"Rising Damp": A Celebration (Hardcover)

The book includes a detailed history of the series (and the stageplay--The Banana Box--upon which it was based), with information on how the series came about, how the right atmosphere was created on the set, how the right effect was achieved for the characters through wardrobe, and so on. The book commences with a 7-page bio of writer Eric Chappell. It includes brief (one-half page or so) bios of the producers and directors, bios on each of the four main actors and the characters they portrayed (2 to 7 pages each), and brief (1 to 2 page) bios of all the actors who appeared as "other tenants." A lovely inclusion are the very brief (but informative) little bios on all the other actors who appeared in the show--actors such as Diana King, Larry Martyn, Fanny Rowe, and Andrew Sachs to name a few. Indeed, it was interesting to find out what became of many of them and what other shows they've been in.

Also included is a complete episode guide, with summaries of each episode, the cast listing for each episode, the date of recording and of original transmission, and even the locations where rehearsals took place. A few interesting tidbits are tucked in--things like Richard Beckinsale accidentally tripping and falling into the garage door at the end of "Clunk Clink," or Leonard Rossiter choking on a piece of confetti at the end of "Come on in the Water's Lovely." Also included are an episode guide to every character, and a brief but memorable scene from each episode. Finally, the book includes a very informative and interesting 7-page behind-the-scenes look into the making of the movie and how it came about, with recollections of some of the cast and crew.

The book itself is a 6" x 8 1/2" 180-page hardcover and includes a detailed 5-page index. Lest anyone be disappointed by the appearance of the book, I ought to mention that it is NOT the glossy-paged, oversized, abundantly-illustrated tribute book that one may be expecting. The book looks like a typical novel or biography (ie. it's all text), with two 8-paged sets of photo inserts. All the photos are stills from the show. The first set consists of 16 colour photos, with 17 b/w stills comprising the second set. Though I admit I was a little disappointed initially with the look of the book, I very quickly discovered that what this book lacks in appearance it more than makes up for in content. Quite frankly, I'd gladly trade any of my beautiful, eye-catching tribute books for one as thorough and informative as this. Richard Webber is a very skilled, capable writer of tribute books, and this one is simply outstanding. I highly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed this truly classic comedy series.