Rumpole of the Bailey

TELEVISION | RADIO

TELEVISION.
The late Leo McKern starred as the eccentric, bibulous Old Bailey defence lawyer, Horace Rumpole, in the series written specifically for him by barrister-playwright, John Mortimer (who took his father's advice to read law as a back-up for his writing career). The characters for Rumpole, and his cases, are all drawn from Mortimer's own experiences at the bench, and are available for the first time on VHS from Acorn Media.
Acorn Media UK have now released the entire set of Rumpole's - all seven series and the two speicals - both on video and DVD. With an excellent support cast including Julian Curry as Claude Erskine-Brown, Patricia Hodge as Phyllida Trant (who later becomes Mrs Erskine-Brown), Peter Bowles as Head of Chambers, Guthrie Featherstone QC MP, Moray Watson and Richard Murdoch, the show is television at it's best. Each double video is priced just Ł19.99, and the DVD versions are just Ł24.99, and with a running times of over 300 minutes, they represent excellent value for money.

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

Play For Today.
Rumpole's son, Nick, is heading off to the United States, however, before Rumpole can meet him for lunch he must fight the case of a youth accused of stabbing a man in a bus queue outside Lord's Cricket Ground. The case does not prove to be as simple as Horace had hoped! This has been released alongside the later special, Rumpole's Return, both on video and DVD.

Series One.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole and the Younger Generation 3.4.78 A teenager accused of robbery is innocent, however, he is destined for a life of crime.

Rumpole and the Alternative Society 10.4.78 Rumpole is content to be defending a drugs case in the peace of the West Country.

Rumpole and the Honourable Member 17.4.78 Ken Aspen (MP) is accused of rape by one of his election campaign workers.

Rumpole and the Married Lady 24.4.78 While defending a divorce case, Rumpole is in danger of his own marriage breaking up.

Rumpole and the Learned Friends 1.5.78 Was a safecracker framed by a crooked policeman?

Rumpole and the Heavy Brigade 15.5.78 In spite of his battered hat, Rumpole is called in to defend a big murder trial.

Series Two.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole and the Man of God 29.5.79 Rumpole defends a vicar who is in court on a shoplifting charge and manages to upset George Frobisher at the same time.

Rumpole and the Case of Identity 5.6.79 The police are looking for a tall man with long sideburns suspected of a vicious attack. They think Dave Anstey is their man, but Rumpole disagrees.

Rumpole and the Showfolk 12.6.79 Actress Maggie Hartley sacks her leading counsel and asks Rumpole to represent her in a murder case. but has the lawyer been taken in by her charms?

Rumpole and the Fascist Beast 19.6.79 Rumpole defends the known fascist, Captain Rex Parkin on a charge under the Race Relations Act.

Rumpole and the Course of True Love 26.6.79 A baive young teacher is accused of seducing one of his students, which causes Rumpole to muse on the mystery of love.

Rumpole and the Age for Retirement 3.7.79 Rumpole is defending the Timson family and discovers that they are guilty of conspiring to enforce the retirement of an elderly relative. A subject close to the lawyers heart.

Special.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole's Return 30.12.80 After losing ten cases in a row in front of Judge Bullingham, Rumpole has retired from the law and is staying with his son Nick in America. When he receives a letter from Phyllida requesting his help with a case invloving his speicalis subject of bloodstains he sees it as an invitation to return to chambers - but the other members of chambers are less than pleased at his return.

Series Three.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole and the Genuine Article 11.10.83 A flamboyant local artist is arrested in connection with an alleged forgery. The artist wants Rumpole to defend him.

Rumpole and the Golden Thread 18.10.83 Rumpole is flattered when his reputation appears to have spread to Africa. He is called in to defend a client on a murder charge.

Rumpole and the Old Boy Net 25.10.83 When a respectable couple are charged with blackmail and running a disorderly house, Rumpole relishes the opportunity o defend them.

