[Inspector Abberline]

H.M.P. (John Krish, 1976, 55 mins)
Director John Krish films a recruiting film for the prison service Sponsored by the Central Office of Information and the Home Office.Three rookie prison warders are shown around several different prisons as part as there training,and are encouraged to ask the Prison officers and other prison workers any question about the job and the prisoners. AS the three rookie guards are taken around different prison locations,Maidstone Prison and Rochester Borstal,unfortunately visually these buildings all look alike so you we could of been taken through a disused warehouse and still be none the wiser,Good job then that its the mens reactions to certain questions and situations that make this a rather gripping public information film.The only downside is that with its grey drab 1970's feel,the clothing,porno moustaches and bus conductor style uniforms it resembles at times an On the Buses sequel,where are hapless heroes unable to function in the real world decide to join the prison service.There are several rather cringe worthy scenes,main one being the prison chaplain who's touchy feely methods are exactly appreciated by the trainee guards.The other one is when one of the trainees ask a guard what he does when he sees two prisoners having sex? I don't know if this film is relevant in today's prison service,but it sure is a fascinating film.