RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY: August Britbox premiere

If you're a real mystery fan who's been around awhile, you probably watched the British production of Rumpole of the Bailey created and written by the British writer and barrister John Mortimer. It starred Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, a middle-aged London barrister who defended a broad variety of clients, often underdogs. The TV series led to the stories being presented in other media, including books and radio based on the John Mortimer books. I remember the tv series well. And, if you're mystery fan new to this series, you're in for a treat. Disclaimer, the shows are a bit dated. Still, give them a try for so many wonderful reasons. They're classics.

Britbox will be airing the entire series, starting August 15th.  (1978-1992) 

For me, half the fun of watching these older shows is seeing appearances of well-known actors such as Peter Bowles (To the Manor Born), Patricia Hodge (Miranda, All Creatures Great & Small), Brenda Blethyn (Vera), Judy Parfitt (Sister Monica Joan on Call the Midwife), Camille Coduri (King Gary, Doctor Who), Graham Crowden (Waiting for God), Nigel Havers (Coronation Street), Julian Fellowes (Monarch of the Glen), Elizabeth Hurley (Austin Powers), John Simm (Grace, Life on Mars), Peter Sallis (Wallace & Gromit, Last of the Summer Wine), Phil Davis (Trying, Rose & Maloney), and Philip Bretherton (As Time Goes By).  (Thanks, BritishTV) for letting me know who's who. Such fun!

John Mortimer, creator of Rumpole of the Bailey, R.I.P

Another sad day in the mystery world. Sir John Mortimer, creator of Rumpole of the Bailey, died today at the age of 85 afer a long illness. Sir John also adapted ITV's lavish 11-part serial Brideshead Revisted, one of my favorites. He was a barrister and a dramatist for several decades and appeared for the defence in the infamous Lady Chatterly's Lover obscenity trial in the 1960s. For a longer obit, go to BBC News and a February 16, 2008 story John Mortimer: on fighting ill health.