Fans bid to 'Get Carter's' coat

The coat features throughout the film, including the fight scenes

A trenchcoat worn by Sir Michael Caine in the classic crime movie Get Carter has gone under the hammer.

The double-breasted coat featured throughout the 1970s film, in which Caine's gangster returns to Tyneside to avenge his brother's death.

It was worn by the star and his stunt double during the fight sequences, according to auctioneers Christie's.

The black cotton coat, one of two used in the film, sold for £2,750 on Wednesday afternoon.

The whereabouts of the second coat are unknown.

A Christie's spokesman said: "Michael Caine's black trenchcoat is a key costume featuring throughout the film.

"It is first seen over Caine's arm as Carter leaves the train on reaching Newcastle.

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"Carter then wears it throughout the film whenever an overcoat is used, even in the final sequence when he's assassinated on the shore."

Get Carter, directed by Mike Hodges, was poorly received by critics at its 1971 release, but has since become one of Britain's best-loved gangster films.

The auction comes as another of the film's iconic stars - the car park from which Jack Carter throws a corrupt businessman - faces demolition.

Gateshead's "Get Carter car park", as it is known locally, is due to be knocked down in January to make way for a Tesco store.