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
Rising Damp this fact was planned to be a plot development in the TV series, but the death of Richard Beckinsale meant this was not possible. A feature film version was released in 1980, reusing several storylines from the television series. As Richard Beckinsale had died the year before, Christopher Strauli was cast as a new character, art student John. The character of Alan is briefly referenced, as having left. The film's theme song features lyrics by Eric Chappell and was released as a 7" single. The B-side features comedy dialogue between Rigsby and Miss Jones. Philip is revealed not to be