In Mike Hodges’ 1971 film Get Carter, the gritty and unforgiving streets of Newcastle set the tone, so it’s no surprise that when Hodges shifted his lens to London in 1998 with Croupier, he maintained that bleak atmosphere. We’re introduced to Jack (Clive Owen), an aspiring writer grappling with his failures in publishing. When his father secures him a job at the Golden Lion Casino, Jack, a former croupier in South Africa, finds himself back in the world of high-stakes gambling.
As he navigates his new surroundings, Jack teeters on the edge of moral compromise when offered a role in a casino heist by fellow South African Jani (Alex Kingston). Prominent locations used in the film include the familiar sight of Piccadilly Circus and the recently refurbished Quadrant Arcade where Jack and Jani share a drink.
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We also see Jack outside the London Palladium on Argyll Street waiting for his girlfriend Marion (Gina McKee). While the staff entrance remains, much of its period charm has been removed. The Journeys End Hotel on Norfolk Street, where Jack’s rendezvous with Jani takes him, has since been repurposed. Marion’s workplace, formerly Dickins and Jones on Regent Street, has also changed. It’s now a H&M store.
Where’s the casino used in the film Croupier?
The most obvious location is the casino in which Jack works. The Golden Lion Casino is situated on Bryanston Street in Marylebone. It now operates as the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The adjacent car park, seen frequently in the film, remains recognisable.
It’s here where eagle-eyed card players, particularly those who play blackjack online regularly, will have noted a quirk of European rules blackjack. In one particular scene, Jack is carrying out his croupier duties. The anchor player decides to double down and strikes lucky with a perfect 21. However, luck turns against them as the dealer reveals a blackjack.
It is one of those blackjack strategies that are worth knowing, especially as enthusiasts online might play at different sites with slightly different rules depending on their geographical location. In this European-style variant of the game, unlike in some other versions, the player doesn’t forfeit their double-down bet to the dealer’s blackjack. Therefore, Jack collects both the initial bet and the doubled wager from the table.
A cult favourite that helped launch Clive Owen’s career
Croupier garnered significant critical acclaim in North America, with the spotlight falling on Owen’s captivating portrayal of the titular character. He earned widespread praise for his charismatic and focused performance. Many believed he would have received an Oscar nomination had the film not premiered on US cable television.
Following this breakthrough, Owen’s projects gained higher visibility. He distinguished himself among the ensemble cast of Robert Altman’s Gosford Park in 2001 and delivered an enjoyable performance in a pivotal cameo as a super-assassin in The Bourne Identity in 2002.
Hodges’ film delicately captures the essence of London, eschewing picturesque postcard shots for a more intimate portrayal of the city, often feeling oppressively close. As Jack traverses these locations, each steeped in history and change, the film captures not just the physical landscape of the city but also the moral and emotional ambiguity of its inhabitants.
