Rattle of a Simple Man
| Rattle of a Simple Man | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Muriel Box |
| Produced by | William J. Gell |
| Written by | Charles Dyer |
| Starring |
Diane Cilento Harry H. Corbett Michael Medwin Thora Hird |
| Music by | Stanley Black |
| Cinematography | Reginald H. Wyer |
| Edited by | Frederick Wilson |
Production company | |
| Distributed by |
Warner-Pathé Distributors (UK) Continental Distributing (US) |
Release dates |
7 September 1964 (London) 20 December 1964 (US) |
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English, Italian |
| Budget | £141,500[1] |
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.[2] After travelling to London from Manchester to watch the FA Cup final, a naive young man becomes involved with a prostitute.
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
- 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
Production
Sydney Box emerged from a temporary retirement from filmmaking to buy the rights to the play for £50,000.[3] Box originally wanted Peter Sellers for the lead role but he was too expensive.[1]
Reception
Box office
The film was not a success at the box office.[1]
Critical
Variety commented that "most of the charm and tenderness that occasionally illuminated Charles Dyer’s 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";[4] 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." [5]
References
- 1 2 3 Andrew Spicer, Sydney Box Manchester Uni Press 2006 p 183-183
- ↑ "Rattle of a Simple Man". BFI.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "Advertisement". Variety.
- ↑ "Rattle of a Simple Man". Find and Watch.