Oh, Vienna!

Katie, Bertram (Series 1-3) and Patsy (Series 4) played Rigsby's cat, Vienna.

Rigsby: Vienna'll take the rough off the plates. He's a little marvel for getting the tomato sauce out of the cracks.

#risingdamp #vienna #ohmissjones #InternationalCatDay

What's in a name?
Rigsby's of the world unite and take over.

Did you know the show's original title 'Rooksby' was still shown on the YTV VT clock during filming of the pilot.
It was then changed to 'RISING DAMP' before broadcast. The rest is history!

#risingdamp #ericchappell

Written in green ink!

Always worthy of a repost!
'Like Leonard, he was a strong personality...It was clear from the start that there was going to be a partnership.'
Eric Chappell on working with Peter Bowles.

In 1973 Leonard Rossiter played the role of 'Rooksby' in Eric Chappell's 'The Banana Box'.

Before Leonard, Wilfrid Brambell played 'Rooksby' at Leicester's Phoenix Theatre, 1971.

Here he is leaving the venue during rehearsals, and as Rooksby.

#ericchappell #wilfridbrambell

As part of the publicity for the Rising Damp film in 1980, a single was released on the CHiPS label.
Produced by Brian Wade.
Lyrics by Eric, voiced by Leonard.

Here's a snippet...it ran for 3mins!

#ericchappell #risingdamp

Eric Chappell on Richard.
Richard's laid back manner and his minimalist style of acting, which would have made him a great film actor had he lived, was not only complimentary to Len's frenetic performance, it was essential.
#ericchappell #richardbeckinsale #risingdamp

From 'Black Magic', 1974

Something's bothering Rigsby, he's confused by Philip's name.
There's also another opportunity to have a pop at the Police!

It's time we had a key to that door.

#ericchappell #risingdamp #70s #sitcom

From TV Times, Feb 1985.
What a great photo. Used to promote a re-run of the series in memory of Leonard.

I've not seen this used anywhere else.

#ericchappell #leonardrossiter #risingdamp

Sunday Mirror, 1980.
This would of been interesting...

Leonard mentions a new film...
'It's early days yet, but this would be a film with Joan Collins based on our couple we play in our Cinzano adverts.'
#leonardrossiter #joancollins #cinzano

As it's Joan Collins's 91st birthday today, here she is getting her own back on Leonard during the filming of one of their classic Cinzano commercials.
#leonardrossiter #joancollins #cinzano

As a follow up.....from the 'Best of Leonard' video from 1996, here's Don Warrington and Eric Chappell recalling the background behind this classic scene.
This is great.

“Rising Damp has been kind to me, and the audience have loved it. I have been asked to do other comedy series but they haven’t been as good as Rising Damp, so I’ve turned them down.” Don Warrington, 1978

Wishing Don Warrington MBE a happy 73rd birthday today.

Here's Don's official promotional photo, supplied by Yorkshire Television.

#donwarrington #yorkshiretelevision #risingdamp

Here's Frances's official promotional photo, supplied by Yorkshire Television.
#francesdelatour #yorkshiretelevision #risingdamp

In May 2001, I was proud to work with Granada Media (ITV ) as their 'Damp Expert' to promote the show's releases via BBC Radio.

If you're going to buy one release, get this one!
(they were very pleased with the inlay...rightly so!)

#ericchappell #granadamedia

Here's Leonard's official promotional photo, supplied by Yorkshire Television.
#leonardrossiter #yorkshiretelevision

From 'The New Tenant' aka 'Rooksby', 1974

Rigsby's head's about to explode...Ruth's about to tell him that Philip's the son of a chief - a paramount chief!

#ericchappell #risingdamp

A classic from 'Stage Struck', 1977

Rigsby's fed up with Hilary lounging around the place so Alan explains why he needs the rest...he's been busy acting, and making moussaka!

#ericchappell #risingdamp #moussaka

Myyy God...it's the 30th Anniversary of my magazine!
Everyone from the Rising Damp team helped me. Eric Chappell was pleased, he even bought 4 copies!
That bloody Desmond was the cover star.
Does anyone still have it?
#ericchappell #risingdamp #ohmissjones