Brighton breezy

Maybe it’s because Brighton is where you run away to from London, but many low-budget British films end there, often badly, and usually on the prom.

Brighton Rock The 1948 film version of Graham Greene’s book sees unpleasant gang leader Pinkie Brown (played by Richard Attenborough) fall to his death from Palace Pier. (The 2010 version was filmed on Eastbourne pier, so doesn’t count.)

Quadrophenia A series of brawls between mods and rockers was filmed on Brighton promenade. After being arrested and disappointed in love and by his hero (Ace Face played by Sting), Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels) drives Ace’s scooter over the cliff.

Mona Lisa George (Bob Hoskins) confronts Simone (Cathy Tyson) about her deceptions on the pier before they are chased by vengeful criminals as an accordion plays. Carry on at Your Convenience Striking bathroom ceramic factory workers return to work for the annual coach trip to Brighton. Much drunkenness ensues resulting in factory owner WC Boggs (Kenneth Williams) romancing his secretary Miss Hortense Withering (Patsy Rowlands).