Rattle of a Simple Man *** (1964, Harry H Corbett, Diane Cilento, Thora Hird, Charles Dyer, Michael Medwin, Hugh Futcher) – Classic Movie Review 7305

Director Muriel Box’s 1964 British comedy Rattle of a Simple Man stars Harry H Corbett, who gives an appealing turn as the naive, timid Manchester soccer fan Percy, a 39-year-old virgin who is persuaded by his mates up in London for the Cup Final to stake his cash so that he can pass an evening with a London Soho lady of easy virtue, prostitute Cyrenne (the charming Diane Cilento). Unfortunately, he believes she really loves him.

Muriel Box’s mawkish but amusing British farcical comedy drama does more soul-wrenching than seems really necessary but makes up for it with other virtues – truth, likeability and laughs. A Rattle of a Simple Man is a warm, friendly film with a good atmosphere and telling performances, adapted by Charles Dyer from his own hit 1963 play. Charles Dyer also has an acting role as Chalky.

And there is a typically strong team of character actors to back up the stars – Thora Hird, Michael Medwin, Hugh Futcher, Barbara Archer, Michael Robbins, George Roderick, Marie Burke, Carole Gray, Alexander Davion, David Saire, John Ronane and Brian Wilde.

Unfortunately Charles Dyer went on to write the play and screenplay of Staircase (1969).

They sought Peter Sellers to play Percy but he asked for too high a salary. Without Sellers, the film was not a hit. Edward Woodward played Percy in London’s West End and on Broadway, but did not get to play the movie. Thora Hird gets a ‘guest star’ credit.

The cast are 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, and Marjie Lawrence as Barmaid.

Michael Medwin, born on 18 July 1923.

A very special happy 95th birthday to Michael Medwin on 18 July 2018. He played a different character called Ginger in four films: The Intruder (1953), Checkpoint (1956), Carry on Nurse (1959) and Rattle of a Simple Man (1964). He founded the iconic film production company Memorial Enterprises with Albert Finney in 1965 and played Finney’s nephew in Scrooge (1970) even though he is 12 years older.

Michael Medwin died on 26 February 2020, aged 96.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7305

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com