Top 5 Films based in Brighton
With the Brighton Festival in full swing, Custard looks at his top 5 films based in his home town.
I am a rare beast. I am born and bred in Brighton. There are not many of us that actually stay here. I don’t know why. Most of the people you meet actually move here from other places, either they came to Uni here and never left or they were drawn in by the ‘scene’ and inherent coolness of the City.
As today is list day I wanted to do something a bit closer to my heart and list for you my ‘Top 5 Films based in Brighton’. OK so Brighton is no Paris, New York or Milan. It hasn’t got a wealth of films to choose from. But, in the few that I had to play with, there are some real corkers.
In case some of you reading are not familiar with my home town (or City now, i keep for getting that) here is a brief history…
The first known drawing of Brighthelmstone was made in 1545 and depicts what is believed to be the raid of 1514.
Brighton was a sleepy little fishing town up until the late 1700s when its status was propelled into being one of the most fashionable cities in the South of England.
During the 1740s and 1750s, Dr Richard Russell of Lewes began prescribing the medicinal use of the seawater at Brighton to his patients. By 1780, development of the Regency terraces had started and the fishing village quickly became the fashionable resort of Brighton.
It’s thought that the arrival of the Prince Regent (who later became George IV) was the birth of Brighton as one of the more fashionable cities. Shortly after the Prince Regent’s arrival, the Theatre Royal opened in 1807 shortly followed by the Brighton Dome and St Annes Well Spa (originally a pump room).
The Royal Pavilion is a former Royal palace built as the home for the Prince Regent during the early 1800s and is notable for its Indian architecture and Oriental interior design. The building and surrounding grounds were purchased by the town in 1849 for £53,000.
In the 1800’s the town strengthened further, with the opening of the London to Brighton railway line and the building of the Palace Pier.
The Victorian era saw the building of many of the famous landmarks in Brighton including the Grand Hotel (1864), the West Pier (1866 but now is just a corpse of a pier, it was burnt to the ground) and the Palace Pier, known as “Brighton Pier” today (1899).
During more recent times, the famous Quadrophenia Battle happened in Brighton in May 1964 – when
two rival youth cultures, “the mods” and the “rockers” caused chaos in the town.
More recently still, in the 1970’s Brighton built a conference centre which put it on the world map as a destination for various international conferences.
Finally, it was in 1997 that “Brighton” and nearby “Hove” merged into the town we know it as today – “Brighton & Hove”. This was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the millennium celebrations in 2000.
Ok now you know it all, here is the list…
Brighton Rock (1947)
Brighton Rock takes the US noir thriller formula and blends it with a striking vision of the British seaside town in the 1930s. This isn’t the place of innocent days out, but rather “another Brighton of dark alleyways and festering slums.”
Carry on Girls (1973)
Brighton councillor Sidney Fiddler persuades the Mayor to help improve the image of their rundown seaside town by holding a beauty contest. But formidable Councillor Prodworthy, head of the local women’s liberation movement, has other ideas. It’s open warfare as the women’s lib attempt to sabotage the contest
Mona Lisa (1986)
George, after getting out of prison, begins looking for a job, but his time in prison has reduced his stature in the criminal underworld. The only job he can find is to be a driver for Simone, a beautiful high-priced call girl, with whom he forms an at first grudging, and then real affection. Only Simone’s playing a dangerous game, and when George agrees to help her, they both end up in a huge amount of trouble with Mortwell, the local kingpin.
The End of the Affair (1999)
On a rainy night in 1946, novelist Maurice Bendrix (Ralph Fiennes) has a meeting with Henry Miles (Stephen Rea), husband of his ex-mistress Sarah (Julianne Moore), who abruptly ended their affair two years before. Bendrix’s obsession with Sarah is rekindled as he succumbs to his own jealously and arranges to have her followed. As the investigation progresses, Bendrix relives his passionate memories of their affair during The Blitz in London.
He discovers her diary and reads her account of the affair. It is as different from his as night is from day. He re-enters her life and confronts once more the consuming love they had for each other and the reason for its annihilation.
Quadrophenia (1979)
Probably the most recognisable Brighton film, The Mods and Rockers vibe still runs true in Brighton today, although it is much more civilised.
In 1960s London Jimmy, loathing his dead-end job and dead-end parents, lives for his scooter and his Mod mates. August Bank Holiday in Brighton looks like it will be great, with a chance to see his Vespa-riding hero Ace, do battle with the Rockers, and maybe get lucky with Steph. Sadly, after the weekend, reality and disappointments crowd in all the more.
Honorable mention goes to…
Brighton Rock (2010)
Only an honorable as it wasn’t actually filmed here, filmed along the road in Eastbourne. Of course I really want to see this as it has FRC Icon Helen Mirren in it!!
I hope you enjoyed your historical and educational list this week. I really enjoyed finding out more about my home town.