Rumpole and the Female of the Species 1.11.83 A small time villain is up on a charge of robbery, meanwhile Rumpole is also fighting the case for a new lady barrister.

Rumpole and the Sporting Life 8.11.83 Rumpole is reluctantly persuaded to defend the sister of the latest barrister in Chambers who is on a murder charge.

Rumpole and the Last Resort 15.11.83 Rumpole is grateful for a brief defending a client on a fraud charge, especially as it helps him to call in some debts.

Series Four.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole and the Old, Old Story 19.1.87 Hugo Lutterworth is charged with attempted murder of the elderly Captain Gleason, a partner in the Woodland Park Garden Centre.

Rumpole and the Blind Tasting 26.1.87 A member of the Timson clan is in trouble for keeping a cellar full of stolen wine in his garage. Rumpole is called in to defend the petty villain.

Rumpole and the Official Secret 2.2.87 Is the Ministry of Defence really going to prosecute the eccentric Miss Tuttle for leaking a story about biscuits.

Rumpole and the Judge's Elbow 9.2.87 A case concerning a massage parlour seems to be causing undue concern to Guthrie Featherstone QC MP.

Rumpole and the Bright Seraphim 16.2.87 An unpopular bullying Sergeant is murdered in Germany and Rumpole is called in to defend Tropper Danny Boyne.

Rumpole's Last Case 23.2.87 Can Rumpole resist the temptation to escape from it all?

Series Five.
In this fifth series, which first aired in 1988, Rumpole finds himself called in to assist a wide variety of defendants. In the first episode, Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation, Rumpole defends the sleazy editor of The Daily Beacon in a libel action, battling with his conscience because the salary is so large and the client so appealing. He also meets up again with the infamous Timson family in Rumpole and the Barrow Boy, this time with the 'upwardly mobile' member of the family.
Other episodes include a consultation with his clergyman nephew regarding adultery, a debacle about 'the tap end' of the bath and an allegedly innocent man involved in terrorism. All six episodes of the fifth series are on this double video or DVD.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation 23.11.88 Rumpole defends the sleazy editor of The Daily Beacon in a libel action and battles with his conscience because the salary is so large and the client so appalling.

Rumpole and the Barrow Boy 30.11.88 Nigel Timson, the upwardly mobile member of the infamous Timson clan is accused of fraud at his city firm and turns to Rumpole for help.

Rumpole and the Age of Miracles 7.12.88 Timothy Donkin, Rumpole's clergyman nephew visits and consults Rumpole on a matter of 'old-fashioned adultery'.

Rumpole and the Tap End 14.12.88 An attempted murder, once again involving a member of the Timson family, evolves into a nationwide debate about who should sit at 'the tap end' at bathtime!

Rumpole and Portia 21.12.88 Rumpole defends a devoted father who has inadvertently become invloved in terrorist activities. Phyllida is promoted to Judge and gains an admirer.

Rumpole and the Quality of Life 28.12.88 Lord Derwent, a famous and walthy artist, is murderred and Rumpole defends Lady Derwent - eventually - although his mind is on food, or lack of it.

Series Six.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole a la Carte 28.10.91 Rumpole handles a messy divorce for fiery restaurenateur O'Higgins, even though he's told O'Higgins that his restaurant is pretentious and not the place for a good night out!

Rumpole and the Summer of Discontent 4.11.91 Rumpole's chambers are 'slimming down' their practice and Rumpole is involved in a Trade Union disputre - as well as 'she who must be obeyed' withdrawing her labour at home.

Rumpole and the Right to Silence 11.11.91 Rumpole becomes involved with a murder at his neice's University and defends the accused.

Rumpole at Sea 18.11.91 Mrs Rumpole arrnages a second honeymoon - a cruise - but Rumpole meets up with his arch enemy Justice Graves and the mood suddenly changes.

Rumpole and the Quacks 25.11.91 Rumpole is sick in bed and a doctor is called but before long the roles are reversed and he is defending the doctor in court.

