Customer Reviews

Rumpole of the Bailey: The Complete Series Megaset

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4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(2)
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'Rumpole of the Bailey' is one of my favourite book series, and is also one of my favourite television series of all time. Spanning well over a decade, Thames television produced over 40 episodes of the crusty old barrister's tales, penned both for book and screen by John Mortimer, who used to take delight in highlighting silliness in judicial judgements by putting those decisions into the guise of his own judges, perhaps most especially judge Bullingham.

Leo McKern, a well-known British character actor perhaps most famous internationally for 'A Man for All Seasons' and 'Shoes of the Fisherman', found this great role late in life, and became the quintessential image for Rumpole. He performed the role through all the episodes (presented in the UK originally starting in 1978, and continuing with a few gaps through 1992, and presented in the USA via the PBS Mystery series approximately the same time), joined by two different actresses portraying Hilda Rumpole (Peggy Thorpe-Bates and Marion Mathie), affectionately referred to as 'She Who Must Be Obeyed'. Rumpole's mannerisms and penchant for the less genteel things in life are done by McKern in a perfect contrast to the others in Chambers, be they Guthrie Featherstone (played by Peter Bowles as an upper-middle, Conservative-Labour MP QC) or 'Soapy Sam' Ballard (Peter Blythe), Claude Erskine-Brown (Julian Curry) or Phyllida Erskine-Brown ne Trant (Patricia Hodge).

There are set pieces about these episodes, but they are far from formulaic. Unlike some American counterparts with which one might hazard a comparison, Rumpole does not always win the case, although he almost always solves the mystery. Rarely do cases turn on points of law (indeed, Phyllida Erskine-Brown, the 'Portia' of Chambers once remarked that Rumpole knew nothing of law, but did know how to win over a jury), but the cases usually involve issues of eccentricity, both among those in the legal profession as well as among those who have need of the legal profession. Most shows involve several subplots, and the line between victory and defeat is often blurry. However, there will always be an England, at least in certain ways: As Rumpole said once during a defence, the English nation when it is long gone will be remembered for three things -- the English breakfast, the Oxford Book of English Verse (the Quiller-Couch Edition), and the presumption of innocence - this is Rumpole's mantra, and his statement of faith.

Rumpole is always for the defense - even in the later story of 'Rumpole for the Prosecution', in which Rumpole is hired to conduct a private prosecution, he manages to provide through his searching for the truth the best defence for the defendant. Rumpole, it seems, will never be anything but the champion for the defence.

This set includes the episodes from each series as well as the two-hour telefilm, 'Rumpole's Return', a re-introduction to Rumpole after the early run of shows which ended with Rumpole nearing retirement. The disc with 'Rumpole's Return' includes several other bonus features, including a brief biography of John Mortimer, a brief history of the Old Bailey, and a list of executioners of the Old Bailey neighbouring Newgate Prison, the last of whom performed his final duty in 1902.

This is a great set piece that fans of mystery, fans of legal drama (with more than a small hint of wit and, occasionally, the ridiculous) and fans of British television generally will find a joy to view. Sit back with your favourite glass of red wine (Chateau Fleet Street comes highly recommended) and wander into a London which is a blend of the thoroughly modern and practically medieval.

Picture quality is good. Menu is fine and episodes seem to be organized in chronological order. Nothing about this collection surprised or disappointed me.

I don't know why Amazon doesn't list Leo Mckern as the principle actor - don't worry, this is the version you think it is.

Each episode is introduced by the author of the books, John Mortimer.
With all 42 episodes at about 50 min each, I think it is a pretty good value.

I hadn't seen this excellant series since it was first shown on public television years ago. I was much younger then, and even though I quite enjoyed it, I don't think I appreciated just how good it was and still is. When I saw that I could purchase the entire series for some 40% off, I couldn't pass it up and I'm very glad I didn't. If you are an anglophile, or even not an anglophile, but are tired of the barrage of mindless mediocrity in entertainment that surrounds us, then treat yourself to hours of truly intelligent, wry, witty and sometimes poignant entertainment. I think you have to be over 40 to fully appreciate Rumpole. Also, I was quite satisfied with the remastering.

