10 Most Controversial British TV Films

Scum is one of the few pieces of drama created for British Television that were deemed to be too distressing to be broadcast, with this play completely dropped by the BBC (for whom it was made), eventually receiving its public debut courtesy of Channel 4 decades later.

An examination of the brutality of the now-reformed borstal system for young offenders, Scum features Ray Winstone (in a very early role) and Phil Daniels amongst others as they engage in the dehumanising experience of borstal life, with the 'daddy' of the wing controlling the inmates and the brutality of the guards dominating their lives.

The original 1977 television play was banned following a change in a management at the BBC, with some top dogs fearing it could be confused for documentary, given how authentic it was. Considering the extent to which Clarke's work has appeared on this list, it should be no surprise to find a piece of his on the top spot.

Clarke was undoubtedly was one of the finest and most challenging filmmakers Britain has produced and Scum is the prime example: horrifying, deftly-crafted, devastating, and truthful.