Rising Damp (film) Rising Damp (film) Rising Damp is a 1980 comedy film based on the British situation comedy "Rising Damp", which aired on ITV from 1974 to 1978. The television series was, in turn, adapted from Eric Chappell's stage play "The Banana Box". Chappell adapted the play to television, and wrote the screenplay for this feature film. The film's director was Joseph McGrath. Leonard Rossiter plays Rupert Rigsby, the middle-aged landlord of a decrepit townhouse. Rigsby has fallen for his only female tenant, Ruth Jones (Frances de la Tour). Ruth, however, prefers Philip, who is much younger, more attractive, and more sophisticated
Rising Damp the show. The complete series has been released on Region 2 DVD and Acorn Media is releasing it on region 1 DVD in North America as well (see below). The series was repeated on Channel 4 between 1998 and 2004 until ITV3 was launched. On screen episode titles have been added to the DVD versions of series 1 & 2, the episode titles on series 3 & 4 are however original. The complete scripts for the series have been published as "Rising Damp: The Complete Scripts" by Eric Chappell; edited by Richard Webber. London: Granada Media, 2002. This collection does