MovieChat Forums > Filthy Rich & Catflap (1987) Discussion > Who was Ralph Filthy based on?

Who was Ralph Filthy based on?

posted 7 years ago by graham_525
1 reply | jump to latest

In light of the many revelations in recent years concerning the sexual behaviour of show business personalities, many of the jokes in FRAC have taken on a far more sinister meaning. I was 16 when it was first broadcast, and many of the jokes went straight over my head. I had no idea what they meant by Ralph Filthy's "children's catalogue", or his "so called stage school". Who exactly was the inspiration for Ralph Filthy? Previously I had assumed that he was based on characters they had known around Soho, now I'm not so sure. There are definite echoes of Max Clifford and Jimmy Savile in Filthy. What exactly did Ben Elton know, what was he insinuating and who was he insinuating it about?

[–] GlasgowAndy34 (1) 6 years ago

I'm not sure who he's based on but I'd be interested in finding out. A definite one for the watching whoever they are!

Seriously underrated show that the BBC had quashed - due to all the home truths we were hearing about them. As they say - "Many a true words are said in jest". . .

It's definitely a better show to watch as an adult as you do catch a lot more of the humour. The fact that it can be enjoyed by youngsters too shows how intelligent and professional the team were.

CRACKERJACK!