Rumpole for the Prosecution 2.12.91 Rumpole changes sides from the defence to the prosecution and is forced to 'get into the Christmas Spirit' by his wife and house guest.

Series Seven.

Episode Title B/cast Date Notes

Rumpole and the Children of the Devil 29.10.92 Tracy Timson, the eight year old daughter of the infamous Timson family is suspected of Devil Worship - Rumpole sets out to right the wrongs once more.

Rumpole and the Miscarriage of Justice 5.11.92 Judge Featherstone may have sent the wrong man to prison for murdering a policeman. Rumpole uncovers the truth about the sentence. Was it a miscarraige of justice?

Rumpole and the Eternal Triangle 12.11.92 Rumpole receives the amorous advances of Elizabeth, an attractive female violinist - then Desmond, her husband is arrested for murder and Rumpole is called to defend him.

Rumpole and the Reform of Joby Jonson 19.11.92 Rumpole is defending one Joby Jonson then Joby's Statement of Evidence is stolen from Rumpole's flat. Rumpole endeavours to get his client off against all odds.

Rumpole and the Family Pride 26.11.92 Rumpole and Hilda are invited to visit Hilda's wealthy country cousins. Is this invitation to make up for not being invited to the wedding or is there a separate agenda?

Rumpole on Trial 3.12.92 Rumpole is defending a manslaughter case and behaving in a very aggressive and short-tempered manner. He irks the Judge by speaking to his client whilst still under oath.

RADIO.
There was also a radio adaptation of Mortimers stories in 1980. A total of 13 stories were produced with Maurice Denham in the title role. These are currently being broadcast on BBC7.

Episode Title TX. Date RX. Date Tape No. Notes

Rumpole and the Confession of Guilt 21.07.80 21.06.80 T48445 Produced by Ian Cotterell

Rumpole and the Dear Departed 28.07.80 23.06.08 T42044 Produced by Ian Cotterell

Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail 04.08.80 24.06.80 T48446 Produced by Ian Cotterell

Rumpole and the Rotten Apple 11.08.80 26.06.80 T48447 Produced by Peter King

Rumpole and the Man of God 18.08.80 27.06.80 T48448 Produced by Peter King

Rumpole and the Defence of Guthrie Featherstone 25.08.80 30.06.80 T48449 Produced by Peter King

Rumpole and the Show Folk 01.09.80 01.07.80 T48450 Produced by Ian Cotterell

Rumpole and the Fascist Beast 08.09.80 04.07.80 T42045 Produced by Ian Cotterell

Rumpole and the Case of identity 15.09.80 03.07.80 T48451 Produced by Peter King

Rumpole and the Expert Witness 22.09.80 07.07.80 T48452 Produced by Peter King

Rumpole and the Course of True Love 29.09.80 08.07.80 T48453 Produced by Peter King

Rumpole and the Perils of the Sea 06.10.80 10.07.80 T48454 Produced by Ian Cotterell

Rumpole and the Age for Retirement 13.10.80 11.07.80 T48455 Produced by Ian Cotterell

Episode Title	B/cast Date	Notes
Rumpole and the Younger Generation	3.4.78	A teenager accused of robbery is innocent, however, he is destined for a life of crime.
Rumpole and the Alternative Society	10.4.78	Rumpole is content to be defending a drugs case in the peace of the West Country.
Rumpole and the Honourable Member	17.4.78	Ken Aspen (MP) is accused of rape by one of his election campaign workers.
Rumpole and the Married Lady	24.4.78	While defending a divorce case, Rumpole is in danger of his own marriage breaking up.
Rumpole and the Learned Friends	1.5.78	Was a safecracker framed by a crooked policeman?
Rumpole and the Heavy Brigade	15.5.78	In spite of his battered hat, Rumpole is called in to defend a big murder trial.

