Search - Rumpole of the Bailey - The Lost Episode on DVD

Patricia K. (pat) from ROANOKE, VA
Reviewed on 6/17/2020...

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A Fine Introduction to Rumpole

Todd Ronnei | Eden Prairie, MN United States | 03/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A Rumpole episode you never saw before!

Kurt A. Johnson | North-Central Illinois, USA | 06/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

The Lost Episode of Rumpole

Ron in Western Maryland | Hagerstown, Maryland USA | 12/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."