Customer Reviews

Rumpole of the Bailey - The Lost Episode

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had rather low expectations for this first-ever appearance of Horace Rumpole, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how well developed the Rumpole character was right from the get-go. Many of the hallmarks of the long running series are here: She Who Must Be Obeyed, the Penge Bungalow Murders, frequent recitations of Wordsworth, corrupt detective inspectors, and small cigars. Even son Nick makes an appearance (although he's in a bit of a foul mood). The only thing I found jarring was Rumpole's initial attempt to get his client to plead guilty, something the later Rumpole would never do. Still, Leo McKern nails the part right out of the chute, which makes this episode a fine introduction to John Mortimer's beloved barrister.

The "special features" on the DVD are mostly worthless, but the real reason you're buying this is to see an episode of Rumpole you've probably never seen before. That alone is worth the price.

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!

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.

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.

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.

This one will be of interest to all fans of the Rumpole of the Bailey series as it was the pilot which initially introduced Leo McKern's interpretation of the character to the world. Although initially John Mortimer was not enthusiastic about McKern in the role, after watching him in rehearsal he became enthusiastic about the choice of Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole.

The stand-alone pilot which was presented on December 17, 1975, was such a big success that plans were later made to create a series based on these stories by John Mortimer. The first of the series aired on April 3, 1978 when a series of six episodes was broadcast with great success.

It is interesting to see how well developed the character is in this initial episode, many of the character traits we were to later associate with Rumpole are present in this pilot. One difference I noted was a more serious introspective Rumpole; the later series was lighter hearted and displayed a Rumpole that could find the humorous side of a situation with considerable ease. This was probably a wise decision in the characterization of Rumpole.

The story is well done and displays all of the ingenuity that was to become so typical of Rumpole's defense of his clients in the later series; a happy addition to the collection of any fan of Rumpole of the Bailey.

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.

This dvd turned out to offer a far better story than my wife and I had imagined. We always enjoyed the old Rumpole series when it was on TV, 20+ years ago. So, when we decided to order the dvd anthology, this piece came up as an Amazon suggestion. At first, I thought it a bit pricey but went ahead anyway. I'm very glad I did.

The only downside of the dvd is that it doesn't offer subtitles so you can follow the British slang and idiom. But the story and acting of this 1975 pilot for the Rumpole series (1978-92) are topnotch. Beware to Rumpole fans. This is not a comedy, although there are humorous and sardonic bits along the way. When Rumpole's son, Nick, is introduced, we expect him to idolize his brilliant father. But no, he disapproves of the way Horace argues cases to get criminals to go free. The only person who could write such a thing would be someone like John Mortimer who himself was a barrister in the Old Bailey.

Other reviewers have found fault with the actress playing Hilda, Rumpole's wife. True, she is not as amusing and engaging as the two who followed her in the part. But she does OK, as "she who must be obeyed." Other characters are also portrayed well, including the uptight judge, police inspector, and public prosecutor. These people just become putty in Rumpole's hands as he appeals to the jury to find his client innocent. He does so in the end in a most unexpected way.

Summing up, this is a first-rate story of Horace Rumpole with all his faults and foibles. But with his knowledge of the law and how to plead a case that no one can match. If you enjoy the other Rumpole stories don't fail to get this one. It has to be in his top five. Highly recommended.

This was the pilot of the later full TV series. Good but not as good as the series that followed which were pretty uniformly excellent. So if you haven't watched any of the Rumpole start with the main series. If you really enjoy Rumpole you will want to come back to this to see how it all started.

Fascinating first invocation of Rumpole. More stagey than the series; and She Who Must Be Obeyed is a lush ....