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

Seasons:

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

Release Date:

12 February 1980 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

The cases of a portly and eccentric criminal law barrister.

Plot Keywords:

Extramarital Affair | Courtroom | Diamond Nose Stud | Ecclesiastical Court | Legal Brief

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

Filming Locations:

Temple, Holborn, London, England, UK

Company:

Thames Television

Trivia:

Rumpole has a penchant for giving literary or historical nicknames to friends and foes. His wife Hilda's moniker, "She Who Must Be Obeyed," was originally applied to the title character of H. Rider Haggard's novel "She," while Phyllida Trant Erskine-Brown's nickname, "Portia," is from William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice." Samuel Ballard is dubbed "Soapy Sam" after 'Bishop Samuel Wilberforce' (1805-73), now best remembered for debating Thomas Huxley over Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, but regarded in his own time as rather a slick operator. And he refers to Judge Graves as the "whited sepulchre"--a Biblical allusion (Matthew 27).

Quotes:

"Soapy" Sam Ballard: Rumpole as a client! God give me strength!
Hilda Rumpole: Oh, don't worry, Sam. If God doesn't, I certainly will.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Comedy Connections: To the Manor Born (#4.5)" (2006)

Unforgettable, Unique, Undefeated!

"Rumpole of the Bailey" is the subject of a great series of books by John Mortimer, and most have been made into episodes of this terrific TV series. No one but the great Leo McKern could possibly be Horace Rumpole, henpecked husband, dedicated barrister, brilliant examiner, seeker of truth, clever investigator, tweaker of authority, and I hope I didn't leave anything out, the man you'd want defending you in Her Majesty's courts. The shows almost invariably start with Rumpole's introduction to his hopeless client. Rumpole gathers evidence to clear the unfortunate while navigating office politics, domestic crises and society's craziness. Each episode is enjoyable on its own, but try to see them in order to see how relationships begin, flourish, wither and end or continue to grow stronger. Leo McKern is perfect as the quick-witted Rumpole and he's well supported by the rest of the cast who appear in varying numbers of shows. Of course, each installment features an unexpected twist, which leaves Rumpole triumphant or, rarely, humbled. These exploits are great, if you think Perry Mason or Matlock are great, catch Rumpole.