Porridge 1979
An excellent adaptation of a successful BBC TV series. All the regulars contribute outstanding performances. It was Richard Beckinsale’s last film, and he was memorable as the novice prison imate to Ronnie Barker’s old prison hand. Filmed at Chelmsford Prison, while the prison was being refurbished after a fire. This just adds to the film’s professional direction.
Long time Slade prison inmate Fletcher (Ronnie Barker) is ordered by Grouty (Peter Vaughan) to arrange a football match between the prisoners and an all-star celebrity team. Fletcher is unaware that the match is only a diversion so that an escape can take place. When Fletcher and his cell mate Lennie (Richard Beckinsale) stumble on the escape, they are taken along, and find themselves having to break back into prison to avoid getting into trouble.
