Is Rising Damp Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Rising Damp is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rising Damp Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1980, Rising Damp emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Stingy landlord Rigsby manages to scam his lodgers John, an art student, and Philip, an African medical student, making both pay for a room they must share. Unlike standard genre fare, Rising Damp attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Rising Damp features a noteworthy lineup led by Leonard Rossiter . Supported by the likes of Frances de la Tour and Don Warrington , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Rising Damp (1980) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Rising Damp Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Rising Damp is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Rising Damp Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Rising Damp attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Rising Damp reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Rising Damp?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Rising Damp
- Leonard Rossiter – Rigsby
- Frances de la Tour – Miss Jones
- Don Warrington – Philip Smith
- Christopher Strauli – John
- Denholm Elliott – Charles Seymour
Top Highlights
Leonard RossiterRigsby
Frances de la TourMiss Jones
Don WarringtonPhilip Smith
Christopher StrauliJohn
Denholm ElliottCharles Seymour
Carrie JonesSandra
Glynn EdwardsCooper
John CaterBert
Derek GriffithsAlec
Bill DeanWorkman
Where to Watch Rising Damp Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Rising Damp has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Rising Damp stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1980 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rising Damp movie hit or flop?
Rising Damp has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rising Damp worth watching?
Rising Damp is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Rising Damp online?
Rising Damp may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