One of the best in a very good field. Leo McKern's performances are flawless and he makes a truly larger than life, Dickensian character come alive. These are less mysteries really than they are a serial comic-dramas. All the characters are wonderfully drawn and many are adverse to the hero while still be sympathetically human.

The video series Rumpole of the Bailey was great as far as it went but it doesn't include the complete series. The series is missing 10 of it's 52 episodes due to publisher's negligence. The publishers need to get with it...and stop referring to it as a "complete" series. And extend the series to include the additional 10 missing episodes.

Rumpole of the Bailey - The Complete Series
If you like English series, which include wonderful subtle humor and a lack of violence, you'll love this one!
My husband and I have watched all of this series and throughly enjoyed it. We intend to watch it all again one day. It is truly great!
Like a good series of books, these DVD's put you in touch with wonderful characters. Once the series is over you miss keeping in touch with their interwoven lives and trials.
This is one experience I heartily recommend.

One of the all-time great British series and one of the best ever courtroom series is Rumpole of the Bailey. These films are wonderful productions full of interesting characters, humorous situations and compelling stories. If you like the John Mortimer books--and if you haven't read any, you should immediately--you will greatly enjoy all of the films. Each episode is introduced by Mortimer, who gives us plenty of insight into how the particular story came to be. The late Leo McKern came to embody Rumpole; it's impossible to even imagine another actor who could begin to approach McKern in the role.

One could go on and on about what it is that makes Rumpole the person so endearing: his irascibility, his patience with his high-strung, somewhat shrewish wife Hilda--the legendary She Who Must Be Obeyed, and at the same time his scathingly rebellious retorts in response to her demands (always mumbled under his breath, of course), his impatience with the stuffed shirts he must deal with each day (many of whom are justices), his courtroom cunning, his equanimity, his constant mutterings, oaths, and soliloquies, frequently coming up with a few lines of his beloved Wordsworth to suit the particular occasion, his affection for "Chateau de Thames Embankment" (a cheap "plonk" or table wine served at his favorite pub, Pomeroy's, conveniently located near the Old Bailey), his cheap cigars, his rumpled old hat, his dedication to his profession, his affection for the many cheap crooks and artful dodgers he defends, and his absolute and total abhorrence of the guilty plea.

Surrounded by snobs and status-seeking social climbers, Rumpole is completely and totally without pretense. He'd much rather rub worn elbows with shady, blue-collar criminals than the haughty, monied upper classes.
Hilda, bless her heart, keeps pushing and prodding Horace, hoping he will someday "take silk" or perhaps become a justice, but Horace can't see himself as anything other than an "Old Bailey Hack".

But there is a fabulous collection of supporting characters here as well: Guthrie Featherstone, the pompous and vain former head of chambers who has now reached his ultimate goal: judgeship. Guthrie, who is greatly relishing the prestige of his position, sees himself as a Solomon-like figure, but is treated like an errant child by his domineering wife Marigold. Claude Erskine-Brown is married to Philida, who's shamed Claude by reaching QC (Queen's Council) before him; Claude is a special target for darts from Rumpole, but the opera-loving, philandering Claude is usually so preoccupied and full of himself that he misses Rumpoles' skewerings. Soapy Sam Ballard is the new Head of Chambers, and it's difficult to determine which of the two--Sam or Claude--is the biggest ninny. There are many, many other rich and vibrant characters haunting the rooms of Equity Court.

You will love this series, and never tire of it; it's well worth the investment. And don't forget to read the books as well!

I liked this series when it was on TV awile back. Rumpole is quite a character and realizes early on that because he likes criminal law and particularly being a defense lawyer that he will never be Head of Chambers. He accepts that, but his wife definitely does not. She is a social climber from the word "go". If I ever needed a defense attorney, I would like to have someone like him defending me.

I first encountered the fascinating Rumpole Series quite by accident---my own lawyer, Otto, was a huge fan when the series played on PBS originally in the 1980s. He got me started on it. While I did enjoy the occassional episode I saw while visiting him at his home, I confess I never really understood the show all that much. You know, British law---it seems a bit odd to an American, I admit. And I swear, if you blink or step out for a snack--you will miss quite a bit of what's going on. So, do try to focus when watching, it really helps with the show's subtleties and distinctive British colloquialisms. But I now know what I was missing: simply the best written and performed legal drama of the last century---bar none. Not even the late, great Charles Laughton, in--Witness for the Prosecution--could hold a candle to Leo McKern when he's on one of his thunderous rolls before the bench of justice.

