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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.[2] The screenplay is about a naive man who becomes involved with a prostitute.

Rattle of a Simple Man
Film poster
Directed by	Muriel Box
Written by	Charles Dyer
Produced by	William J. Gell
Starring	Diane Cilento Harry H. Corbett Michael Medwin Thora Hird
Cinematography	Reginald H. Wyer
Edited by	Frederick Wilson
Music by	Stanley Black
Production company	Sydney Box Productions
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
Languages	English, Italian
Budget	£141,500[1]

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.[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

External links

• Rattle of a Simple Man at IMDb
• Rattle of a Simple Man at AllMovie
• Rattle of a Simple Man at Rotten Tomatoes

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