Rotten to the Core

After serving time, small-time thieves Jelly Knight, Scapa Flood and Lennie the Dip expect to be handed their late boss The Duke's cash when they step out of prison. Instead Duke's companion Sara informs them that he died and the money went on nursing care, which feels like a cruel surprise. The trio set about tracking down what happened and discover a peculiar situation at Hope Springs, a rural nature clinic where many familiar faces are now staff. The clinic's comfortable routine, Sara's attentions and a nearby army camp create an odd atmosphere. The film keeps its tone breezy while questions about loyalty, disguise and respectability quietly pile up. Small cons, military manners and romantic hints complicate matters in ways.

Directed by John Boulting, Rotten to the Core was released in 1965, with a script credited to Roy Boulting, Len Heath and John Warren. The cast features Charlotte Rampling, Anton Rodgers, Eric Sykes, Ian Bannen and Thorley Walters, among others.

On its release the film made only a modest impact commercially, attracting limited audiences outside Britain. It wasn't a major box office success, but it did earn enough attention to remain in circulation on television and in occasional repertory screenings.

While not a landmark film, Rotten to the Core is remembered for its eccentric premise and for giving Charlotte Rampling one of her earlier parts. The comic turn from Eric Sykes and the film's rural caper setting make it a minor favorite among enthusiasts of 1960s British film, and it turns up now and then in retrospective programs and collector discussions.

Critical reaction has been mixed, with some praising the breezy tone and ensemble performances while others judge the plot uneven. Viewers often pick up on themes of false respectability, community reinvention and the comedy that comes from criminals pretending to be respectable, all presented with light satire and period charm.