Richard Beckinsale subject of an episode of "This Is Your Life". Beckinsale quit "Rising Damp" in 1977, the same year that "Porridge" was brought to an end with his character of Godber being released from his prison sentence in the final episode. He subsequently starred alongside Barker in "Going Straight", a spin-off of "Porridge" in which the two criminal characters are seen on the outside rebuilding their lives. In 1977, he starred in a radio comedy series called "Albert and Me" with Pat Coombs and John Comer. At the beginning of 1979, Beckinsale made a film version of "Porridge". It was to
Kate Beckinsale the shoot but found her "complicated" and "prickly." McCarthy said the leads "confirm their status as two of the young actresses on the scene today most worth watching," finding Beckinsale "very effective at getting across layered character traits and emotions." "Danes and Beckinsale are exceptionally talented young actresses," said Thomas, but "unfortunately, the script's seriously underdeveloped context defeats their considerable efforts at every turn." Stephen Holden of "The New York Times" felt that Beckinsale's character "never comes into focus." The film was a box office failure. 2000's "The Golden Bowl" marked Beckinsale's first role following the birth of her daughter.