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Rattle of a Simple Man
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Wikipedia article
'Rattle of a Simple Man' is a 1964 British comedy-drama film directed by Muriel Box and starring Diane Cilento, Harry H. Corbett and Michael Medwin, based on the 1963 play by Charles Dyer. The screenplay is about a naive man who becomes involved with a prostitute.
Premise
Percy Winthram is a 39-year-old socially inept, anxious virgin who pretends to be younger and travels by coach to London from Manchester with a group of friends to watch the FA Cup Final. The group have a night out in Soho and a 50 bet leads Percy to spend the evening with prostitute Cyrenne.
Selected cast
* Diane Cilento as Cyrenne
* Harry H. Corbett as Percy Winthram
* Michael Medwin as Ginger
* Thora Hird as Mrs. Winthram
* Charles Dyer as Chalky
* Hugh Futcher as Ozzie
* Carole Gray as District Nurse
* Barbara Archer as Iris
* David Saire as Mario
* Alexander Davion as Ricardo
* John Ronane as Willie
* Michael Robbins as George
* George Roderick as Papa
* Marie Burke as Mama
* Bryan Mosley as Mr. Stratton (uncredited)
* Marianne Stone as Barmaid
* Brian Wilde as Fred
* Ingrid Anthofer as 1st Stripper
* Karen Kaufman as 2nd Stripper
* Terence Brook as Strip Club Barman
* Eric Mason as Strip Club Doorman
* Thelma Taylor as Strip Club waitress
* David Burke as Jack
* Paul Ferris as Mike
* Frank Hawkins as Crying Man
* Roy Patrick as Sailor
* Doug Robinson as Big Joe
* Christine Taylor as Party Girl
* Marjie Lawrence as Barmaid (uncredited)
Production
Sydney Box emerged from a temporary retirement from filmmaking to buy the rights to the play for 50,000.Pearson, Kenneth. "Sydney Box company makes a bid for British Lion Films." Sunday Times [London, England] 29 Dec. 1963: [1]. The Sunday Times Digital Archive. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. Box originally wanted Peter Sellers for the lead role but he was too expensive.
Reception
Box office
The film was not a success at the box office.Critical
'Variety' commented that "most of the charm and tenderness that occasionally illuminated Charles Dyers successful play has been lost in this coarsened, fatuous film. Only a lively, vivid performance by Diane Cilento in a contrived role holds much interest, though a sound cast does spartan work in juggling the sparse material"; while Sky Movies called it "a rather touching and at times richly amusing extended playlet about an 'innocent' football fan from the north, and the night he spends talking to a London prostitute in her flat. Not very plausible, perhaps, but winningly done. As Cyrenne, the streetwalker, Diane Cilento is persuasive and just right. And Harry H Corbett was able to break away completely from his Steptoe image. Michael Medwin is also very good as Corbett's big-talking friend."References
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