Porridge (TV Series) The Harder They Fall (1975) User Reviews

The Harder They Fall

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 21 February 2020]

Peter Vaughan makes his debut as Genial Harry Grout although he is a character that has been referred to previously.

With Godber training for a boxing fight. Grout wants Fletcher to persuade Godber to throw the fight or else.

Grout surrounds himself with heavies and his prison cell is palatial. It has a radio, a bird as a pet and a bag of sugar. It is clear Grout carries some influence even from inside his cell.

Fletcher thinks it might be difficult to persuade Godber to throw the fight for bets only to discover he has already agreed to do it for Billy Moffatt, Grout's rival.

I was surprised to see Grout only turned up near the end of the second series. Vaughn plays it straight exuding both charm and menace. He strikes just the right balance for a comedy.

Of course Fletcher figures he is in trouble with both Grout and Moffatt but finds a way to clean up.

Fletcher even had time to wind up Mackay of his story about a brain damaged boxer who found another career.

Slade's real governor introduced

[snoozejonc · 7/10 · 19 January 2024]

Fletch is coerced into fixing a boxing match by Harry Grout.

This is an amusing episode with some good performances.

If you can suspend the disbelief associated with a seemingly gentle soul like Lenny Godber boxing, (and a previously implied hard case like Fletch being portrayed as totally inept with his fists) it is an enjoyable episode.

It introduces Grouty, who is an entertaining villain, wonderfully played by Peter Vaughn. The scenes of dialogue between Vaughn and Ronnie Barker are the best bits for me. Both actors play the scenes perfectly for the relationship they are portrayed to have. The set design of Grouty's cell is great.

The plot regarding the fix is fairly predictable, but nonetheless entertaining due to the performances and characterisations.