"Rumpole of the Bailey" (1978) TV series 1978-1992

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Release Date:

12 February 1980 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

Plot:

The cases of a portly and eccentric criminal law barrister.

Plot Keywords:

Barrister | Judge | Courtroom | Court | Private Prosecutor

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 8 nominations

Cast

Leo McKern	...	Horace Rumpole (42 episodes, 1978-1992)
Jonathan Coy	...	Henry (37 episodes, 1978-1992)
Julian Curry	...	Claude Erskine-Brown (35 episodes, 1978-1992)
Marion Mathie	...	Hilda Rumpole (24 episodes, 1987-1992)
Richard Murdoch	...	Uncle Tom (23 episodes, 1978-1991)
Maureen Derbyshire	...	Dianne - Secretary / ... (23 episodes, 1978-1991)
Peter Blythe	...	Samuel 'Soapy Sam' Ballard, Q.C. / ... (22 episodes, 1983-1992)

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Temple, Holborn, London, England, UK

Company:

Thames Television

Trivia:

Originally, author John Mortimer had Alistair Sim in mind to play Rumpole - until he found out Sim was dead.

Quotes:

Horace Rumpole: She who must be obeyed!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Will & Grace: Fear and Clothing (#3.2)" (2000)

Perfection!!!

The late Leo McKern had the kind of identification with John Mortimer's character that occurs rarely (other examples being David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, Raymond Burr as Perry Mason and probably Joan Hickson as Miss Marple.). In fact, I think the author agrees and said so more than once.

Hilda Rumpole, "she who must be obeyed", (the name comes from Rider Haggard's "She") is a perfect foil for Rumpole. (She was played by two actresses over the years, Peggy Thorpe-Bates 1978-83 and Marion Mathie from 1987-92) The other characters are also perfectly cast.

The stories are most enjoyable and are a fine basis for the series.