The Unforgettable Richard Beckinsale (2000) Reviews

• An excellent tribute.

  tigon2000-04-04

  This is an extremely touching (and long overdue) account of the tragically short life of a very well-loved British actor. Good looking, natural and very funny, Beckinsale died of a massive heart attack whilst at the peak of his career. His friends' recollections of his short life are particularly moving. Beckinsale's 'Porridge' co-star, Ronnie Barker is visibly moved to tears when he talks about him. Whilst watching the documentary you realise what a great loss he was to British comedy.

• Solid film with good contributions but still put together in a way that makes it come over as lacking ambition and just "OK"

  bob the moo2007-11-16

  Richard Beckinsale was famous for his roles in Porridge and Rising Damp along with several other popular comedies and his easy manner made him popular with audiences who loved those shows. So the country was shocked when, at only 31, he suffered a heart attack and died. This film recalls him as a professional, as a man, as a parent and as a husband. Although the films I have seen are just about OK, I cannot help fearing the worst when I sit to watch any of the "Unforgettable" season of films because they do look unforgivable cheap and tacky. I know they are just a simple bit of television filler in some ways but, dealing with those passed away, it is not easy to just accept the low quality. This film interested me at first though because I didn't know anything about Beckinsale other than his roles in Porridge etc, which I have seen on repeat. I had never thought to wonder if he was alive or dead so it did appeal to me to find out more. The film takes the usual "clips & comments" approach and builds a little bit of his career with lots of personal memories. As is the usual problems the comments all say bland things about what a good guy he was etc but there is not a lot of substance there. Where this film differs from the other couple I have seen is that the loss of Beckinsale is palatable so there is a lot of sadness in those commenting, which doesn't always make it more interesting but does help them be more engaging. The people selected also helps as close family and famous colleagues are the standard (and not the "who?" crowd in the other films). Not perfect then but as a short and simple tribute to him the film does work. Those looking for more might find this to be a disservice to him though as it does lack detail and substance, producing a film that again is "OK" but is far from being unforgettable.

• Richard & Ronnie in Porridge

  lesleyparish2006-02-23

  I recently saw an episode of porridge where Richard Beckinsale and Ronnie Barker accidentally escaped from prison and went wondering around the British countryside. The pair are the funniest comedy duo in history. In 1999 I was lucky enough to purchase a copy of A Further Stir Of Poridge. The book has been signed by Richard Beckinsale, Ronnie Barker, Peter Vaughan and Christopher Biggin. It must be a very rare piece of comedy history as it has both of Britians best loved comedy personalities signatures in it. I have recently put it on the best known online auction site for as I feel it will get a good price. If anyone is interested please visit my listing and bid if you like.