Rumpole of the Bailey (TV Series) Rumpole and the Younger Generation (1978) User Reviews

Keep it in the family

[ygwerin1 · 8/10 · 13 February 2019]

The first episode of Rumpole of the Bailey from the ITV television series, introduced viewers to the Rumpole's family, home and legal.

We see the difference between the family lives of legal luminary Rumpole, and that of his principal clients the Timpson clan. With the differing aspirations and lifestyle, of the Rumpole's and Timpsons, of the sons Nick and Jimbo. Son Nick in his £2 grand a year public remand school. Hilda's legal expectations are 2 fold, with Nick following Dad and grandad in the law. And Rumpole following her daddy as Head of Chambers.

Jimbo Timpson junior member of the clan, and head of the family when dad's in jug, at the tender juvenile age. He can't possibly do any other than carrying on with the family tradition, as they have come to rely on him.

Hilda's legal idea is of Rumpole taking over from her daddy C. H. Wystan as Head of Chambers. But this ambition is skuppered by Guthrie Featherstone achieving Silk, and daddy feeling that a Silk would make for a better Chambers Head. Than a junior barrister however well established, like Rumpole.

Rumpole and the Younger Generation

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 21 May 2019]

The pilot for Rumpole of the Bailey was shown on the BBC. The series started on ITV as the BBC dithered whether to commission a full series.

I was rather startled that this episode is set in 1967. It might explain Rumpole's dark plumage.

Rumpole as ever is down the Old Bailey defending young Jim Timson of a violent assault. He is a member of the Timson clan, notorious for being on the wrong side of the law and the keep Rumpole gainfully employed.

The case against young Jim looks strong, his alibi is weak. It seems a long standing family feud could be his undoing. The date of a Rolling Stones concert could be the luck that Rumpole needs.

Back at chambers, it is expected that Rumpole might be expected to be named as the new head of chambers by his aged father in law. Despite his wisdom and experience, Rumpole has never been interested in taking silk. Things might change as a new younger and upcoming barrister shows more enthusiasm in dragging the chambers by the lapels.

Leo McKern shines when Rumpole is in full verse or blusters his way here and there. It neatly follows the pattern laid down in the Play for Today apart from this being set in the 1960s.

Okay start

[grantss · 6/10 · 14 December 2023]

London, 1967. Horace Rumpole is an aging barrister. While lesser barristers have gone on to greater things and corporate law is where the money and glamour is at, Rumpole sticks to criminal cases at the Old Bailey. He gets the job of defending Jim Timson, youngest member of the famed Timson clan of petty criminals. The odds are stacked against his client and his family background doesn't help.

An okay start to Rumpole of the Bailey. Takes a while to build any character engagement and the plot is quite basic and uncomplicated. Even once it does hit its stride the episode isn't overly interesting.

However, by the end there is an indication of where the series is going and that is worth sticking around for.