Rumpole of the Bailey poster

TV series

Rumpole of the Bailey

1975TV-PG7 seasons7.1 / 10

TV's Best Loved Barrister

Rumpole of the Bailey is a British television series created and written by the British writer and barrister John Mortimer. It stars Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, an aging London barrister who defends any and all clients, and has been spun off into a series of short stories, novels, and radio programmes.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

Rumpole of the Bailey is available to stream on Britbox and Britbox (Via Amazon Prime) in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

Rumpole of the Bailey is a British television series created and written by the British writer and barrister John Mortimer. It stars Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, an aging London barrister who defends any and all clients, and has been spun off into a series of short stories, novels, and radio programmes.

Season 2 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 1

Episode 1

Rumpole and the Man of God

1h

Rumpole defends a vicar who is charged with stealing three shirts from a department store, but the troubled clergyman refuses to take the stand in his own defense. George Frobisher, who is in line to be appointed as a Circuit Judge, comes to dinner with the Rumpoles and introduces his new girlfriend. Rumpole remembers seeing her in court and advises his friend to think again.

Episode credits

Directed by Brian FarnhamWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Patricia Hodge, Richard Murdoch, Jonathan Coy, Peggy Thorpe-Bates, Bill Fraser, Rosemary Leach, Derek Farr, Peter Bowles

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Episode 2

Rumpole and the Case of Identity

1h1.0 / 10

With the Christmas season in full swing, Rumpole defends Dave Anstey on the charge of stabbing a sales assistant in an off-license. It seems to be a case of mistaken identity, but why does Dave's boss, on whom his alibi depends, change his story and undermine the defense? Meanwhile, Rumpole's Head of Chambers has an attractive new secretary, and starts spending a lot of time with her behind closed doors... When Guthrie Featherstone is seen gyrating at a disco with the girl from the typing pool, Rumpole means to get to the bottom of it all.

Episode credits

Directed by Derek BennettWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Patricia Hodge, Jonathan Coy, Peggy Thorpe-Bates, Tony Caunter, Caroline Holdaway, Robert McBain, Peter Bowles, Joanna Van Gyseghem

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Episode 3

Rumpole and the Show Folk

1h1.0 / 10

Rumpole travels to the north of England and practices his own theatricality in defense of Maggie Hartley, an actress accused of shooting her womanizing husband.

Episode credits

Directed by Peter HammondWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Sebastian Shaw, Roger Brierley, Eleanor Bron, Paul Rogers, Hetty Baynes, Bernard Archard, John Wells, John Quarmby

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Episode 4

Rumpole and the Fascist Beast

1h

Rumpole defends Captain Rex Parkin, who is charged with inciting a riot by racist speeches. Rumpole also has a new pupil, one Latif Khan.

Episode credits

Directed by Robert KnightsWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Patricia Hodge, Richard Murdoch, Jonathan Coy, Peggy Thorpe-Bates, Peter Cartwright, Roger Sloman, Robert Lang, Ian Bartholomew

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Episode 5

Rumpole and the Course of True Love

1h

Rumpole defends a flamboyanty romantic young schoolteacher who is accused of seducing a pupil.Meanwhile, Rumpole's colleague in chambers Guthrie Featherstone pursues his ambition of becoming a High Court judge, while Phyllida has a secret to keep from a former lover.

Episode credits

Directed by Brian FarnhamWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Patricia Hodge, Richard Murdoch, Jonathan Coy, Peggy Thorpe-Bates, Peter Cellier, Peter Cartwright, Harry Fielder, Nigel Havers

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Episode 6

Rumpole and the Age for Retirement

1h

Rumpole defends Percy Timson, a receiver of stolen property who has been framed for the theft of an important painting which is out of his league. Meanwhile, Rumpole's wife and son Nick (who is now a college lecturer in the US) are making plans for Rumpole's retirement in the very near future - to a restful existence in Maryland.

Episode credits

Directed by Donald McWhinnieWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Patricia Hodge, Richard Murdoch, Jonathan Coy, Peggy Thorpe-Bates, David Yelland, Peter Bowles, Joanna Van Gyseghem, Moray Watson

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Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026

More about Rumpole of the Bailey

Cast

Leo McKernHorace Rumpole
Robin BaileyMr. Justice Gerald Graves
Richard MurdochUncle Tom
Jonathan CoyHenry
Denys GrahamHoskins
Abigail McKernLiz Probert
Marion MathieHilda Rumpole
Peggy Thorpe-BatesHilda Rumpole

Credits

Created by
John Mortimer
Written by
John Mortimer

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
42
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • ITV1United Kingdom

Themes

criminal lawyerlawyer