The System
A movie poster using the film's alternative title: The Girl-Getters
Directed by	Michael Winner
Written by	Peter Draper
Starring	Oliver Reed Jane Merrow Barbara Ferris Julia Foster Harry Andrews
Cinematography	Nicolas Roeg
Music by	Stanley Black
Distributed by	Bryanston Films (UK)
Release date	11 October 1964 (1964-10-11)
Running time	93 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

The System (US: The Girl-Getters) is a 1964 British drama film directed by Michael Winner and starring Oliver Reed, Jane Merrow and Barbara Ferris.^[1] Julie Christie was intended to be in the film, but she had to withdraw and was replaced by Julia Foster. The writer was Peter Draper, who in this film popularised the word 'grockle' to mean a holiday visitor.^[2]

The film was crucial in the careers of both director Michael Winner and star Oliver Reed.^[3]

Synopsis

In the seaside village of Roxham, a group of local young men mingle among the seasonal tourists in search of sexual conquests. Near the end of one summer, the leader of the group, Tinker, a strolling photographer, aims to conquer a fashion model from a well-to-do family, but he finds himself unexpectedly falling in love. The tables thus turned, Tinker begins to see that maybe it's not the tourists who are being used in these sexual games.

Cast

Production

Extensive location filming took place in south Devon including Brixham railway station (now demolished), Brixham Harbour, Elberry Cove, Paignton Beach, Harbour, and Pier, Torquay Palm Court hotel (now demolished), and Torquay seafront. Dartmouth, the Dartmouth ferry, Slapton Sands, and Hallsands also featured.^[4]