British Comedy: Rising Damp

Years: 1974-1978
Broadcaster: ITV (Yorkshire)
Genre: Sitcom
Written by: Eric Chappell
Stars: Leonard Rossiter, Frances de la Tour
Episodes: 28
Episode Average: 7.964

BEST EPISODES:
A Body Like Mine (1975), Stage Struck (1977)

SERIES ONE

(1974-1975)
7 episodes
Series Score: 54
Episode Average: 7.71
Perfect 10's: 1

S1E1

ROOKSBY*

Originally broadcast: 2 September 1974
Directed by: Ian MacNaughton
Written by: Eric Chappell

Miss Jones recommends someone for the empty room, but there's soon a change of plan when the new tenant complains about not being able to get any peace and quiet.

"If you put a phone in here, it'd look like a telephone box."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

*also known as 'The New Tenant' and 'The Lodger'.

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S1E2

BLACK MAGIC

Originally broadcast: 13 December 1974
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby mocks Philip's heritage until he discovers that he has ten wives, and the discovery that he can summon Ruth using black magic only intrigues him further.

"As if she'd get herself involved with anyone like that! She's a woman of refinement, mate. Have you seen that woman's washing? She still wears harvest festivals... all is safely gathered in."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E3

CHARISMA

Originally broadcast: 20 December 1974
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

After advice from Philip, Rigsby tries to make the right impression with Miss Jones by waving his love-wood at her.

"I have no intention of giving way to it. Please extinguish your stick."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S1E4

NIGHT OUT

Originally broadcast: 27 December 1974
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

It's Ruth's birthday, and Rigsby books a table at The Grange, but he will need help to persuade her to go, and perhaps a 'stolen' tuxedo.

"Look, you've already been banned from the British Legion for poking that stripper with a stick of celery."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E5

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS

Originally broadcast: 3 January 1975
Directed by: Len Lurcuck
Written by: Eric Chappell

Spooner's broken his leg after tripping over the cat and falling down the stairs, his radio provides his only company, the problem is that everyone else can hear it too, but nobody is brave enough to tell the wrestler to keep the noise down.

"Ok, Spooner, I saw action, you know. I've seen as much action as you, mate. Where were you when the bullets were flying? Floating around the heavens like a bloody mushroom."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S1E6

THE PROWLER

Originally broadcast: 10 January 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

A detective calls by after Miss Jones reports seeing a shadowy prowler in her room.

"I don't know he got up here. Perhaps he used a trampoline. Perhaps he's a nocturnal pole-vaulter. All I know is he was in my room."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E7

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

Originally broadcast: 17 January 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

It's election time, and Rigsby insults the labour candidate, Ruth tries to seduce the Liberal candidate, and the Tory candidate causes Rigsby to have a change of heart.

"How many times have I told you about putting red ribbons on Vienna? That cat's Conservative."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

SERIES TWO

(1975)
8 episodes
Series Score: 65
Episode Average: 8.13
Perfect 10's: 1

S2E1

THE PERMISSIVE SOCIETY

Originally broadcast: 7 November 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Ruth's upset because she can't win Philip over, Alan tries to prove that he's not afraid of women, and Rigsby learns about erogenous zones.

"I seem to remember the last time you indulged in love without fear,
you spent three days under that bed hiding from her father."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S2E2

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

Originally broadcast: 14 November 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Ruth's charity collections lead to Philip challenging Rigsby to go without food for 48 hours.

"What? Who goes out there every winter and break the ice on the birdbath, eh? Who lavishes bacon rind on them? Not that they appreciate it...
they just sit in a line and wait for me to wax the Cortina."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S2E3

A BODY LIKE MINE

Originally broadcast: 21 November 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

When Rigsby mocks Alan for exercising, he ends up accepting a boxing challenge from Philip, and Ruth offers to go out for dinner with the winner.

"I think me arms are getting longer. I don't want that, I don't want me hands brushing the ground as I walk along."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S2E4

MOONLIGHT AND ROSES

Originally broadcast: 28 November 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby can't help but be jealous when Ruth finds love, and he tries to put her new man off when she announces that she's moving out, but his attention is soon pulled elsewhere.

"Don't talk to me about romance, mate. It's all a racket, all that. Spending a fortune on chocolates and flowers. Where's it get you, eh? You end up in some expensive restaurant with a glassful of chopped fruit, eating meat off a flaming sword. The waiters hovering around like vultures. Then up come the genuine Gypsy violinists. Day workers from Ford. Very romantic, until you forget the tip them and you get a violin bow up your nostril."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

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S2E5

THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN

Originally broadcast: 5 December 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

There's a new tenant, but while Rigsby has been charmed by his suave personality, Alan and Philip are rather more suspicious.

"I've got to be careful here, I hit the cat twice. Mind you, I think I'm improving. I put seven out of ten into the downstairs lav from the landing."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

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S2E6

THE LAST OF THE BIG SPENDERS

Originally broadcast: 12 December 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby tried to impress Brenda by getting new furniture, but he's soon looking for money again when she insists on an expensive night out.

"Oh, don't talk to me about art. I stand there for hours, stark naked, and by the time they've finished, I've got two eyes in the side of me head, and a hole in the middle, and legs like matchsticks."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S2E7

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

Originally broadcast: 19 December 1975
Directed by: Len Lurcuck
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby's attempts to scare Alan with tales of a resident ghost backfire when Philip suggests that Alan should dress up as the ghost to teach him a lesson.

"Don't be silly, Alan, of course you're a man. Don't forget to put your dress on before you go."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 9

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S2E8

FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING

Originally broadcast: 21 December 1975
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby is home alone for Christmas, but he's soon joined by a houseful of people who all make plans thinking the house is empty.

