Doing Time

Many 1970s British TV comedy series were made into films - most were dire. This film is excellent, but below the level of the TV series which is one of the funniest programmes ever made. The characters (most of them) are all there from the TV series, but the pace is slower and thereby suffers in comparison. Despite this, the film is definitely worth watching. The plot centres around an elaborate escape plan which doesn't quite work the way it was intended, but Fletch, Godber, MacKay and Barrowclough can all be relied on. Perhaps the star of the film is Peter Vaughan as Grouty - at the centre of the action for a change. See the film - but see the TV series too.

Doing Time (Porridge), is one of the very best transitions, from a classic T.V sitcom, into a memorable movie that can stand on its own. A brilliantly scripted and well acted effort, by all of the regulars, from the famed series. Just for laughs and makes for a perfect Christmas (once again) viewing.

In this movie version of the TV series, there is a football game organised between the prisoners and some London celebrities, although no one actually famous pitches up. Fletcher and his mate escape from the prison unwittingly and then try to break back in. This is definitely somewhat better than most films based on telly shows, the very format of the show means that they can't do what most of these types of endeavours do, namely all go on a group holiday to the Costa del Sol. That's a good thing.

"Porridge" the movie was made some time after the last episode had been completed-some time, in fact, after the sequel "Going Straight" had been shown. This does not deter at all from the fun, and as TV spin-offs go, this rates as one of the best; due almost entirely to the quality of the original characters from the timeless BBC comedy series. Ronnie Barker was never better than when he assumed the mantle of our anti-hero Norman Stanley Fletcher; aided in no small way by outstanding character support- the wonderful Fulton Mackay as his strutting nemesis Prison Officer Mackay, coupled with the genial Barroclough (Brian Wilde) and a menacing Peter Vaughan as Grouty. Add to this the poignancy of seeing Richard Beckinsale in his last film appearance before his tragically early death at 31 a few weeks after the film's completion and it becomes clear that the film, although no masterpiece in itself, should be treasured keenly by all who value British comedy at its best.

Finally got this on disk the other month. And it was worth the wait. As an avid Porridge and Ronnie Barker fan, I thought the film done justice to a really funny series. Other movie spin offs have been mundane(On the Buses, for example), but this one was well written and well acted. Starring the original cast from the series (apart from Christopher Biggins), it continued Norman Stanley Fletcher's fight against the system. Even though it did contain a couple of jokes from the program, its a mere overlook to a really funny film. Even Fletcher with his little scams (McKays teeth bein gone example) have trasferred well to the big screen version. This is one film you wouldn't want to do time!

sadly cant put an 11 rating of this film as it certainly deserves it. This is a spin off from the TV series and only the name and characters are the same. The plot, unlike other sitcoms-turned-movies like Steptoe, Dads Army and Are You Being Served, is completely new. Brief outline as here is no way I'm going to spoil it for anyone. Barker is the lovable rogue Fletch and he has been put in charge to arrange a football match in order for another con to escape. The jokes are fresh, the story is fresh and the characters are fantastic. This deserves Oscars for performance, script and direction. Catch this on DVD. Its well worth the money and the time to watch it.