The script allowed the prisoners to swear without offending viewers by using the word "naff" in place of ruder words ("Naff off!", "Darn your own naffing socks", "Doing next to naff all"), thereby popularizing a word that had been recorded at least as early as 1966. Ronnie Barker did not claim to have invented it. In a television interview in 2003 it was explained to him on camera what the word meant, as he said he hadn't a clue. The word was actually a piece of slang for heterosexual men which was popular among homosexual men. It was an acronym for "Not Available For F******".
The same prison infirmary set was used for the Blackadder goes Forth episode 'General Hospital'.
All who knew Richard Beckinsale were shocked and devastated by his death, particularly Ronnie Barker. He was so upset, he couldn't work for several days.
The judge reading sentencing during the opening titles is voiced by Ronnie Barker. Barker is reported to have said that he regretted recording himself as the judge (who was later portrayed by Maurice Denham in two episodes).
Norman Stanley Fletcher was born on February 2, 1932 in Muswell Hill, North London.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
