Rumpole of the Bailey (1975)
The beloved British legal comedy-drama starring Leo McKern as the indomitable barrister Horace Rumpole, defending clients with wit and stubborn principle.
Rumpole of the Bailey - Series Information
- Original Title: Rumpole of the Bailey
- First Air Year: 1975
- Last Air Year: 1992
- Created by: John Mortimer
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 42
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: December 17, 1975 (United States - TV-PG), December 17, 1975 (Germany - 12), December 17, 1975 (France - 12), December 17, 1975 (Australia - PG), December 17, 1975 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Rumpole of the Bailey - Plot
Rumpole of the Bailey is a British television series created and written by the British writer and barrister John Mortimer. It stars Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, an aging London barrister who defends any and all clients, and has been spun off into a series of short stories, novels, and radio programmes.
Rumpole of the Bailey - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Horace Rumpole's courtroom world:
TV's Best Loved Barrister
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Rumpole of the Bailey - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John Mortimer
Main Cast
- Leo McKern
- Jonathan Coy
- Julian Curry
- Richard Murdoch
- Patricia Hodge
- Peter Blythe
- Marion Mathie
- Maureen Darbyshire
- Peggy Thorpe-Bates
- Peter Bowles
Writers
- John Mortimer
Executive Producers
- Rebecca Eaton
- Lloyd Shirley
Rumpole of the Bailey - FAQs
Who plays Horace Rumpole in Rumpole of the Bailey?
Leo McKern plays Horace Rumpole, the irrepressible aging barrister at the heart of the series. McKern's portrayal became iconic, earning widespread acclaim for his warmth, wit, and commanding screen presence across all seven seasons of the show.
Is Rumpole of the Bailey based on a true story?
Rumpole of the Bailey is not based on a specific true story, but creator John Mortimer drew heavily on his own experiences as a practicing barrister. The character of Horace Rumpole is widely considered a fictional composite inspired by real-life legal figures and courtroom culture.
When did Rumpole of the Bailey first air?
Rumpole of the Bailey first aired on December 17, 1975, as a single Play for Today production on ITV1. It proved so popular that it was commissioned as a full series, eventually running for seven seasons and 42 episodes before concluding in 1992.
How many seasons does Rumpole of the Bailey have?
Rumpole of the Bailey has 7 seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 42 episodes. Each season contains 6 episodes, with the specials adding 3 additional installments. The series ran from 1975 to 1992 on ITV1 in the United Kingdom.
Where can you watch Rumpole of the Bailey?
Rumpole of the Bailey is available to stream on BritBox, PBS, BritBox Amazon Channel, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, BritBox Apple TV Channel, and WETA+. KQED also offers the series with ads. Availability may vary by region.
Is Rumpole of the Bailey worth watching?
Rumpole of the Bailey is widely regarded as a classic of British television. Critics and audiences praise Leo McKern's magnetic central performance, John Mortimer's sharp and witty writing, and the series' affectionate yet incisive portrait of the English legal system. It remains a beloved gem of the genre.
What is Rumpole of the Bailey about?
Rumpole of the Bailey follows Horace Rumpole, an aging, claret-loving London barrister who takes on any client regardless of the odds. Created by John Mortimer, the series blends legal drama with sharp comedy, exploring justice, morality, and the eccentricities of the British court system.
What are shows similar to Rumpole of the Bailey?
Fans of Rumpole of the Bailey may enjoy Perry Mason (1957), a classic American legal drama with a similarly tenacious defence attorney, or Dirty Sexy Money (2007) for legal intrigue with dark comedy. For broader recommendations, Castle and Brooklyn Nine-Nine offer witty crime-solving with memorable characters.
More About Rumpole of the Bailey
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