Are there any films I missed? Have you been to Brighton? Let me know in the comments section…
More From Custard
- Thursday List – Top 10 Films that Changed Their Name Before Release
- Thursday List – Top 10 Films you never knew Bradley Cooper was in!
- Thursday List – Top 10 Films based in a Dream
Custard Recommends
- Top Ten Animated Films #1: Akira (The World According to Dave)
- Top Ten Films #5 (The World According to Dave)
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19 May 2011, 9:30 am
Not that I’ve seen many Carry On… films but if there’s one I might like you’d think it would be Carry On Girls – great screen shot.
Quadrophenia is an excellent film and definitely deserving of any “best of” list. I will have to visit Brighton one of these days.
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19 May 2011, 9:35 am
HAHA Yea that picture is a bit naughty and very fitting of Brighton…and its ‘kiss me quick’ attitude!!
Mate if you are ever down this way let me know and we shall have a bevvy and watch a flick in my Home Cinema!!
C
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19 May 2011, 10:15 am
Really want to see the remake of Brighton Rock as I never caught it first time round and it seems to have this cult aura around it, which for whatever reason seems to appeal to me. We were cruelly teased at a screening not so long ago for a different film when the projectionist put on Brighton Rock by mistake, so we got as far the title and then it was snatched away. My intial (possibly unfair) reaction to this post was going to be “Wait! There are films set in Brighton?” But then, if you think about it, what do I know. What’s Quadrophenia like? Always liked the cover of the album, not that i listened to it much.
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19 May 2011, 10:25 am
Quadrophenia is a great film that has a special place in my heart. You should check it out.
What is funny when watching films that are filmed where you live is that you always rip them apart for being completely in accurate when it comes to the geography. As it..
‘there is no way that if he ran down there he would be on North St so soon!!’
Thanks for the comment matey, I didn’t even think there were any projectionists left in the world!! One job that I though had been taken by computers
C
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19 May 2011, 1:05 pm
oooh, Brighton looks and seems lovely! I must drop over some time for tea
One of my dreams is to visit UK one day (although I know they would probably arrest me at the customs for trying to smuggle too much Tetley and Lipton out of the country)!
The only film from the list I heard of is THE END OF THE AFFAIR
BRIGHTON ROCK could be interesting if it has Helen in it
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19 May 2011, 1:23 pm
Brighton Dezzy is like a London by the Sea. On a holiday weekend all the residents go elsewhere as half of London come down to visit….Its hell I tell thee!!
You need Quadrophenia in your life my friend!!
C
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19 May 2011, 1:58 pm
I’m always pleased to see references to Mona Lisa (maybe my favourite film of the 80s), but where’s Down Terrace? It couldn’t be more Brighton if it tried! Cracking little film, too…
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19 May 2011, 2:09 pm
HAHA Thanks Colin, Mona Lisa is a great film. Where is Bob Hoskins these days?
I have never heard of Down Terrace, but on your command i went and found the trailer. Looks a cracker, and as you say very Brighton!!
I will try and find it from somewhere to give it a viewing!
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19 May 2011, 6:00 pm
You must, you absolutely must. You’ll recognise all the scenery – you might even recognise the actors. I loved it. Dark, dark comedy.
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20 May 2011, 9:01 am
I am going to I promise!! I don’t know where I might find it. But I will try my very hardest my friend….:-)
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19 May 2011, 3:47 pm
Oooh I see you’ve updated your banner again… lovely. That’s Brighton I take it? Pls tell Lynette she should go pro (if she hasn’t already), her photos are stunning!
Thanks for the great movie suggestions based on your hometown. I didn’t know ‘The End of the Affair’ takes place in Brighton, it looks ever so romantic! I wish I could beam myself over there to see the festival… well, I’d have to live vicariously through you then
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19 May 2011, 4:03 pm
Indeed, nice banner C
Brighton seems like a wonderful place!
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19 May 2011, 4:51 pm
Thanks Castor, my Wife is blushing now!!
Brighton is a very cool City to be in. If slightly crowded in the Summer
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19 May 2011, 4:53 pm
Hi Ruth, I told Lynette what you wrote on here and she blushed and said no way!! Not after seeing your hubbies amazing pictures on his website. We loved the cycle race ones, really clever!!
Well, you know you have a place to stay if you guys ever make your way this side of the pond…ok?
C
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19 May 2011, 9:19 pm
Hey Custard,
I’m sorry to say but I’ve never seen or heard any the films you listed, I might have to check them out. Like I mentioned before, I’ve lived in England when I was very young but I haven’t been back since, so I don’t remember much about the country at all. Your town looks like a really nice place to visit.
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20 May 2011, 9:04 am
Ah yes I did see that Ted. Brighton is 50 miles south of London. Takes around 30 mins on a Train so it is very popular place to go for a day out for those pesky Londoners!!
