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) and offices were filmed at the BBC's London studios. But for shots of the wider prison interior, series production designer Tim Gleeson converted an old water tank, used at Ealing Studios for underwater filming, into a multi-storey set. The first episode, "New Faces, Old Hands", was aired on BBC One on 5 September 1974, attracting a television audience of over 16 million, and receiving positive reviews from critics. Two further series were commissioned, as well as two Christmas special episodes. The final episode of "Porridge", "Final Stretch", was broadcast on 25 March 1977. The producers and the writers were keen