Black Jack (1979 film)

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).

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

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.

Filming
The film was shot on location in North Yorkshire, England.

Awards
Black Jack won the FIPRESCI Award at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the "Gold Hugo" at the 1979 Chicago International Film Festival.