Episode Title	B/cast Date	Notes
Rumpole and the Man of God	29.5.79	Rumpole defends a vicar who is in court on a shoplifting charge and manages to upset George Frobisher at the same time.
Rumpole and the Case of Identity	5.6.79	The police are looking for a tall man with long sideburns suspected of a vicious attack. They think Dave Anstey is their man, but Rumpole disagrees.
Rumpole and the Showfolk	12.6.79	Actress Maggie Hartley sacks her leading counsel and asks Rumpole to represent her in a murder case. but has the lawyer been taken in by her charms?
Rumpole and the Fascist Beast	19.6.79	Rumpole defends the known fascist, Captain Rex Parkin on a charge under the Race Relations Act.
Rumpole and the Course of True Love	26.6.79	A baive young teacher is accused of seducing one of his students, which causes Rumpole to muse on the mystery of love.
Rumpole and the Age for Retirement	3.7.79	Rumpole is defending the Timson family and discovers that they are guilty of conspiring to enforce the retirement of an elderly relative. A subject close to the lawyers heart.

Episode Title	B/cast Date	Notes
Rumpole and the Genuine Article	11.10.83	A flamboyant local artist is arrested in connection with an alleged forgery. The artist wants Rumpole to defend him.
Rumpole and the Golden Thread	18.10.83	Rumpole is flattered when his reputation appears to have spread to Africa. He is called in to defend a client on a murder charge.
Rumpole and the Old Boy Net	25.10.83	When a respectable couple are charged with blackmail and running a disorderly house, Rumpole relishes the opportunity o defend them.
Rumpole and the Female of the Species	1.11.83	A small time villain is up on a charge of robbery, meanwhile Rumpole is also fighting the case for a new lady barrister.
Rumpole and the Sporting Life	8.11.83	Rumpole is reluctantly persuaded to defend the sister of the latest barrister in Chambers who is on a murder charge.
Rumpole and the Last Resort	15.11.83	Rumpole is grateful for a brief defending a client on a fraud charge, especially as it helps him to call in some debts.

Episode Title	B/cast Date	Notes
Rumpole and the Old, Old Story	19.1.87	Hugo Lutterworth is charged with attempted murder of the elderly Captain Gleason, a partner in the Woodland Park Garden Centre.
Rumpole and the Blind Tasting	26.1.87	A member of the Timson clan is in trouble for keeping a cellar full of stolen wine in his garage. Rumpole is called in to defend the petty villain.
Rumpole and the Official Secret	2.2.87	Is the Ministry of Defence really going to prosecute the eccentric Miss Tuttle for leaking a story about biscuits.
Rumpole and the Judge's Elbow	9.2.87	A case concerning a massage parlour seems to be causing undue concern to Guthrie Featherstone QC MP.
Rumpole and the Bright Seraphim	16.2.87	An unpopular bullying Sergeant is murdered in Germany and Rumpole is called in to defend Tropper Danny Boyne.
Rumpole's Last Case	23.2.87	Can Rumpole resist the temptation to escape from it all?

Episode Title	B/cast Date	Notes
Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation	23.11.88	Rumpole defends the sleazy editor of The Daily Beacon in a libel action and battles with his conscience because the salary is so large and the client so appalling.
Rumpole and the Barrow Boy	30.11.88	Nigel Timson, the upwardly mobile member of the infamous Timson clan is accused of fraud at his city firm and turns to Rumpole for help.
Rumpole and the Age of Miracles	7.12.88	Timothy Donkin, Rumpole's clergyman nephew visits and consults Rumpole on a matter of 'old-fashioned adultery'.
Rumpole and the Tap End	14.12.88	An attempted murder, once again involving a member of the Timson family, evolves into a nationwide debate about who should sit at 'the tap end' at bathtime!
Rumpole and Portia	21.12.88	Rumpole defends a devoted father who has inadvertently become invloved in terrorist activities. Phyllida is promoted to Judge and gains an admirer.
Rumpole and the Quality of Life	28.12.88	Lord Derwent, a famous and walthy artist, is murderred and Rumpole defends Lady Derwent - eventually - although his mind is on food, or lack of it.

