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Sitcom · 1970s

Porridge

The Desperate Hours

Fletch's home-brewed Christmas spirit could land him in solitary.

  • Family-safe

Content note: Dated language and attitudes, mild prison-sitcom peril

BBC One

1976

First shown 24 Dec 1976

First shown
24 December 1976
Channel
BBC One
Runtime
44 mins
Genre
Sitcom

Where to watch

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Fletch is determined to bring a bit of Christmas spirit to Slade Prison, preferably in a bottle and preferably home-made. Sadly, when Mr Mackay and Mr Barrowclough sniff out his stash of 'Chateau Slade', it starts to look as if Fletch could be spending the festive season in solitary, and Christmas at Slade only gets more eventful from there. Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale are a joy as ever, and the longer Christmas Eve special gives the whole gang room to breathe. A cracking slice of 1970s telly, best enjoyed with a small sherry and a clear conscience.

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