You haven’t heard of Quadrophenia? tut tut. Naughty Ted, go and sit in the naughty corner….JOKE. I would recommend seeing it though if you get a chance.
C
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20 May 2011, 9:32 am
I don’t think I’ve seen any of these films
Went to Brighton once though and quite liked it!
Love your wife’s photo in your header!
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20 May 2011, 11:25 am
I am amazed by the amount of people that have not seen Quadrophenia, I guess its part of the educational tour of Brighton we go through growing up here!
I am glad you had a nice time here Vanessa. It is a fun place!
I shall pass you kind words about the banner on!
Thanks for the comment
Custard
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22 May 2011, 11:20 pm
I feel like such a philistine; not only am I one of those wannabes who came here from some other far crappier city, I haven’t seen everything on that list! embarrassing. I will now though. I agree ^^^ Down Terrace is a top notch film; I thought it wouldn’t be cos kitchen sink isn’t really my thing but it’s self referentially kitchen sink, and hilariously so, in a fantastic bit of dead pan. And it’s got three, count em 3 members of the Spaced cast in it. Plus, I saw it at a special screening here where the filmmakers came and did a very nice Q n A about all the ways they kept it cheap, like using radio microphones instead of screwing around with booms and other cumbersome equipment. Which is our idea of massive fun. Which probably means we need to get out more.
Anyhoo, another thing I came ere for was to see if you’d seen this:
http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2011/05/22/misuse_of_3_d_digital_lens_leaves_2_d_movies_in_the_dark/?page=full
Ha! Ebert is taking it to task since he also thinks 3D is lame. Thought if you haven’t read it yet it might be good for your next 3D post
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23 May 2011, 9:17 am
Hi Hels, where you been?
Did you see I watched Fido on your recommendation? I also reviewed it…Thanks for telling me about the film!
I have Down Terrace now so will probably get around to seeing it this week, and will give it a watch then!! How lucky are you to get to go to a cool screening like that…lucky blighter!
HAHA More fuel to my anti 3-D war!!! Thanks matey I will have a look.
Hey! I have nothing wrong with people coming here, its a cool place to live. Just saying that I am one of the rare ones that stay!!
C
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01 Jun 2011, 3:38 am
Yo Dude! I’m way chuffed you watched Fido, I’m reading it as we ‘speak’. And thanks for the shoutout, not that I’m doing it justice at the moment, with me n Ant sharing my laptop – which actually turns into long stretches of him editing lil movies – I’m not blogging much, only checking once a week, it’s no good. Hence as you well observed my random absence :p I’m pondering getting a cheap low rent netbook just for the blogging/writing side of things.
You guys good? x
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23 May 2011, 3:23 am
did you get to see the Brighton Rock remake yet? On a personal level I was appalled at the very idea of remaking it and the addition of changing it’s place in history made me scream “but thats what Quadraphenia is for!” so i am refusing to pay any money to see it.
Helen Mirren in remakes all of a sudden…..
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23 May 2011, 9:20 am
I haven’t seen it yet. Strangely it only showed in a few cinema’s and not here in Brighton (apart form the premiere).
It is pretty appalling to change the location. I mean its like remaking ‘The Karate Kid’ and using Kung Fu…oh hold on…:-)
Thanks for the comment Toby!!
You are very welcome at any time!
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26 May 2011, 9:25 pm
Great list! I love Brighton (as you know) and I’ve seen all of these except the Brighton Rock remake.
But, in the name of all that is Holy and good, did you really have to include Carry on Girls? Just because it’s set in Brighton. Have you no shame?
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27 May 2011, 9:57 am
HAHAHA I fear that this is the end of a beautiful friendship….
How can you NOT want a Carry On movie in a list about Brighton?
Carry On’s sum up the whole era of dirty weekends that Brighton is famous for, and have another look at the image, go on I dare you….mmmmmm HAHAHA
Ok its not a cool high brow addition, but it is still very Brighton.
C
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31 May 2011, 6:04 am
ok so i’ve thought about it and one film that really captures modern life in the uk for me was london to brighton. does it not count as a brighton movie? cos surely that has to get a mention somewhere if carry on girls captures what the english seaside used to be.
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31 May 2011, 4:21 pm
I have’t seen that one Toby, I saw it on my research for the post, but thought it would be wrong to list a film I haven’t seen. Looks cool though, I will have to try and find it!!
Thanks for the comment matey, Sorry for slow reply, I am on Holiday until Sunday, so am not checking in as much as I normally do.
C
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10 Jun 2011, 10:31 am
hey custard, here’s the review of down terrace i mentioned, http://blahblahblahgay.blogspot.com/2011/06/down-terrace-2009.html, maybe you’ll finally see it now!
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10 Jun 2011, 11:02 am
HAHA Brilliant, let me come and read it!
I know I know, I am sucky at watching film. I will definitely get on it!!
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