Customer Reviews
Legendary Film from a Legendary Sitcom - By: Mr. D. Palmer, 06 Aug 2008 
Another BBC 'from smalll to big screen' film from the 70s which saw many sitcoms of the era go for it such as 'The Likely Lads' & 'Are You Being Served?' Among others.
What makes this one stand out is that its just the best out of the lot.
The writing & acting are combined perfectly to create a viewing that has the humour constant throughout. The legendary Ronnie Barker continues to cement himself as an icon of British comedy as Fletcher which helps make this film stand out.
As with most sitcom films the situation is on a grander scale, having Fletcher & Godber stumble upon a prson break attempt & are forced to escape as well, which then forces the dynamic duo having to break back in to Slade Prison, while trying to avoid Fulton Mackay who's hot on their trail.
If you love or even just find Porridge amusing then i thouroughly recommend it. A shining example of when done properly a BBC sitcom can make the leap to the big screen. Though let's be hopeful that none of the modern BBC comedies have a chance of the big screen transformation.
Great to see Again.. - By: Christopher Bishop, 30 Jun 2008 Nice to see this classic again & i will now have to get on with buying the actual series.
Until now i had not got anything that had ronnie barker in it but i have alll the rising damp episodes that has beckinsale in them.
Wont coment to much as everyone else has already given you the gist of this classic spin off of the classic series.
But just to say im glad now ive actualy got it in my collection.
Great service form Amazon uk to the USA.
Thanks guys keeps me a loyal customer.
Enjoyable, nostalgic fun - By: Mr. Ross Maynard, 20 Jul 2007 
Porridge the Movie is like an elongated episode of the series & is comforting & enjoyable in a lazy wet afternoon sort of way. It is not hugely funny - there are about as many laughs in 90 minutes as in a normal 30 minute episode - but it is fun. The film is mainly about Fletcher & Gobber & many of the background characters who provide so much to the series are missing here. Even Mr MacKay doesn't reallly get much look in. If you are new to Porridge then I would strongly recommend the series over this. If you just want some good old fashioned British comedy for a pleasant evening in, then this is enjoyable & fun (without being a riot).
Big Screen Little Film Big Laughs - By: A. Marczak, 24 Jan 2007 After 3 successful series of Porridge & a couple of Christmas specials, it was no surprise that they made a film too. The comparison is interesting for various reasons. The cast has thankfully been kept almost completely in tact ( a different governor, for example, & no Blanco Webb), & Grouty gets a proper run out for once. The set is suddenly far more expansive, & the close quarters that we are used to in the TV show are sacrificed for big open plan set pieces.
The plot sees a concussed Godber & reluctant Fletch trying to get back into prison after a rumbled escape bid. The jokes are plenty (although some very familiar to an aficionado), & the lack of laugh track is confusing to begin with. But stick with it, as it is a lot of fun, & if course Fletch's bum lands in the butter in the end!
Classic British comedy - By: N. Tanter, 14 Dec 2003 The fine & amusing story of Fletch & his pals of circumstance (what with them being locked up together & alll that).
If you were a fan of the series then this is definitely a must see, a classic gem from the heyday of British comedy.
Fletch (Ronnie Barker) gets up to alll his usual scheming & bartering with highly amusing results...at one point he even has to break back into prison.....
The musics good, the jokes are superb, & the acting inspired.
True it is quite old & not a visual feast, but the plot/jokes/acting easily compensate for that.
IF you like British comedy in any form at alll, this is for you.
