Mike Hodges facts for kids

Michael Tommy Hodges (born July 29, 1932 – died December 17, 2022) was a talented British writer and director. He made many movies and TV shows. Some of his most famous films include Get Carter (1971), Flash Gordon (1980), and Croupier (1998). He also wrote books and plays.

Early Life and First Jobs

Mike Hodges grew up in Bristol, England. Before he started his career in movies, he trained to be an accountant. He also spent two years serving in the Royal Navy. During this time, he worked on a minesweeper ship.

Starting a Career in TV and Film

Hodges began his career in British television. He worked as a teleprompter operator. This job let him watch how TV shows were made. It also gave him time to write his own stories.

He wrote a script called Some Will Cry Murder. Even though it was never made, it helped him get more writing jobs. Soon, he became a producer and director for TV shows. He worked on programs like Sunday Break and World in Action.

He also wrote and directed two TV thrillers: Suspect (1969) and Rumour (1970). These TV films were so good that they helped create a famous TV company called Euston Films.

Making Famous Movies

Because of his TV work, Mike Hodges was asked to write and direct Get Carter (1971). This movie is known as one of the best British gangster films ever. He worked with the star of Get Carter, Michael Caine, again in the movie Pulp (1972).

Later, Hodges directed the exciting space adventure Flash Gordon (1980). He also made other notable films like A Prayer for the Dying (1987), Croupier (1998), and I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003).

Besides movies, he directed successful TV films. These include Dandelion Dead (1994) and The Healer (1994).

Plays and Books

Mike Hodges also wrote for the theatre and radio. His plays included Soft Shoe Shuffle (1985). He also wrote radio plays like King Trash (2004).

He wrote novels too. His first book, Watching The Wheels Come Off, was published in 2010. In 2018, he released a collection of three short novels.

Later Life and Achievements

Mike Hodges passed away in Dorset, England, on December 17, 2022. He was 90 years old.

His work was celebrated around the world. Special events showing his films and TV shows were held in London, New York, and Munich. In 2005, he received an honorary degree from the University of the West of England, Bristol. This award recognized his important contributions to film and television.

Selected Films and TV Shows

Here are some of the movies and TV shows Mike Hodges worked on:

Feature Films

• Get Carter (1971)
• Pulp (1972)
• The Terminal Man (1974)
• Flash Gordon (1980)
• A Prayer for the Dying (1987)
• Black Rainbow (1989)
• Croupier (1998)
• I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003)

Television Projects

• The Tyrant King (1968)
• Rumour (1969)
• Suspect (1970)
• Squaring the Circle (1984)
• Florida Straits (1986)
• Dandelion Dead (1994)
• The Healer (1994)

See also

In Spanish: Mike Hodges para niños