The Harder They Fall (Porridge) The Harder They Fall (Porridge) "The Harder they Fall" is an episode of the BBC sitcom "Porridge". It first aired on 28 November 1975. In this episode, Godber takes up boxing. However, Fletcher is threatened by the prospect of fight fixing. Godber has taken up boxing, much to Fletcher's displeasure, as their cell "smells like a Turkish wrestler's jockstrap". Mr Mackay, however, believes boxing to be a noble sport, as he boxed for the army. Mackay gives Godber his encouragement. Later, Fletcher is summoned to meet 'Genial' Harry Grout (aka Grouty), a rich prisoner who unofficially runs Slade Prison. Grouty's
Porridge (TV series) more bearable by beating the system, even in trivial ways. The BBC was forced to look around for locations because the Home Office refused permission for any production filming inside or outside a real prison. Instead the main gatehouse of the disused St Albans Prison (in the town's Victoria Street) was used in the opening credits. Exteriors were first filmed at a psychiatric hospital near Watford. However, after the completion of the second series, the hospital withdrew permission for more filming following complaints from patients' families. Another institution near Ealing was then used for the third series. Scenes within cells