Tom Sharpe's satirical novel has translated well on television thanks to Malcolm Bradbury's stinging adaptation tipped with acid laced hilarity.
Porterhouse College, one of the cash strapped schools at Cambridge University is steeped in tradition and archaic values which is due to be ripped apart by its new liberal Master Sir Godber Evans (Ian Richardson) spurred on by his activist wife. The college sells places, sells degrees and stuck in the middle ages where they feast on swans and ox in grand dinners.
The new Master aims to put an end to all this, make the college a meritocracy and bring it to the 20th century to the horror of the fellow senior tutors of the college who want their ancien regime traditions to continue.
The biggest challenge Sir Godber faces is from Skullion (David Jason) the head porter of Porterhouse who knows all the secrets of the college, the past students and masters. A dim working class man who places great value in the tradition of the college that churns out proper gentlemen.
Porterhouse Blue is biting satire with slapstick and a punch in the gut ending if you are of a progressive type. It is silly, it is fun and wonderful entertainment.
