Scum ( Also Known As: Escoria) is a Crime Drama film directed by Alan Clarke and written by Roy Minton. It released on 28 September 1979 (UK). The film stars Ray Winstone, Mick Ford, Julian Firth. A young offender is sent to borstal ("reform school" in American terms) and faces the brutality and indifference of the guards. He manages to work his way to the top of the prisoner heap by his use of violence against the reigning inmates who attempt to intimidate him.