Porridge – The Christmas Specials [1975] [1976] [DVD]

The 1975 and 1976 Christmas specials of the sitcom starring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, set in Slade prison. In 1975 special, ‘No Way Out’, Harry Grout (Peter Vaughan) tries to enlist the help of Fletcher (Barker) in an escape attempt, while Mr Mackay (Fulton Mackay) has cancelled Christmas. In 1976 special, ‘The Desperate Hours’, Fletcher and Godber are looking forward to sampling their illicit cell-brew liquor ‘Chateau Slade’, which they’ve been secretly brewing for months. Unfortunately, though, the spirit of Christmas seems to have passed Mr Mackay by, and when he discovers the moonshine brew, things get complicated…

1. NO WAY OUT
In his innocence, Godber is looking forward to Christmas, but Fletch just wants a quiet sojourn in the prison hospital. As he says: ”there’s one big event around here, it’s not the coming of the Lord – it’s the tunnelling of Tommy Slocombe”. Just as Fletcher’s ‘old knee injury’ wins him a trip to the local civilian hospital for a full checkup and x-ray, genial Harry Grout decides to call in a favour.
2. THE DESPERATE HOURS
Christmas behind bars might not be so bad. Fletcher and Godber have spent months fermenting their illicit cell-brew liquor “Chateau Slade” and it is ready for tasting. But things are about to take a turn for the worse – Mackay has discovered the brew and then they find themselves caught up in psychotic Reg Unwin’s attempt to take Mr Barraclough hostage. Will Fletch be the hero of the day – even if it means helping out ‘a screw’?
If you were serving time at Her Majesty’s pleasure, you wouldn’t get Christmas privileges half as good as this – two 40-minutes specials from inside the walls of Slade prison!
“No Way Out” – In his innocence, Godber is looking forward to Christmas, but Fletch knows that if, ”there’s one big event around here, it’s not the coming of Our Lord, it’s the tunnelling of Tommy Slocombe”. And this Christmas, he is determined to stay well clear of Tommy Slocombe, his dodgy mates and their even dodgier plans for escape. “The Desperate Hours” – So far, Christmas doesn’t look good for Fletch and Godber – Mackay has discovered the illicit liquor they’ve been brewing in their cell since July and they’re up before the Governor. However, whilst they’re waiting to see him, things suddenly take a turn for the better… they get caught up in the psychotic Reg Urwin’s attempt to take Mr Baraclough hostage (he’s after a ‘copter and 10,000 in used notes). Can Fletch be the hero of the day?