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Scum (1979)

 -  Crime | Drama  -  19 March 1980 (France)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 4,769 users  
Reviews: 77 user | 27 critic

This is the hard and shocking story of life in a British Borstal for young offenders. Luckily the regime has changed since this film was made. The brutal regime made no attempt to reform or... See full summary »

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Title: Scum (1979)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Mick Ford ...
Julian Firth ...
Davis
...
...
John Judd ...
...
Peter Howell ...
Governor
John Grillo ...
Ray Burdis ...
Alan Igbon ...
Meakin
John Fowler ...
Bill Dean ...
Duke
...
Hunt
Nigel Humphreys ...
Taylor
Edit

Storyline

This is the hard and shocking story of life in a British Borstal for young offenders. Luckily the regime has changed since this film was made. The brutal regime made no attempt to reform or improve the inmates and actively encouraged a power struggle between the 'tough' new inmate and the 'old hands'. The film was originally made as a BBC play but it was banned before ever being shown. So 'Alan Clarke' and 'Roy Minton' got it re-made as a film. This is a tough and brutal film and should not be viewed lightly. Written by Steve Crook <steve@brainstorm.co.uk>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

A brutal story - the uncut, uncensored version See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

19 March 1980 (France)  »

Also Known As:

Escoria  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally, Carlin was a Glaswegian but was changed to a Cockney when Alan Clarke saw a then unknown Ray Winstone walk in a unique way. See more »

Goofs

when Carlin enters the 'games' room for the first time he passes three lags playing snooker. the score board on the wall behind them changes between one score and another and then back and then back again. See more »

Quotes

[Angel, Davis and Carlin are all lined up against a wall]
Mr Sands: Right. I'm Mr. Sands, this is Mr Greaves. I'm the senior officer and I run A wing. I run it. Right, Carlin?
Carlin: Yes, Sir!
Mr Sands: I come down very heavy on anyone who doesn't grasp that fact. Right? Right?
Carlin: Yes, Sir!
[Mr Sands walks up to Angel]
Mr Sands: Angel, you're in a single room. Some of the lads are what you might call..."prejudiced". You're well advised to keep yourself to yourself. It's your first borstal, innit lad?
Angel: Yes, sir, apart from the Scrubs...
Mr Sands: [...]
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

"Robertson's Marmalade Jingle"
(uncredited)
Music by John Kongos
See more »

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User Reviews

"I'M THE DADDY"
14 April 2000 | by (UK) – See all my reviews

The pool balls in the sock scene has got to be one of the most realistic and violent scenes I have seen in a film. It is an amazing film, if you have not seen it - get it out.

The 'greenhouse scene' has also got to be one of the most horrific, disturbing and violent attacks I have seen in a film due to it's realism and nature.

This is a top film and deserves no less than 8 out of 10.


5 of 7 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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