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Rating:  - Rumpled but fantastic
The best of Television, just take out the John Mortimore garble and those big big glasses before each episode and it would make my entertainment complete viva the remote control. I hate comedy, but for this I concede I could not stop laughing and I wished I was Rumpole and had all those great prose to hand. The lines are so tight, thank god he doesnt win every case like the modern day Court drama TV ala Law and Order. This is a classic that I will rewatch as I am sure I will forever see different things not spotted before, with the strongest of casts it is in a nutshell the finest of classic and contemporary TV.
Rating: - I could never pass the bar! I had to at least have one drink!!
This television series enjoyed a long on again off again life for Thames Television and the USA in the PBS Mystery Series.
The essence of this highly interesting Series is the character of Horace Rumpole an aging barrister who defends clients from petty thieves to murderers.
The scripts written by John Mortimer emphasizes Rampole's reverence for English law which he adheres to the basic principal of innocence until proven guilty. Although Rumpole is considered a legend at the Bailey, he's not the Perry Mason who wins every trial. Rather we see a Rumpole who is very human and subject to the temptations and bad habits known to us all. However Rumpole is indeed wise, intelligent and a compassionate man.
Rumpole is guided in his family life by the indomitable Hilda Rumpole. Hilda keeps Rumpole on the straight and narrow. Remember it is She who must be obeyed! Her expectations for Rumpole at his advanced age is to be a Circuit Judge or a QC. In reality Rumpole wants none of that! What he does want is to win a scrape at the old Bailey. This constant interaction between Hilda and Rumpole makes for the basic essence of the entire story that Mr. Mortimer is trying to convey.
Mortimer intertwines recurrent characters throughout the 44 episodes over the span of 13 years. Such characters as Justice Roger Billingham (The Mad Bull), Justice Vosper, Justice Gerald Graves, Dodo MacKontosh and my absolute favorite Fig (Soaking Wet) Newton all bring predictable scenarios and comic relief.
In all of the Rumpole episodes we get the sense of purpose and duty of what Rumpole is trying to do. He wants no titles or honors. What is important to him is that justice is indeed served. He is an educated man who does deserve the qualification such as QC in his title. In retrospect what Horace really wants is the title of the true defender of the common man.
Each on these episodes are written to entertain and educate the people in English law. In each episode Rumpole will lead us into scenarios that are different and quite unorthodox. You have no idea where the story will lead.
Leo McKern portrays this rather simple barrister with a complicated demeanor as no one else can. Another excellent British Series which I say deserves 5 Stars!
Rating: - Rumpole at his best
Once a Horace Rumpole fan, always a Horace Rumpole fan. This is a great complete series. It has all the shows PLUS each episode is introduced by John Moritmer the author. If you enjoy British TV series this is one which should be considered. She Who Must Be Obeyed demands it...
Rating: - She Who Must Be Obeyed!
This is a timeless British classic that can be viewed over and over again - brilliantly written and acted, you will never tire of watching this. Famous for the line where Rumpole regularly refers to his wife as "She Who Must Be Obeyed"!
Rating: - SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED!!!!!
You need to be a true Rumpole fan to understand that one. I highly encourage purchasing this one as it is the complete "Old Bailey Hacks" adventures as Hilda refers to him as. I think you won't be let down unless you truly are not a fan of British Television.
Rumpole is a must have for your collection!
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