Porridge main backdrop
Porridge main poster

6.7/10 • 37

1979-08-121h 33m

ComedyCrime

Fletcher's inside story - even funnier as a film

Times are hard for habitual guest of Her Majesty Norman Stanley Fletcher. The new prison officer, Beale, makes MacKay look soft and what's more, an escape plan is hatching from the cell of prison godfather Grouty and Fletcher wants no part of it.

Directors
Dick Clement
Writters
Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Ronnie Barker

    Ronnie Barker

    Norman Stanley Fletcher

  2. Richard Beckinsale

    Richard Beckinsale

    Lennie Godber

  3. Fulton Mackay

    Fulton Mackay

    Mr. Mackay

  4. Brian Wilde

    Brian Wilde

    Mr. Barrowclough

  5. Peter Vaughan

    Peter Vaughan

    Grouty

  6. Julian Holloway

    Julian Holloway

    Mr. Bainbridge

  7. Geoffrey Bayldon

    Geoffrey Bayldon

    Governor Treadaway

  8. Christopher Godwin

    Christopher Godwin

    Mr. Beal

  9. Barrie Rutter

    Barrie Rutter

    Oakes

Reviews2

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John Chard Avatar

John Chard

Jan 23, 2019

8/10

Genius TV show translates well for fun packed movie. Porridge is a spin off film from the successful TV series of the same name that aired on British BBC1 between 1974 and 1977. It's directed by Dick Clement who also co-writes with Ian La Frenais. It stars Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale, Fulton Mackay, Brian Wilde and Peter Vaughn. Lets face it, and lets be honest here, for many Brits who grew up with the TV show, Porridge is simply one of the greatest shows Britain has ever produced. Sharp and on the money in writing and characterisations, and boasting a cast that were always irresistible, it still manages to enthral millions today during continuous reruns on cable and satellite TV. In light of the regard and popularity the show had, it was perhaps inevitable that a film production was just a matter of time, because, well, all the great British comedies of the past had feature films made. But of course not all were particularly any good. So it's with much relief to find that the film version of Porridge is a very decent offering. The plot sees Fletcher (Barker) involved as the manager of the prison football team, to which, unbeknown to the wily old lag, is being used as a front for an escape attempt by Oakes (Barrie Rutter), and naturally the smarmy menace of Grouty (Vaughn) is pulling the strings. Fletcher & Godber (Beckinsale) then accidentally get caught up in the escape and thus have to break back into the prison before anyone catches them! This set-up is wonderful and makes for some very funny comedy, executed with aplomb by Barker, Mackay and co. True that taking the characters out of the confines of the prison strips away much of what made the TV series so special, but the characters are so strong, the actors chemistry so evident, film stands tall enough to not sully the reputation of the show. It's a delightful way to spend an hour and half with your feet up, as a stand alone film it entertains those not familiar with the TV show. While for us fans? It sits nicely alongside the show as an extended viewing of comic genius behind and in front of the camera. 8/10 R.I.P. fellas, your legacy lives on always.

Media

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
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