British Comedy Guide
Rising Damp. Rupert Rigsby (Leonard Rossiter). Copyright: Black Lion Films
Rising Damp

Rising Damp

  • 1980 sitcom

Film adaptation of the popular ITV sitcom. Middle-aged Rigsby plays landlord to college tutor Ruth Jones, medical student Philip and art student John. Stars Leonard Rossiter, Frances de la Tour, Don Warrington, Christopher Strauli, Denholm Elliott and more.

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Rising Damp. Image shows from L to R: Rupert Rigsby (Leonard Rossiter), Ruth Jones (Frances de la Tour). Copyright: Black Lion Films

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Released
1980
Stars
Leonard Rossiter, Frances de la Tour, Don Warrington, Christopher Strauli, Denholm Elliott, Carrie Jones, Glynn Edwards, John Cater and more
Writer
Eric Chappell
Director
Joe McGrath
Producers
Roy Skeggs and Brian Lawrence
Company

Rigsby is the owner of a sleazy boarding house whose tenants include Philip, a black medical student, and Ruth Jones, a tutor at the local college upon whom Rigsby has set his sights. Following the departure of recent tenant Alan, his place in the house is quickly snapped up by art student John.

Unfortunately for Rigsby, Miss Jones, somewhere in her 30s, finds fellow tenant and African prince, Philip far more to her liking; and unfortunately for Miss Jones, Philip would far rather spend his time alone or with new room-mate John! The sole purpose in John's life, meanwhile, seems to be losing his virginity to girlfriend Sandra.

The fragile romantic alliances and balance of power in the house are upset when the well-spoken Mr Seymour arrives in search of a room. Miss Jones quickly falls for the suave newcomer, and he for her savings book!

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Additional details

Tagline
I'll tell you what's happened to the permissive society - It's living in my house!
UK certificate
A
Duration
98 minutes
UK release
Saturday 3rd May 1980
Produced
1979
Production
Studio
Picture
Colour
Soundtrack
Title theme composed by Brian Wade with lyrics by Eric Chappell. Other music composed and arranged by David Lindup.

Website links

Broadcast details

Most recent repeats
  • Tuesday 1st June 2021 at 12:10am on ITV3
  • Thursday 31st December 2020 at 3:45am on ITV3
  • Friday 3rd January 2020 at 10:40am on ITV3

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