Episode Title	B/cast Date	Notes
Rumpole a la Carte	28.10.91	Rumpole handles a messy divorce for fiery restaurenateur O'Higgins, even though he's told O'Higgins that his restaurant is pretentious and not the place for a good night out!
Rumpole and the Summer of Discontent	4.11.91	Rumpole's chambers are 'slimming down' their practice and Rumpole is involved in a Trade Union disputre - as well as 'she who must be obeyed' withdrawing her labour at home.
Rumpole and the Right to Silence	11.11.91	Rumpole becomes involved with a murder at his neice's University and defends the accused.
Rumpole at Sea	18.11.91	Mrs Rumpole arrnages a second honeymoon - a cruise - but Rumpole meets up with his arch enemy Justice Graves and the mood suddenly changes.
Rumpole and the Quacks	25.11.91	Rumpole is sick in bed and a doctor is called but before long the roles are reversed and he is defending the doctor in court.
Rumpole for the Prosecution	2.12.91	Rumpole changes sides from the defence to the prosecution and is forced to 'get into the Christmas Spirit' by his wife and house guest.

Episode Title	B/cast Date	Notes
Rumpole and the Children of the Devil	29.10.92	Tracy Timson, the eight year old daughter of the infamous Timson family is suspected of Devil Worship - Rumpole sets out to right the wrongs once more.
Rumpole and the Miscarriage of Justice	5.11.92	Judge Featherstone may have sent the wrong man to prison for murdering a policeman. Rumpole uncovers the truth about the sentence. Was it a miscarraige of justice?
Rumpole and the Eternal Triangle	12.11.92	Rumpole receives the amorous advances of Elizabeth, an attractive female violinist - then Desmond, her husband is arrested for murder and Rumpole is called to defend him.
Rumpole and the Reform of Joby Jonson	19.11.92	Rumpole is defending one Joby Jonson then Joby's Statement of Evidence is stolen from Rumpole's flat. Rumpole endeavours to get his client off against all odds.
Rumpole and the Family Pride	26.11.92	Rumpole and Hilda are invited to visit Hilda's wealthy country cousins. Is this invitation to make up for not being invited to the wedding or is there a separate agenda?
Rumpole on Trial	3.12.92	Rumpole is defending a manslaughter case and behaving in a very aggressive and short-tempered manner. He irks the Judge by speaking to his client whilst still under oath.

Episode Title	TX. Date	RX. Date	Tape No.	Notes
Rumpole and the Confession of Guilt	21.07.80	21.06.80	T48445	Produced by Ian Cotterell
Rumpole and the Dear Departed	28.07.80	23.06.08	T42044	Produced by Ian Cotterell
Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail	04.08.80	24.06.80	T48446	Produced by Ian Cotterell
Rumpole and the Rotten Apple	11.08.80	26.06.80	T48447	Produced by Peter King
Rumpole and the Man of God	18.08.80	27.06.80	T48448	Produced by Peter King
Rumpole and the Defence of Guthrie Featherstone	25.08.80	30.06.80	T48449	Produced by Peter King
Rumpole and the Show Folk	01.09.80	01.07.80	T48450	Produced by Ian Cotterell
Rumpole and the Fascist Beast	08.09.80	04.07.80	T42045	Produced by Ian Cotterell
Rumpole and the Case of identity	15.09.80	03.07.80	T48451	Produced by Peter King
Rumpole and the Expert Witness	22.09.80	07.07.80	T48452	Produced by Peter King
Rumpole and the Course of True Love	29.09.80	08.07.80	T48453	Produced by Peter King
Rumpole and the Perils of the Sea	06.10.80	10.07.80	T48454	Produced by Ian Cotterell
Rumpole and the Age for Retirement	13.10.80	11.07.80	T48455	Produced by Ian Cotterell