Watch Rumpole of the Bailey

Name: Rumpole of the Bailey
Genre: Drama
Released: 2014-03-03
Cast: Leo McKernJonathan CoyJulian Curry

Not Rated
2014
7 Seasons
8.4 (1,533)

Rumpole of the Bailey is a British television series that originally ran from 1978 to 1992. The show follows the legal misadventures of Horace Rumpole, a veteran barrister who is renowned for his unconventional approach to the law and his love of smoking cheap cigars. The series stars legendary actor Leo McKern as Rumpole, with Jonathan Coy and Julian Curry in supporting roles. McKern's performance as the lovable curmudgeon is a standout, and the chemistry between the three leads is a key part of the show's charm. The show is set in London in the 1970s and 1980s, and each episode typically revolves around a different criminal case that Rumpole is defending. From petty theft to murder, Rumpole takes on all comers and always manages to find a way to win, even if it means bending the rules of the legal system. Rumpole's unorthodox methods often put him at odds with the more buttoned-up lawyers and judges in the courtroom, but his quick wit and sharp intellect usually carry the day. The show is full of memorable characters, from Rumpole's long-suffering wife Hilda to his nemesis, the prosecuting counsel known as "the Mad Bull." One of the show's most distinctive features is its use of Rumpole's inner monologue. Throughout each episode, we hear Rumpole's thoughts and musings as he navigates various legal challenges, and these moments often provide some of the show's funniest and most insightful moments. Beyond the courtroom drama, Rumpole of the Bailey is also a show about relationships. Rumpole's marriage to Hilda is a central theme throughout the series, and their interactions provide some of its most touching and poignant moments. Meanwhile, Rumpole's relationships with his colleagues and clients are explored in detail, revealing a complex and nuanced portrayal of the legal profession. Overall, Rumpole of the Bailey is a must-watch for fans of classic British television. Its mix of legal drama, sharp humor, and memorable characters make it a true gem of the genre.

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6. Rumpole on Trial

September 28, 2015

Hilda persuades Ballard to defend Rumpole when he faces a disciplinary hearing. Rumpole seems to have gone a good deal too far in what he said in Mr. Justice Oliphant's court - or did he?

5. Rumpole and the Family Pride

September 28, 2015

Rumpole and Hilda are invited for the weekend at a cousin's castle, but when they get there they find their relative faces the charge of murdering a traveling woman and is looking for Rumpole to rally round to help him.

4. Rumpole and the Reform of Joby Jonson

September 28, 2015

Rumpole defends a teenager charged with stealing from old people. Curiously, Rumpole's own apartment is promptly broken into and documents are stolen.

3. Rumpole and the Eternal Triangle

September 28, 2015

Rumpole flirts with a beautiful violinist and finds himself reluctantly defending her husband, who is charged with murdering the violinist's musical partner. Meanwhile, Claude Erskine-Brown accuses Henry, the clerk at 3 Equity Court, of sexually harassing a secretary.

2. Rumpole and the Miscarriage of Justice

September 28, 2015

Rumpole defends a policeman, Superintendent Gannon, who is accused of changing a teenager's murder confession.

1. Rumpole and the Children of the Devil

September 28, 2015

Rumpole again defends the Timsons, when they are accused of Satanism and their daughter Tracy has been put into local authority care. Hilda is angling for Rumpole to take her to this year's Scales of Justice Ball.

Description

The series stars legendary actor Leo McKern as Rumpole, with Jonathan Coy and Julian Curry in supporting roles. McKern's performance as the lovable curmudgeon is a standout, and the chemistry between the three leads is a key part of the show's charm.

The show is set in London in the 1970s and 1980s, and each episode typically revolves around a different criminal case that Rumpole is defending. From petty theft to murder, Rumpole takes on all comers and always manages to find a way to win, even if it means bending the rules of the legal system.

Rumpole's unorthodox methods often put him at odds with the more buttoned-up lawyers and judges in the courtroom, but his quick wit and sharp intellect usually carry the day. The show is full of memorable characters, from Rumpole's long-suffering wife Hilda to his nemesis, the prosecuting counsel known as "the Mad Bull."

One of the show's most distinctive features is its use of Rumpole's inner monologue. Throughout each episode, we hear Rumpole's thoughts and musings as he navigates various legal challenges, and these moments often provide some of the show's funniest and most insightful moments.

Beyond the courtroom drama, Rumpole of the Bailey is also a show about relationships. Rumpole's marriage to Hilda is a central theme throughout the series, and their interactions provide some of its most touching and poignant moments. Meanwhile, Rumpole's relationships with his colleagues and clients are explored in detail, revealing a complex and nuanced portrayal of the legal profession.

Overall, Rumpole of the Bailey is a must-watch for fans of classic British television. Its mix of legal drama, sharp humor, and memorable characters make it a true gem of the genre.

Rumpole of the Bailey is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (43 episodes). The series first aired on March 3, 2014.

Where to Watch Rumpole of the Bailey

Rumpole of the Bailey is available for streaming on the Acorn TV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Rumpole of the Bailey on demand at and PBS.