The episode takes place in 1967.
David Yelland, who plays the Rumpoles' teenage son, was actually 31 at the time.
This episode is set several years in the past in 1967, to which end Leo McKern's hair and moustache, and Peggy Thorpe-Bates' hair, were darkened.
During the filming of this episode, Leo McKern (Horace Rumpole) was 57. In the book by John Mortimer, he was 67. "I, Horace Rumple, barrister at law, 68 next birthday..."
When "Daddy" C.H. Wyston arrives at the end of the episode to confer with the group regarding the selection of the new Head of Chambers, he makes remarks disdainful of the kinds of criminal law cases Rumpole prefers. Rumpole realizes that despite his seniority, he hasnt the experience or the passion for the highbrow though lucrative corporate law cases that his chambers must pursue, bit which he despises. Because of this, Rumpole pretends to become inebriated on the champagne and makes several caustic and sarcastic remarks to purposely cause the members of the chamber to vote against him.