TV Show spotlight
Going Straight
Going Straight is a BBC sitcom which was a direct spin-off from Porridge, starring Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher, newly released from the fictional Slade Prison where the earlier series had been set. It sees Fletcher trying to become an honest member of society, having vowed to stay away from crime on his release. The title refers to his attempt, 'straight' being a slang term meaning being honest, in contrast to 'bent', i.e., dishonest. Also re-appearing was Richard Beckinsale as Lennie Godber, who was Fletcher's naïve young cellmate and was now in a relationship with his daughter Ingrid. Her brother Raymond was played by a teenage Nicholas Lyndhurst. Only one series, of six episodes, was made in 1978. It attracted an audience of over 15 million viewers and won a BAFTA award in March 1979, but hopes of a further series had already been dashed by Beckinsale's premature death earlier in the same month.
Insights
Plot Summary
A former convict is released from prison and attempts to go straight, but finds himself drawn back into the criminal underworld. He struggles to escape his past and protect his family from the dangerous associates he can't seem to shake. The film explores the challenges of rehabilitation and the allure of a life of crime.
Critical Reception
Going Straight received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its gritty portrayal of prison life and the struggles of ex-convicts, while others found the plot predictable and the characters underdeveloped. Audiences were somewhat divided, appreciating the performances but often citing a lack of originality in the narrative.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its authentic depiction of the difficulties faced by ex-convicts.
Criticized for a familiar storyline and less-than-compelling character arcs.
The performances, particularly from the lead, were often highlighted as a strong point.
Google audience: Google user reviews are not widely available for this specific film, making it difficult to summarize audience sentiment. However, general sentiment from available online discussions suggests a moderate appreciation for the film's themes, though it is often overshadowed by more prominent crime dramas of the era.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a wave of crime dramas in the late 1970s that focused on the realities of the criminal justice system and the challenges of reintegration into society.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources