This BAFTA award-winning comedy cult classic sitcom originally produced by the BBC stars Ronnie Barker as petty criminal Norman Stanley Fletcher who does his ‘porridge’ (serves his prison sentence) at Slade Prison and gives ‘advice’ to his cellmates and fellow inmates. He subsequently forms a strong relationship with Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale) who he takes under his wing. Other leading characters included Mr Barrowclough played by Brian Wilde and Mr Mackay played by Fulton Mackay. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, filming for the series took place at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood which initially screened from 1974 to 1977 producing a total of 20 episodes and a number of Christmas specials. It continues to screen on British television due to the show’s popularity and cult status. Compared to the television series the feature film was not a BBC production and had a larger budget, hence it largely filmed on location. Directed by Dick Clement with screenplay by the Clement and La Frenais partnership, the plot found Fletcher and Godber being forced to escape and then attempting to get back in before they are discovered! It was the last finished work by Richard Beckinsale, who passed away only weeks after the film wrapped (March 1979).

Release / Airing: 05/09/1974