Rumpole of the Bailey (TV Series) Rumpole's Return (1980) User Reviews

The Real Radical

[ygwerin1 · 8/10 · 6 November 2018]

Episode 7 is an interesting one, and really needs to be viewed on its own to properly appreciate it.

It starts with Rumpole and She who Must, retired to the sun, to live with son Nick and partner Erica in Florida.

Rumpole we are told has been encouraged to leave the bar, because of the effects of losing 10 cases on the trot, against the Mad Bull.

Rumpole's retirement left vacancies for two Barristers.

A previous applicant Welsh Barrister Knock for Knock Owens, who became the next Circus Judge after the shortest Chambers presence. And radical lawyer Ken Cracknel.

Rumpole doesn't get off to an auspicious start back with his first case in Grimble. With Hilda showing her usual lack of faith in husband Horace.

Rumpole gets back into his stride in a tricky murder case, over his favourite subject blood. Success at the 11th time against his nemesis the Mad Bull.

Radical lawyer Cracknel who had eased himself into Rumpole's Chambers room, and hoped to do likewise with Philida. Had hoped to have success in a big murder case, but he couldn't make head nor tails of it. And in desperation called on Rumpole's services, because he considered the case un-winnable.

Episode 7 must be looked at in relation to Episode 6, in theory the two episodes are supposed to follow each other sequentially.

Episode 6 has She who Must and son Nick trying to ease Rumpole into retirement. To leave the bar and move to live in the states, with son Nick and his partner Erica. Nick is working in Baltimore.

Everyone in and out of Chambers are in on it apart from Rumpole himself.

The Episode ends with Rumpole putting all thoughts of Retirement on hold, to continue at the bar.

From this we can see that the two episodes don't dovetail together at all.

Delightful entry in the series

[Catch-52 · 10/10 · 17 January 2003]

This 2-hour telefilm, made after the second season of the Rumpole television series, was adapted by Mortimer from his novella. It begins with Rumpole retired to Florida, ogling bathing beauties on the beach, but he doesn't stay there for long; a mysterious murder case involving bloodstains (his area of specialty) calls him back to London. He now has to ingratiate himself into a Chambers that no longer wants him, all the while facing off against a dangerous cult. Mortimer is one of England's best TV writers, and he combines the usual well-drawn characters with a solid mystery plot with some nice twists and turns, as well as hilarious character-driven humor. The calibre of the acting is, as always, spectacular. Rumpole is in many ways the English Columbo (McKern, like Peter Falk, had only one eye!), and if you like one, you'll probably like the other; at any rate, if you're a fan of Rumpole, this film is a must-see. Rest in peace, Mr. McKern; you (and Rumpole) are sorely missed.

Rumpole's Return

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 30 March 2020]

Rumpole Returns. This was a one off feature length Christmas special as the future of the show hung in balance. Leo McKern was unsure whether he wanted to do more Rumpole.

There was some location shooting in Miami as the Rumpoles try to enjoy their retirement. Rumpole looks bored ogling at ladies in swimming costumes on Miami Beach.

The chambers in London are happy to see the back of him and they have two replacements for his room.

A fatal stabbing in an underground tube station by a meek tax clerk has Phyllida Erskine-Brown asking for Rumpole's help.

Rumpole is straight back and eager to help radical young lawyer Ken Cracknell. After all Rumpole is an expert on blood and the accused allegedly wrote a bloodstained note after stabbing the victim.

However Rumpole is on a losing streak against Judge Bullingham. When Rumpole takes over in an indecent publishing case, his flowery language sends his client to jail.

The longer length makes the episode look flabby. Hence why Rumpole handles two cases here. Even some of the location shooting is a bit iffy. I thought some of the Miami locations looked like parts of England on a sunny day.

Phyllida Erskine-Brown seemed to be more than just flirty with the young hotshot Cracknell.

There was a funny bit where Mrs Rumpole sees a mucky magazine in the house (not realising that it is evidence) and thinks Rumpole is looking to spice things up. Instead of being offended she dresses up for him, much to Rumpole's confusion.

The murder case was a little too convenient to solve. It featured a religious cult based in Miami so Rumpole's son could do a little snooping for him.