franval), the Black Jack of the title, and Belle, a young English girl (Louise Cooper). It was awarded the Critics’ Award at the Cannes Film Festival (1979).[2][3]
| Black Jack | |
|---|---|
_Film_Poster.jpg) Video cover | |
| Directed by | Ken Loach |
| Written by | Ken Loach |
| Based on | a novel by Leon Garfield |
| Produced by | Tony Garnett |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Chris Menges |
| Edited by | Bill Shapter |
| Music by | Bob Pegg |
Production companies | Kestrel Films National Film Finance Consortium |
| Distributed by | Enterprise (theatrical) BFI Video |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | ~£450,000[1] |
Plot
Cast
- Stephen Hirst as Tolly
- Louise Cooper as Belle
- Jean Franval as Black Jack
- Packie Manus Byrne as Dr. Carmody
- Andrew Bennett as Hatch
- John Young as Dr. Hunter
- William Moore as Mr. Carter
- Doreen Mantle as Mrs. Carter
- Russell Waters as Dr. Jones
- Malcolm Dixon as Tom Thumb's Army
- Mike Edmonds as Tom Thumb's Army
- David Rappaport as Tom Thumb's Army
- Tiny Ross as Tom Thumb's Army
Production
Financing
Black Jack was the first film investment by Goldcrest Pictures, who provided £11,250 for initial development. Goldcrest recouped this when the film went into production. The bulk of financing came from the National Film Finance Corporation.[4]
Filming
The film was shot on location in North Yorkshire, England.
Release
Awards
Black Jack won the FIPRESCI Award at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival.[5] The film was also nominated for the "Gold Hugo" at the 1979 Chicago International Film Festival.[6]
References
Notes
- Eberts, Jake; Illott, Terry (1990). My Indecision is Final. Faber and Faber.
External links
- Black Jack at IMDb
- Black Jack at the British Film Institute[better source needed]
- Black Jack at the BFI's Screenonline
