Rumpole of the Bailey (1978-1992)
I do not remember this show to be shown over the Malaysian airwaves when I was young. Perhaps, it was too cerebral to my liking then. With all the witty tongue in the cheek cynic speak and verbosity, I do not think any normal youngster from the Malaysian schooling system eating rice and sambar from the culturally challenged neighbourhood of Rifle Range Flats would appreciate this kind of English court drama.
After reading John Mortimer's biography, I decided to give his creation a try.
'Rumpole of The Bailey' kind of of British presentation is the reason why the British TV shows used to be something of a hit amongst the literate circles of the yesteryear.
Now, with age and the intelligence to appreciate the finer nuances of the language, I find this offering totally absorbing. It tells the courtroom escapades of an eccentric aged barrister, Horace Rumple who works in courts, The Bailey as it is referred to (after the street it is located).
Not only is he set in his ways, he is also a kind of self centred chauvinist who stands dearly to what he believes in and would not budge despite the trouble he may get into.
Despite his experience and age, he is contented with his position as a barrister. Calling a spade a spade and kowtowing to the people of authority, his place at the judge's bench remains elusive! He is the butt of joke for many of his more junior lawyers who take a swipe at his dressing and accessories.
He may not be the poster boy for healthy living. He smokes cheap cigar most of the time even in his office. He overindulges in cheap wines and drools for rich unhealthy food which may not be the best for his already wide waist line!
His wife is a pity case. She stays all alone keeping the home spick and span putting up with all of Rumpole's antics silently. Rumpole affectionately refers to her as 'one who must be obeyed' in his soliloquy even though she is a meek old lady minding her own business and keeping mum to all to all her husband's idiosyncrasies. That is the other thing. His mumblings under his breath of how he feels about his daily happenings in life and court proceedings would put its viewers into stitches. The frequent ranting of poetry of English poets by Rumpole never sound better.
The cases usually end in not a straight forward manner. Sometimes he wins and he loses but without leaving his mark at the Old Bailey!
I do not remember this show to be shown over the Malaysian airwaves when I was young. Perhaps, it was too cerebral to my liking then. With all the witty tongue in the cheek cynic speak and verbosity, I do not think any normal youngster from the Malaysian schooling system eating rice and sambar from the culturally challenged neighbourhood of Rifle Range Flats would appreciate this kind of English court drama.After reading John Mortimer's biography, I decided to give his creation a try.
'Rumpole of The Bailey' kind of of British presentation is the reason why the British TV shows used to be something of a hit amongst the literate circles of the yesteryear.
Now, with age and the intelligence to appreciate the finer nuances of the language, I find this offering totally absorbing. It tells the courtroom escapades of an eccentric aged barrister, Horace Rumple who works in courts, The Bailey as it is referred to (after the street it is located).
Not only is he set in his ways, he is also a kind of self centred chauvinist who stands dearly to what he believes in and would not budge despite the trouble he may get into.
Despite his experience and age, he is contented with his position as a barrister. Calling a spade a spade and kowtowing to the people of authority, his place at the judge's bench remains elusive! He is the butt of joke for many of his more junior lawyers who take a swipe at his dressing and accessories.He may not be the poster boy for healthy living. He smokes cheap cigar most of the time even in his office. He overindulges in cheap wines and drools for rich unhealthy food which may not be the best for his already wide waist line!
His wife is a pity case. She stays all alone keeping the home spick and span putting up with all of Rumpole's antics silently. Rumpole affectionately refers to her as 'one who must be obeyed' in his soliloquy even though she is a meek old lady minding her own business and keeping mum to all to all her husband's idiosyncrasies. That is the other thing. His mumblings under his breath of how he feels about his daily happenings in life and court proceedings would put its viewers into stitches. The frequent ranting of poetry of English poets by Rumpole never sound better.
The cases usually end in not a straight forward manner. Sometimes he wins and he loses but without leaving his mark at the Old Bailey!
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