Michael Klinger was the most successful independent producer in the British film industry over a twenty year period from 1960 to 1980, responsible for 32 films including classics such as Repulsion (1965), Get Carter (1971) and Pulp (1972), yet his contribution to British cinema has been almost entirely ignored. In the 1970s very few films were being made in the UK, so Klinger has often been referred to as the film industry of the age as he managed to produce so many titles against the odds.

In this talk Andrew Spicer discusses Klinger's career and films, exploring his origins in Sixties' Soho, his work with Roman Polanski and Mike Hodges and his major international productions, Gold (1974) and Shout at the Devil (1976).

Based on Klinger's personal papers housed at the University of the West of England, the talk focuses on Klinger's deft combination of commerce and art. He also offers an analysis of the essential but often misunderstood role played by the producer.

Following the talk there was a screening of Pulp, and a launch of Andrew's co-authored book, The Man Who Got Carter.

 

Posted on Mon 27 Jan 2014.

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