Rattle of a Simple Man
1964
Action / Comedy / Drama
Rattle of a Simple Man
1964
Action / Comedy / Drama
Plot summary
Percy Winthram is a naive young man who still lives at home with his mum. In London for the Cup Final with his friends, he finds himself in a Soho strip club, where he meets blonde hostess Cyrenne. Accepting a bet from friend Ginger, he accompanies Cyrenne back to her flat, and a boast-worthy night of lust seems to be on the cards. However, drained of beer and bravado, Percy's innocence and vulnerability become all too evident.
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Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Excellent drama of an overly shy man who
Absolutely wonderful
I was reminded of this film today in an article from the Guardian newspaper. I saw it at the age of 13 in the local fleapit, now a listed art deco building. I'm pretty sure it came with an X certificate, but I was big for my age and got in to many restricted shows - I'd got into The Birds a few months earlier. I also seem to recall that it was the "B" film and that I rated it far higher than the "A" film. I was blown away.
I only recall snippets now. Percy's petting of a cat. Mum's running to deliver a packed lunch. The rough lads and their baiting. I could empathise with Percy because although I ran with some yobs, I was also studious and had to keep a tight rein on being an outsider.
To my unformed mind, the conversation between Percy and Cyrenne was the love story of the century. I was utterly transfixed. And then (no spoilers) the ending.
I haven't seen it since. Who knows if I'd rate it as highly the second time round? However, it's stayed in my memory all these years, especially the way Corbett transformed himself from his part in Steptoe and Son to this naïve put upon virgin.
If one could shed the baggage of sixty years, I'd say watch it. But I don't think I'd be able to, so the film will remain as a memory of my youth.







