Product Description

Rumpole defends a young black man accused of stabbing a white man.
Genre: Television
Rating: NR
Release Date: 6-JAN-2004
Media Type: DVD

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12076 in DVD
• Brand: MCKERN,LEO
• Released on: 2004-01-06
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .24 pounds
• Running time: 65 minutes

Amazon.com
"You'll have a bit of fun with this one, Mr. Rumpole," and so will fans of this venerable BBC series. This may not be Horace Rumpole's absolute finest hour (65 minutes, to be exact), but it is his first. John Mortimer introduced his crusty, irrepressible British barrister in this long-lost 1975 television play, originally broadcast as part of the anthology series Play for Today. Leo McKern doesn't portray so much as inhabit Rumpole, as cynical about the justice system ("Crime doesn't pay, but it's a living") as he is passionate about defending his clients; in this case, a sullen black youth accused of stabbing a stranger at a bus stop. Though his wife ("she who must be obeyed") needles him as "an old Bailey hack," he rises to the occasion after determining that there is more to this "20-minute case" than simply "just another boy with a dagger." It's grand fun watching Rumpole get the best of scowling judges and corrupt policemen. Rumpole could very well have been reviewing this episode when he tells his son, Nick, "Sometimes, it goes well... sweet and easy as knocking back a pint of Guinness." -- Donald Liebenson

britamtvdvds.blogspot.com, February 11, 2007
5 Stars - This episode was thought, "Lost" but lucky for us it wasn't.

Customer Reviews

A Fine Introduction to Rumpole
I had rather low expectations for this first-ever appearance of Horace Rumpole, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how well developed the Rumpole character was right from the get-go. Many of the hallmarks of the long running series are here: She Who Must Be Obeyed, the Penge Bungalow Murders, frequent recitations of Wordsworth, corrupt detective inspectors, and small cigars. Even son Nick makes an appearance (although he's in a bit of a foul mood). The only thing I found jarring was Rumpole's initial attempt to get his client to plead guilty, something the later Rumpole would never do. Still, Leo McKern nails the part right out of the chute, which makes this episode a fine introduction to John Mortimer's beloved barrister.

The "special features" on the DVD are mostly worthless, but the real reason you're buying this is to see an episode of Rumpole you've probably never seen before. That alone is worth the price.

A Rumpole episode you never saw before!
Rumpole of the Bailey, that poetry-quoting British barrister, bane to prosecutors and Old Bailey judges, and well known creation of author John Mortimer, got his start in 1978 with the creation of the Rumpole series, right? Wrong! In point of fact, Rumpole first saw the light in 1975, when John Mortimer wrote a screenplay for the series Play For Today. And now, after all of these years, you can see the very first ever Rumpole of the Bailey!

This wonderful show has all of the quality that you expect from the later Rumpoles, but with a few surprises. Leo McKern appears as Horace Rumpole and David Yelland appears as his son Nick Rumpole, but those are the only faces you'll recognize. Joyce Heron appears as Hilda Rumpole, and all of the judges and lawyers are strangers. Also, most strange is Rumpole's attempt to get a client to plea bargain.

But, that aside, this is a very good Rumpole story, with an interesting plot and wonderful twist in the way that Rumpole gets his client off. So, if you are a fan of Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, then I can definitely say that you will like this DVD. I really enjoyed seeing a Rumpole episode that I have never seen before! I love this DVD and give it my absolutely highest recommendations!

The Lost Episode of Rumpole
I saw this DVD in December of 2004. It was a recorded episode presented as a play on British TV and turned out to be a pilot for the series since its success resulted in the series being created. It was a little more dramatic than the series episodes, and had a different actress portraying the wife (She who must be Obeyed). There was more character development of Rumpole and featured more tension between Rumpole and his son. I found it better, though less comedic than the series, but nevertheless very enjoyable.