Rising Damp: A Classic British Sitcom Best Of Series -19

[@alanfordyce]

Rising Damp: A Classic British Sitcom Best Of Series -19 "Rising Damp" is a British sitcom that aired on ITV from 1974 to 1978, created by Eric Chappell. The show is set in a dilapidated Victorian townhouse in Yorkshire, run by the miserly and bigoted landlord Rupert Rigsby, played by Leonard Rossiter. The sitcom revolves around Rigsby’s interactions with his tenants: the pretentious spinster Ruth Jones (Frances de la Tour), the laid-back medical student Alan Moore (Richard Beckinsale), and the suave, intelligent Philip Smith (Don Warrington) who claims to be an African prince. Plot and Characters Rigsby, the landlord, is characterized by his strong right-wing views, ignorance, and suspicion of anyone different from himself. His cat, Vienna, is his closest companion. Despite his prejudices, Rigsby is a complex character who often displays a begrudging respect for Philip, despite being threatened by his intelligence and charm. Miss Jones is a romantic middle-aged woman who often falls for Philip's charisma, much to Rigsby's chagrin. Alan, the young tenant, provides a counterpoint to Rigsby’s conservative views with his more liberal attitudes, though he often finds himself out of his depth in social situations​ ​. Themes and Reception "Rising Damp" tackles themes of racism, loneliness, and social pretension with a comedic touch. Rigsby’s prejudices are often exposed and ridiculed, providing both humor and social commentary. The show was praised for its writing and performances, particularly Rossiter's portrayal of Rigsby. It won the 1978 BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy and remains a beloved classic​​. Film Adaptation In 1980, "Rising Damp" was adapted into a film. The setting was shifted to London, and the absence of Richard Beckinsale, who passed away in 1979, was addressed by introducing a new character, John Harris, played by Christopher Strauli. The film retained the core dynamics of the sitcom but received mixed reviews, with some critics feeling it stretched the premise too thin for a full-length movie​ (Wikipedia)​. Legacy "Rising Damp" is celebrated for its sharp wit and character-driven humor. Its portrayal of Rigsby’s flawed but occasionally redeemable character offers a poignant critique of the prejudices of its time. The series is often regarded as one of the greatest British sitcoms of all time, continuing to be enjoyed by audiences today through reruns and streaming services. #RisingDamp, #BritishSitcom, #ClassicTV, #LeonardRossiter, #EricChappell, #1970sTV, #TVComedy, #britishcomedy This concise overview captures the essence of "Rising Damp" and its impact on British television comedy. For further reading, visit the detailed entries on Wikipedia. More on Rising Damp: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rising_Damp More on Leonard Rossiter: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Rossiter

[@paulnicholls1074]

Comedy don't get any better than this pure class