Rising Damp -

Premise

“Rising Damp” is a British sitcom set in a Victorian-era boarding house in England, owned by the miserly and prejudiced landlord Rupert Rigsby. The show humorously explores the interactions and conflicts between the eccentric residents and Rigsby’s attempts at social climbing. The boarding house is occupied by a diverse group of tenants, leading to comedic situations arising from their clashing personalities and backgrounds. The series masterfully blends satire and observational humor to depict the challenges of communal living.

Main Characters

Rupert Rigsby (Leonard Rossiter): The landlord, a cynical and snobbish character with delusions of grandeur.
Alan Moore (Richard Beckinsale): A well-educated but impoverished student who often becomes the target of Rigsby’s misguided assumptions.
Philip Smith (Don Warrington): A suave and sophisticated African medical student who challenges Rigsby’s prejudices.
Ruth Jones (Frances de la Tour): A spinster and the object of Rigsby’s romantic fantasies, she is a no-nonsense character unimpressed by Rigsby’s attempts at wooing.

Themes

“Rising Damp” explores themes of social class, racism, and the absurdity of human behavior. The series uses humor to comment on the prejudices and misconceptions prevalent in society, particularly those related to class and race. The character dynamics within the boarding house provide a backdrop for satirical observations on human relationships.

Critical Consensus Rating: 4.5/5 Critics lauded “Rising Damp” for its clever writing, witty dialogue, and the outstanding performances of the cast, particularly Leonard Rossiter as the memorable Rigsby. The series received acclaim for its ability to tackle serious issues with humor, making it a timeless classic.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-PG The show typically carries a TV-PG (Parental Guidance suggested) rating. While suitable for a general audience, it may contain material that parents find unsuitable for younger children.

Original Network and Years: “Rising Damp” originally aired on ITV in the United Kingdom. The series ran for four seasons from 1974 to 1978.