Rumpole of the Bailey

Rumpole is an endearing character full of vim and vigor, as they say. despite his casual appearance and his well worn hat, he is a master of the courtroom and a defender of peoples rights to the end.

I got into Rumpole when I discovered episodes on tapes I inherited from my grandfather when his hearing started to go and couldn't listen to them anymore. I was so enchanted that I started reading the Rumpole books I found at the library as well.

Rumoole of the Bailey is one of the really great English shows! But perhaps someone can enlighten me: What's the story on IMDb and the photos?

"Rumpole of The Bailey" is one of those classic British comedic dramas that found fertile ground on American Public TV. Shown on these shores as part of the "Masterpiece Mystery" anthology series, Rumpole brings us a crusty "Old Bailey Hack," masterfully played by Leo McKern, who plies his trade amongst the common thieves and villains that inhabit the criminal courts of Britain.

Horace Rumpole is not one of those rich high flying barristers. He's an 'Old Bailey hack' who is equally comfortable with Magistrates Courts.

Before I got engrossed in this brilliant show, I considered Kavanagh QC my favourite legal drama. Now after watching Rumpole of the Bailey, I have changed my mind, though Kavanagh QC will always have a special place in my heart.

There are few TV characters more fascinating than Leo McKern's Rumpole. He's a portly, cigar-smoking, claret-swilling, poetry-spouting egotistical lawyer with an almost absurd confidence in his abilities and an absolute dedication to defending the accused (particularly the Timsons!

Rumpole of the Bailey is one of those television shows, like Upstairs/Downstairs, I Love Lucy, The Prisoner, and a few others that are so well written, performed and produced, all things considered, that they are beyond criticism after a certain point in time.What keeps Rumpole of the Bailey afloat is Leo McKern's Rumpole.

Only the incomparable Leo McKern could play the role of Horace Rumpole, the old Bailey hack. Each episode is a gem in and of itself.