Scum
1977·TV Movie·1h 18m
7.1
★
Carlin is a new reform school inmate with a reputation as a hard case. The authorities encourage gang leader Pongo to humble Carlin, but Carlin overtakes Pongo as Daddy of the ward. The guards institute a reign of terror and neglect, with Carlin emerging as an unlikely leader.
Directed by Alan Clarke
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Cast
Ray Winstone
Carlin
David Threlfall
Archer
Martin Phillips
Davis
John Blundell
Banks
Phil Daniels
Richards
Ray Burdis
Eckersley
Patrick Murray
Dougan
Sheridan Earl Russell
Jackson
Richard Butler
Governor
John Judd
Sands
Michael Deeks
Trainee
William Vanderpuye
Trainee
Crew
Alan Clarke
Director
Roy Minton
Writer
Popular Reviews
18 reviews
Mumspaghetti
8.0★ · 03/11/26
Brutal
Brutal
Golgo
8.0★ · 03/08/26
It's like Scum 79 but more gay
It's like Scum 79 but more gay
Tae
9.0★ · 02/13/26
“How can you build character in a regime based on deprivation? It’s a one-way contamination. Good, fine minds thrown in with crazy, perverted people. What am I doing here? Why aren’t I on another wing with somebody to talk to, where I could be civilised? I’m always looking over me shoulder. If it’s not a screw, it’s a con.”
The fact that BBC banned it only proves the film’s point and shows how institutions react when confronted with themselves. I couldn’t decide which version to watch first and I’m so glad I started with this one. It’s raw and bleak, Alan Clarke didn’t soften a thing. That’s cinema as defiance. That’s punk. I can’t wait to see the 1979 theatrical version next!
The fact that BBC banned it only proves the film’s point and shows how institutions react when confronted with themselves. I couldn’t decide which version to watch first and I’m so glad I started with this one. It’s raw and bleak, Alan Clarke didn’t soften a thing. That’s cinema as defiance. That’s punk. I can’t wait to see the 1979 theatrical version next!
“How can you build character in a regime based on deprivation? It’s a one-way contamination. Good, fine minds thrown in with crazy, perverted people. What am I doing here? Why aren’t I on another wing with somebody to talk to, where I could be civilised? I’m always looking over me shoulder. If it’s not a screw, it’s a con.”
The fact that BBC banned it only proves the film’s point and shows how institutions react when confronted with themselves. I couldn’t decide which version to watch first and I’m so glad I started with this one. It’s raw and bleak, Alan Clarke didn’t soften a thing. That’s cinema as defiance. That’s punk. I can’t wait to see the 1979 theatrical version next!
The fact that BBC banned it only proves the film’s point and shows how institutions react when confronted with themselves. I couldn’t decide which version to watch first and I’m so glad I started with this one. It’s raw and bleak, Alan Clarke didn’t soften a thing. That’s cinema as defiance. That’s punk. I can’t wait to see the 1979 theatrical version next!
Conor Larkin
8.0★ · 12/11/25
Not quite as good as the remake so maybe we should be glad it was banned from showing on television. Not quite as well directed as the 1979 version either, but it does have one shining difference, Carlin is gay.
This adds so much more depth to the character even in a small interaction we still see how important and necessary companionship and connection is to maintaining the level of power that he has. he's obviously still a terrible, horrific person but it adds nuance that the remake doesn't have. I think it may be the only aspect that this film has over its successor.
Also Archer has an objectively better actor in the second one. Don't @ me
This adds so much more depth to the character even in a small interaction we still see how important and necessary companionship and connection is to maintaining the level of power that he has. he's obviously still a terrible, horrific person but it adds nuance that the remake doesn't have. I think it may be the only aspect that this film has over its successor.
Also Archer has an objectively better actor in the second one. Don't @ me
Not quite as good as the remake so maybe we should be glad it was banned from showing on television. Not quite as well directed as the 1979 version either, but it does have one shining difference, Carlin is gay.
This adds so much more depth to the character even in a small interaction we still see how important and necessary companionship and connection is to maintaining the level of power that he has. he's obviously still a terrible, horrific person but it adds nuance that the remake doesn't have. I think it may be the only aspect that this film has over its successor.
Also Archer has an objectively better actor in the second one. Don't @ me
This adds so much more depth to the character even in a small interaction we still see how important and necessary companionship and connection is to maintaining the level of power that he has. he's obviously still a terrible, horrific person but it adds nuance that the remake doesn't have. I think it may be the only aspect that this film has over its successor.
Also Archer has an objectively better actor in the second one. Don't @ me
Mack Jadden
8.0★ · 10/06/25
Love the type of film that gives you a tightening in your chest and makes your arm go numb.
Love the type of film that gives you a tightening in your chest and makes your arm go numb.