"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. He refuses to move amongst the higher class of barristers, British for trial lawyers, referring to the senior Queens Counsels (QC) as "queer customers." One should not infer any homophobia here, Rumpole is the ultimate egalitarian, all who come before the bar of justice are entitled to "the Golden Thread" of British justice, the presumption of innocence until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He encounters many characters who attempt to derail his efforts, unreasonable judges like "The Bull" and pompous heads of chambers, including the fence sitting Guthrie Featherstone QC MP, played by "To The Manor Born's" Peter Bowles and the Bible thumping prig "Soapy" Sam Ballard (also called Bollard by Rumpole), played to delicious perfection by Peter Blythe. His overly ambitious wife Hilda, known to Rumpole as "She Who Must Be Obeyed," constantly chafes at the penury that she has become accustomed to. She is particularly embarrassed by Rumpole's habits, the ash of small cigars staining his robes and his fondness for cheap wine, which he calls Château Thames Embankment. An assortment of other characters of the court give "Rumpole" the unique feel the very best programs of its genre provide. It takes its place with "Morse" (Oxford turned sideways) and programs that didn't make the trip across the pond, "Minder" and "Only Fools And Horses." The series is based on the highly successful "Rumpole of The Bailey" short stories written by John Mortimer, ironically a QC barrister before turning to a highly successful career as an author. "Rumpole" hasn't been seen on these shores in quite some time. It is overdue for a return to our screens.
Review of Rumpole of the Bailey
