Rumpole of the Bailey - The Lost Episode

Starring:Leo McKern, Joyce Heron, David Yelland, Olga Lowe, Herbert Norville, Noel Willman, Vernon Dobtcheff
Director: John Gorrie
Studio: Acorn Media
Product Type: DVD

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

Customer Reviews:

A Rumpole episode you never saw before!.......2006-06-03

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!

British humor is an acquired taste, but well worth the effort.......2006-03-24

The Rumpole series is a great example of British humor. While it takes a little time and some effort to enjoy Rumpole, the effort will bear fruit after only the first few episodes. Having all of the series in one package allowes the viewer to watch the actors grow into their roles. Then, as John Mortimer points out, the roles begin to be tailored to the outstanding skills of the actors and the viewers experience becomes even more enjoyable. The main benefit is having all the shows available and not having to wait a week between showns and months between seasons. Well worth the price.

Enjoyable and interesting........2005-09-26

As a longtime Rumpole it was fun to see the "first" episode, especially noting the slight differences in character and background and attitude. (Especially Rumpole's willingness to let a client plead "Guilty," something which is absolutely against his credo in the later, regular series.) Yet, it was amazing to see how fully formed and complete the Rumpole character already was, considering that this was a one-shot, never intended to be a long-running series.

Saddened and Disappointed.......2005-08-22

The basis of the character Rumpole is presented and one can see the basis for the unique Rumpole. Unfortunately, "She who must be obeyed" is barely recognizeable as herlater character; which is to the good. The element of saddness is that Rumpole is so wrapped into his own life at the Bailey that he is oblivious to the fact that his son not only does not share his interest but strongly resents the Bailey as a rival for his father' attention and love. The disappointment is that Rumpole who is so perceptive in so many areas of life (which revolve around the Old Bailey) that he is oblivious to his son's true feelings. Even when his son confronts him and spells out his hostility, Rumpole is able to go on and continue with the lie that he and his son are close. That may be overstating it a bit; but, not by much.

The Lost Episode of Rumpole.......2004-12-31

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.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Swordsman III - The East is Red

The Endless Summer

West Of The Pecos / Nevada [1944]

DVD: Love to Kill

Blue Sky