Porterhouse Blue

Whatever mixed feelings this rabulistic exposure of the proudest university traditions of England may inspire you with, this is hilarious comedy all the way. The "Porterhouse" college is actually modelled on the oldest college of Cambridge, Peterhouse, founded in 1280 by Henry I, and although the film makes no claims to any connection, it just cannot be ignored as too self-evident, one of the wealthiest colleges of Cambridge with prouder and more ancient traditions than almost any other. "Porterhouse Blue" is the denomination of a mishap that happens to many leading masters and prominent coryphaei of the college which simply is apoplexy brought on by over-eating. It happens here from the start to the Master of the college, who dies without having appointed a successor, so a successor is appointed by the government. It is Ian Richardson who is liberally modern and intends to carry out revolutionary reforms in the college, introducing female students, contraceptives and all kinds of revolting modernisms, resulting in the necessity of giving the oldest servant of the college, Jason King, the sack, which imports consequences, as he is the only one who can save the financial situation of the college which is on the verge of ruin. It's not a mean satire, it is actually made with great love and affection for anachronistic traditions, and in spite of its exaggerations it is well worth enjoying all the way through to the very bitter and paradoxical but nevertheless quite logical end.

Tom Sharpe has to be one of the funniest writers in human history, and in my younger days I remember my joy every time a new books came out.

But some works are so rooted in their medium that attempted transplants are essentially impossible, and so it is here.

The screenplay does what it can, and yes, we get the outlines of the story. There are even a few funny scenes. But there's none of the magic, and there's none of gut busting absurdity that hurts your lungs one page after the next, just a somewhat mediocre story. No-one to blame and, hell, valiant effort, but some things just aren't meant to be.

I saw this on TV when it was first broadcast and loved how well written it was, how skillfully acted, entertaining and very funny. It's bawdy in parts. Writer Tom Sharpe's humour is earthy and can be savage in satirising characters, institutions and authorities. The best acting, in my opinion, is by David Jason as the Porter (so different from his character in "Only Fools and Horses") and John Sessions as the student Zipser.

.....as another reviewer suggested.

Scullion may have served on the "wrong side" of the divide at Porterhouse and thus had no letters after his name but it's quite clear that neither Sharpe (I've read the book) and Malcolm Bradbury who adapted the novel saw him as dim.

Anyway in the best traditions of the underdog turning the table on his "betters" Skullion understands how to deal with TV journalist far better than any of the Masters.

As an aside the acapella music especially dives in Omnia" (Latin for "Rich in Everything") as sung by The Flying Pickets heard throughout the series was excellent.

Take one college steeped in religion, whose aim is not to produce high class students but to succeed in every master having a stroke brought on by gluttony. When the old master dies, Sir Godber Evans and his fiend of a wife Lady Mary blaze in to take over and soon tradition flies out the window in the face of radical plans: contraceptive machines and scholars! The Faculty aren't happy and neither is Scullion, the head porter, who is eventually sacked. His recompense though is awesome indeed and sparks really begin to fly.

This has to be one of the most biting attacks on the institution ever written. Unbelievably well cast, marvellously acted and directed, it cracks on a pace and runs to a terrific conclusion. Unlike his contemporaries David Jason has a skill with successfully creating many diverse roles. This is one of his best one-off roles. But look out for Paula Jacobs as the "buxom bedder"!!