Now the deal you get here for your money is actually a good one: All the original episodes--but one--the Lost Episode--is included. And while I think the quality of the production was fairly good for the period---please remember we're talking British Television of some 20-30 years ago---it was a taped show...Thank God for the digital revolution.....Just think: those original tapes might have mouldered away by now if they hadn't been digitized and preserved.

The scripts and plots do appear as relevant today as they ever were. There may be mild language issues and a bit of tasteful nudity included which might offend some households--but you know who you are.

Horace Rumpole is a truly original character and John Mortimer was an extremely clever writer who appears to have cooked up the perfect role for Leo McKern. He's an old avuncular kind of guy who has lent enormous dignity to every role he's played.

While I might criticize the lack of foreign language options--it's english or nothing, folks--but to me, the deal is still a good one. The boxed set is attractive enough on a shelf. The disks were totally without defects and play well enough. The cast is first rate--Patricia Hodge, Peter Bowles, and Jonathan Coy all shine in their performances as well. And Abigail McKern--Leo's own daughter, also acquits herself nicely a bit later in the show as Rumpole's feisty and formidable junior lawyer. All in all, it was a wonderful assemblege of talent that had rare chemistry on the T.V. screen. John Mortimer, the author, was gracious enough to introduce each episode with a brief outline where he offers a few charming insights into the filming of the show.

But I have to tell you it's gratifying simply to have such a large body of Leo Mckern's work available at all. You know, I've looked for copies of some of his early work---for example, his first starring film role---Travelling North--without much success--unless you care for VHS cassettes. Leo seemed to prefer the stage to Television or even movies....His film work almost exclusively casts him in much smaller, though important supporting roles. The Shoes of the Fisherman being my favorite although he also did a very poigniant documentary on the Battle of the Somme--in 1976--if you care to catch a glimpse of old Leo without his stock makeup.

But it is a remarkably short series--sadly, only 44 episodes....Fact is, if you had a chance to see Leo Mckern live onstage, you can count yourself blessed. Because much of his best work apparently was unrecorded as it was in live theater productions--so all we have is the choice bits of film work that he did consent to perform with which to remember the man by.

Not that he didn't perform his few film roles flawlessly, it's just that you'd think Hollywood would have taken adavantage of his potential a bit more than they did. And let's not forget this is a man who suffered from terrible stagefright. It's a wonder he ever went into the profession---given that he was scaring and stressing himself half to death--while delighting his fans---with each and every performance.

So, here's to you, Leo. We clearly took you for granted for far too many years....We all regret that now, I assure you. But we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of your onscreen performances whenever you did manage to pop up....

And you will be sorely missed, you dear old Bailey Hack. But thanks, at least,
for leaving us this smigeon of great performance art to remember you by. I would recommend this collection as a gift to anyone who cherishes short, fat, balding, cigar-chomping men who so audaciously and eloquently defend the rights of common people everywhere--armed only with their wits, a crumpled hat, and their ever trusty umbrella.

Will there ever be another actor like Leo Mckern? Not likely, old darlings. Not in our lifetimes....Which in my view is reason enough to add this unique series to your own fine film collection.

When considering my review about this show there are items that would sound less than positive, like my feelings for the pompous Sam Ballard, who acts more like a modern day pharisee than a true Christain or the nagging wives and the womanizing barrister/judge. And then there is Rumpole himself who drinks too much, eats too much and smokes too much. When I first began the series I thought Rumpole to be a grumpy old man and I had to laugh the first time I saw John Mortimer with his huge Adam Ant glasses. But as I watched more I went from laughing at Rumpole and Mr. Mortimer, to laughing with them, to enjoying their company and finally to becoming friends. The stories are very well written and Leo McKern is a perfect Rumpole of the Bailey. I may not want to become like Rumpole or encourage my son to use him as a role model, but I would like to have him as my friend. By the end of the show you have a warm feeling for Rumpole and his creator and you have many fond memories. At first I questioned the high marks that others were awarding this show but now I echo them. If I knew Shakespeare better I would give an appropriate quote to summarize this review, but as it is, I will leave that to my friend Rumpole.