Undoubtedly ITV's best-ever sitcom, and one of the greatest in the history of British television, Rising Damp graced our screens for only four series, from 1974 to 1978. Starting from a play and ending with a film, it told the story of a miserly, mean-spirited, cynical landlord of a run-down boarding house, and the tenants who have to suffer his opinions, lasciviousness and total disregard for privacy, but who enjoy preying on his gullibility and vulnerability. The landlord, Rupert Rigsby, was a character to despise, but in the skillful hands of Leonard Rossiter, he was instead adored by millions and Rising Damp became compulsive viewing.
This web site, part of a trilogy of Leonard Rossiter sites, explores in great detail the history of Rising Damp, from the pen of an electricity board accountant to one of the most fondly remembered television programmes ever. It explores not just the history, but every storyline, every character, every actor and every line of the script. It provides an in-depth analysis of the series, the play and the movie, and will hopefully provide an answer as to why Rising Damp has such a respected place in so many people's hearts as the very pinnacle of great British comedy.