Rumpole of the Bailey (TV Series) Rumpole and the Case of Identity (1979) User Reviews

A Ripping Great Episode

[vangamer · 10/10 · 19 March 2023]

As a devoted fan of all things Horace I find I must strongly disagree with another review for this episode (5 of 10?) as I rate it as one of my favourites of the entire series.

First, there's the important fact that its from one of the earliest seasons - when things were fresher and we had the "first Hilda", whom I preferred.

But this episode stands out due to the wonderful scenes and plot line between Rumpole and Guthrie Featherstone, QC, MP (the glorious Peter Bowles). This time, Guthrie is suffering from a bad case of Male Menopause and indulges himself in a risky affair with a young chic radical from the "typing pool".

While still licking his wounds from not being elected head of chambers earlier (or more likely relieved not to be), Rumpole bluntly confronts Guthrie with the cruel career-killing prospects he faces if he continues his late-night dalliances at a "palais de hop".

Totally in command, as though he were defending a murder at the Old Bailey, Rumpole snaps his "wandering" chamber head back to reality - saving his marriage and career. Oh, and he wins his case too. A brilliantly entertaining episode.

Rumpole and the Case of Identity

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 4 August 2019]

Dave Anstey has been arrested for robbing an off licence and slashing the shop manager in the face. The assailant wore a red tartan hat. Something Dave wears all the time.

His employer is prepared to vouch for him that on the time of the robbery, Dave was at work. However in the witness box, the employer goes back on his evidence.

Rumpole of course gathered that the employer was a bit too friendly with Dave's pretty wife and he also owned the off licence that was robbed. Rumpole has the employer labelled as a hostile witness and demolishes him during cross examination.

This is not the main plot of this episode of Rumpole.

Head of Chambers, Guthrie Featherstone, Q.C. M.P. seems to be having a mid life crisis. He is seen in a nightclub by Erskine Brown dancing with one of the ladies from the typing pool. Brown is appalled and wants Rumpole to be the head of chambers. Meanwhile Mrs Featherstone comes to see Rumpole about a divorce matter.

It does look rather shocking when Guthrie Featherstone propositions Miss Trant at the chambers. An obvious case of sexual harassment. No wonder her fiance Erskine Brown is so put out.

A change to the formula but not altogether successful one. Married barristers in chambers being footloose could be a common occurrence but it is not riveting viewing. However Rumpole who was overlooked over to be the head of chambers is surprisingly steadfastly loyal to Guthrie Featherstone.

We never do find out which party Guthrie Featherstone represents as an M.P. The episode was made at a time when the 1979 General Election would had been held with a change of government regarded as being likely.