Rotten to the Core (film)


Rotten to the Core is a 1965 British comedy film directed by John Boulting, and co-written and produced by his brother Roy Boulting. It stars Anton Rodgers, Charlotte Rampling, Eric Sykes and Ian Bannen. The film received a BAFTA nomination for Alex Vetchinsky's production design.

Plot

Upon finishing a prison sentence, a trio of crooks immediately go in search of their one-time leader, known as "The Duke", who was supposed to safeguard their share of the money which was never recovered. However, the Duke's girlfriend Sara tells them the Duke is dead and the money is long gone. Later, the gang discover that she's lying, and that the Duke has set up a bogus spa, the Hope Springs Nature Clinic, where he is planning a major heist with some criminal cronies.

Cast

The film was based on an original idea by Roy Boulting which he got when recuperating from a broken neck in 1964. "Call it a cynical comment on organised thievery today," he said. Filming started in February 1965 at Shepperton Studios. They deliberately used little known actors in the film.

Critical reception