The lecherous, low-brow, greedy and racist landlord Rupert Rigsby (Rossiter) continues to be a source of both trouble and amusement for his unfortunate tenants, which include articulate, cultured black university student Philip Smith (Don Warrington, recently seen on Doctor Who), who (supposedly) is the son of an African chief; and eccentric, man-hungry Ruth Jones (Frances de la Tour, of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and The History Boys). In the first of these new shows it's mentioned that Beckinsale's character, Alan Moore, has moved out.

Series creator/series writer Eric Chappell (Home to Roost) turns Beckinsale's absence to an advantage, focusing his scripts more on Rigsby's rekindled interest in Miss Jones, who by now is so desperate for affection that she's now considering seriously lowering her standards to embark on a romance with her scurrilous landlord. Beckinsale's absence also allows more direct interaction between total opposites Rigsby and Philip, and the latter's propensity to help Rigsby look like a bigger fool than he already is.

Series Four's shows are "Hello Young Lovers," "Fire and Brimstone," "Great Expectations," "Pink Carnations," "Under the Influence," and "Come On In the Water's Lovely." Highlights include "Great Expectations," a very funny show that introduces Rigsby's long-estranged wife, Veronica (Avis Bunnage); and "Pink Carnations," in which Rigsby places a personals ad (describing himself as a wealthy sophisticate, naturally) only to draw a reply from Miss Jones. This leads to a hilarious comedy of errors in a local pub where each is mistakenly drawn to others in the pub for a wedding reception.

Beyond the irreplaceable Rossiter and his exquisite comic timing, de la Tour and Warrington are just terrific, too. Guest stars include John Clive, Gretchen Franklin, and Peter Jeffrey.

Video & Audio

Rising Damp's full-frame transfers are adequate, considering the shows were produced on videotape. The single-sided disc contains all six episodes from series four, running a total of 148 minutes. The mono audio is likewise fine; there are no subtitle or alternate audio options.

Extra Features

The only supplements, once again, are the same Series Background and Cast Filmographies from before. No other extras.

Parting Thoughts

Rising Damp - Series 4 brings this excellent comedy to end, save for a 1980 Rising Damp movie version that also features Rossiter, de la Tour and Warrington and which hopefully will debut in Region 1 DVD sometime soon. Highly Recommended.

Film historian Stuart Galbraith IV's most recent essays appear in Criterion's new three-disc Seven Samurai DVD and BCI Eclipse's The Quiet Duel. His audio commentary for Invasion of Astro Monster is now available.