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Scum

1979·Movie·18·96 min·7.1(214)

In Borstal, survival rules!

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.

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Where to watch Scum in United States

Click a service to open Scum there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.

Where is Scum streaming around the world?

CountryStreaming onRent / Buy
United StatesKanopy, The Roku Channel
IndiaTubi TV
United KingdomBFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, BFI Player Apple TV Channel, ITVX PremiumApple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies
GermanyAmazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Video
FranceLaCinetek, Sooner
SpainMovistar Plus+, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total , Acontra Plus, Acontra Plus Amazon ChannelAcontra Plus
BrazilFilmicca

About Scum

Scum is a 1979 English-language drama and crime film directed by Alan Clarke. The cast is led by Ray Winstone, Mick Ford, Julian Firth. It has a runtime of 1h 36m. Viewers rate it 7.1/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Kanopy, The Roku Channel.

Scum was produced by Berwick Street Productions, Boyd's Company, and Kendon Films Ltd. and made in United Kingdom. It was released on September 12, 1979, and carries a 18 certification.

Director
Alan Clarke
Writers
Roy Minton
Release date
September 12, 1979
Original language
English
Age rating
18
Status
Released
Country
United Kingdom
Budget
$0 million
Production
Berwick Street Productions, Boyd's Company, Kendon Films Ltd.
#prison#suicide#rape#corruption#england#controversy#riot#revenge#racism#inmate#regime#offender#banned

Scum cast & crew

Scum was directed by Alan Clarke and written by Roy Minton.

The cast features Ray Winstone as Carlin, Mick Ford as Archer, Julian Firth as Davis, John Blundell as Banks, Phil Daniels as Richards, and John Judd as Mr. Sands.

Behind the camera, cinematography is by Phil Meheux and it was produced by Clive Parsons and Michael Relph.

Is Scum worth watching?

Scum holds an audience score of 7.1/10 from 214 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.

At 1h 36m, it's an easy, time-light watch.

If you enjoy drama and crime, Scum is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch Scum

In United States, you can stream Scum on Kanopy and The Roku Channel. Click any service above to open it directly.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.

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Cast of Scum

Ray Winstone

Ray Winstone

Carlin

Mick Ford

Mick Ford

Archer

Julian Firth

Julian Firth

Davis

John Blundell

John Blundell

Banks

Phil Daniels

Phil Daniels

Richards

John Judd

John Judd

Mr. Sands

Philip Jackson

Philip Jackson

Mr Greaves

Peter Howell

Peter Howell

Governor

Bill Dean

Bill Dean

Mr Duke

John Grillo

John Grillo

Mr Goodyear

P.H. Moriarty

P.H. Moriarty

Mr. Hunt

Ray Burdis

Ray Burdis

Eckersley

Scum — FAQs

Where can I watch Scum in United States?

Scum is streaming on Kanopy, The Roku Channel in United States.

Is Scum on Kanopy?

Yes — Scum is currently available on Kanopy in United States.

What language is Scum in?

Scum is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.

How long is Scum?

Scum runs 1 hours 36 minutes (96 minutes).

What is Scum rated?

Scum is rated 18. It holds a 7.1/10 audience score from 214 ratings.

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Scum (1979) — where to watch online · SearchOTT