Introduction

Rumpole of the Bailey is a British television series created and written by the British writer and barrister John Mortimer.

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It starred Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, an elderly London barrister who defended a broad variety of clients, often underdogs.

The TV series led to the stories being presented in other media including books and radio.

The “Bailey” of the title is a reference to the Central Criminal Court, the “Old Bailey”.

Outline

Rumpole finds himself defending Captain Rex Parkin, a fascist whose racist views do not sit well with the counsel for the defence but for whom Rumpole will defend the right to free speech.

Parkin however seems to think that martyrdom, in the form of a guilty plea and a maximum sentence, is what is required but Rumpole thinks otherwise.

In the circumstances, Rumpole is more than pleased to take on a new pupil, Latif Khan, a pupil barrister from the Punjab, much to the horror of Parkin. Mr. Khan’s presence in Chambers creates some tension among the barristers, but works to his advantage when his application for a vacancy is considered.

Rumpole of the Bailey Episodes

You can find a full index of Rumpole of the Bailey here.

Production & Filming Details

• Creator(s): John Mortimer.
• Director(s): Robert Knights.
• Producer(s): Jacqueline Davis.
• Writer(s): John Mortimer.
• Music: Joseph Horovitz.
• Editor(s): Ray Ball.
• Production: Thames Television.
• Distributor(s): Fremantle Media International and ITV.
• Release Date: 19 June 1979.
• Running Time: 50 minutes.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.