"Here we are, Boxing Day, and not one invitation to share their flowing bowl, and not one request to share my company round the piano. Can't even find anyone to help me pull me cracker."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SERIES THREE

(1977)
7 episodes
Series Score: 56
Episode Average: 8.0
Perfect 10's: 1

S3E1

THAT'S MY BOY

Originally broadcast: 12 April 1977
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Alan is left in charge and lets out two rooms while Rigsby's away, one to a returning Miss Jones, and the other to a mother and baby, but Rigsby doesn't allow children, until he mistakenly thinks it's Ruth's baby.

"No, I love them, love them. In fact, I was Father Christmas every year at the British Legion, until they set fire to my beard."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E2

STAGE STRUCK

Originally broadcast: 19 April 1977
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

An actor moves in, and decides that he wants Alan and Ruth to perform a play he's written, but Rigsby scares Alan off.

"Oh what strong sensitive hands you've got. You might be just the man for me."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S3E3

CLUNK CLICK

Originally broadcast: 26 April 1977
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby invests in a sports car to impress Ruth, but a trip to a country club results in an accident, and Rigsby panics when the other driver comes looking for the car.

"Oh yes, the country club. You know how sensitive I was about Aunt Ada's fur? Then what did you say when I handed it in? 'Put a bowl of water down for him, we'll be back later.'"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E4

THE GOOD SAMARITANS

Originally broadcast: 3 May 1977
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

The other members of the household try to help a suicidal new tenant, but a Samaritan soon arrives and gets confused about who he's there to help.

"No, I didn't think you had, you monkey."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E5

FAWCETT'S PYTHON

Originally broadcast: 10 May 1977
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

An exotic dancer moves in, and Philip tricks Rigsby into thinking that her snake is poisonous.

"A fallen woman?... Well what were you doing in her room last night, trying to pick her up?"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E6

THE COCKTAIL HOUR

Originally broadcast: 17 May 1977
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigby sees an opportunity when he discovers that Alan's new girlfriend is from a wealthy family, but Alan doesn't want Rigsby too close to the situation.

"No go on. It's very good. It works very well with the opposite sex. Guaranteed to loosen the strongest elastic. Don't leave the spoon in, it attacks the metal."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E7

SUDDENLY AT HOME

Originally broadcast: 24 May 1977
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby's frustrated that a tenant he regards as a hypochondriac is getting attention from others in the house, but when he finds him dead, he's embarrassed into helping with the funeral.

"Now listen to me, I dont want to be indelicate, Osbourne, but you're a young man, single. One of these days, you'll meet a nice young lady and want to settle down and have children. You won't be able to do that until you've had your firing bin removed."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

SERIES FOUR

(1977)
6 episodes
Series Score: 48
Episode Average: 8.0
Perfect 10's: 1

S4E1

HELLO YOUNG LOVERS

Originally broadcast: 4 April 1978
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

A young couple move in and Rigsby gives the newly-weds gifts, but takes them back when he discovers they aren't married.

"Approve of you? My dear boy, after seeing him, I'd approve of Jack the Ripper!"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S4E2

FIRE AND BRIMSTONE

Originally broadcast: 11 April 1978
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Philip is upset when Rigsby moves a Welsh preacher into his room, but he turns the tables by telling of Rigsby's immoral behaviour towards Ruth.

"Get off me! You scarlet woman! Jezebel! I cannot stay in this den of iniquity!"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S4E3

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Originally broadcast: 18 April 1978
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby's been left a significant amount of money, but only on the condition that he is happily married, but he separated from his wife years ago.

"Oh, I still feel a little dizzy Miss Jones. Oh God, that handbag gets worse. I swear she has a brick in it."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S4E4

PINK CARNATIONS

Originally broadcast: 25 April 1978
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby places a personal ad, and he gets a reply... from Ruth, but a wedding means there are pink carnations everywhere.

"They put me in touch with a fun-loving extrovert with the an urge to travel. He sounded fine until I found out he was doing five years in Parkhurst."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S4E5

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Originally broadcast: 2 May 1978
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

A new tenant clains to be a hypnotist and takes Rigsby back to his childhood, but he soon has to help Rigsby win the heart of Miss Jones.

"Well, I can't keep her hypnotised that long. I mean, the vicar's gonna think it's odd when three of us walk up to take the vows, and what about the honeymoon, eh, ? I mean, I can just see us signing into the hotel... 'Mr. and Mrs. Rigsby and hypnotist'."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S4E6

COME ON IN THE WATER'S LOVELY

Originally broadcast: 9 May 1978
Directed by: Ronnie Baxter
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby's divorce comes through so he proposes to Ruth, but her mother doesn't think Rigsby is right for her.

"I said St. Luke's, early perpendicular with a rood screen, not St. Marks, late Gothic with a vicar to match! My God, I should have realised we were in the wrong church when they started wheeling that coffin down the aisle."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

FILM

(1980)

FILM

RISING DAMP

Originally broadcast: 2 May 1980
Directed by: Joseph McGrath
Written by: Eric Chappell

Rigsby and his unfortunate tenants share a series of misadventures.
(This is mostly comprised of remade segments from the series).

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

RUPERT RIGSBY

Played by Leonard Rossiter
(28 episodes)
...in Pink Carnations (1978)

PHILIP SMITH

Played by Don Warrington
(28 episodes)
...in Fire and Brimstone (1978)

RUTH JONES

Played by Frances de la Tour
(24 episodes)
...in All Our Yesterdays (1975)

ALAN GUY MOORE

Played by Richard Beckinsale
(22 episodes)
...in Things That Go Bump in the Night (1975)

BRENDA

Played by Gabrielle Rose
(4 episodes)
...in Moonlight and Roses (1975)