Rumpole Returns

[Freddy]

Taken from the Times today by Andrew Pierce people@thetimes.co.uk


Mortimer resurrects old favourite for TV
HORACE RUMPOLE, the cantankerous barrister who was in constant conflict with judges, his wife and the head of chambers, is returning to television after a 15-year absence.
Sir John Mortimer, the creator of Britain's most famous fictional barrister, is in advanced talks to revive the series on ITV.
Jim Broadbent, who played the cabaret impresario Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! before swapping the heady environs of fin de siecle Paris for some preparatory courtroom experience in Mike Leigh's 1950s drama, Vera Drake, is the favourite to play the role immortalised by the late Leo McKern. Broadbent also won an Oscar for Iris.
With his old-fashioned dress, passion for English verse and habit of referring to his wife, Hilda, as She Who Must Be Obeyed, Rumpole was so convincing that some people thought he was a real person. He will still drink in Pom-meroy's wine bar, where he favours Chateau Fleet Street or
Chateau Thames Embankment and an endless supply of small cigars.
Devotees of Rumpole, who first appeared on television in 1979, suspected that he would hang up his wig in the elegiacal-ly titled Rumpole Rests His Case, in which he suffered a heart attack. But Mortimer, who will be executive producer, said: "I would find it difficult to kill him off."
He is now writing Rumpole and the Reign of Terror, which centres on an alleged Pakistani terrorist living in London. Mortimer, a QC who successfully defended Penguin Books as the publishers of Lady Chatterley's Lover in a landmark case, said: "It will be great to have an old friend back."

For myself I always enjoyed Rumpole and I suppose the two questions arise out of this;
1. Will Broadbent fill Rumpole's shoes? Yes( I can think of very few other actors)
2. Let us hope it is not dumbed down and politically corrected by the suits in BBC.

Am looking forward to it, A completely new story, Mortimer In Charge(fingers xxxxx) and a reason not to throw the tv out of the window.
A year or so ago the original Play for Today Rumpole was on, that seemed a very dark affair compared to the later series with Rumpoles wife simply being a gin soak and his son practically hating his father for never being there.
regards
Freddy

[Marky B]

I hope it comes off. I can't think of a better actor than Jim Broadbent to take on the role.
Ta Ta
Marky B

[samkydd]

Originally posted by Marky B@May 14 2005, 01:27 AM I hope it comes off. I can't think of a better actor than Jim Broadbent to take on the role. Ta Ta Marky B

What's the point in remaking it?

[Freddy]

It's a new episode so not a remake and if it keeps John Mortimer in the lifestyle he is accustomed to then that's fine by me. . . . Women and Champagne . . . .

Freddy

[samkydd]

Originally posted by Freddy@May 14 2005, 05:15 PM It's a new episode so not a remake and if it keeps John Mortimer in the lifestyle he is accustomed to then that's fine by me. . . . Women and Champagne . . . .Â* Freddy

There are many books we've never read, many new and interesting characters that we'd enjoy meeting, and stories that would work very well adapted for the gogglebox and keep us stimulated and entertained! So why keep going back to what's been done before? Have TV and film producers forgotten how to read books and new screenplays because they only have the attention span of a knat with Alzheimer's?

[mysteriesofedgarwallace]

Well, if this meets expectations, it at least means that there will be somthing worth watching on the tv.

[maisonvivante]

Does anyone know the status of this project?

I read that Rumpole's American grandson would possibly be the protagonist in a new series. I don't know if this project is even off the ground.

[Nick Dando]

The only recent Rumpole productions (that I know of) have been for BBC Radio 4. The husband and wife team Timothy West and Prunella Scales play the leads. And they've done a very good job, too. It's not easy taking on a role that's completely tied up with a much loved and much missed actor.

Nick

[CaptainWaggett]

Wasn't there an earlier radio adaptation with Maurice Denham?

The problem with the books was that Rumpole had retired about 3 times and must have been about 104 by the last one.

[GRAEME]

Originally Posted by samkydd There are many books we've never read, many new and interesting characters that we'd enjoy meeting, and stories that would work very well adapted for the gogglebox and keep us stimulated and entertained! So why keep going back to what's been done before? Have TV and film producers forgotten how to read books and new screenplays because they only have the attention span of a knat with Alzheimer's?

A bit harsh don't you think? There are plenty of Rumpole stories that have not been televised yet and Mortimer is still actively writing more. This is not a remake of any kind.

Rumpole is still relevant today with the government rampaging around over everybody's civil liberties... I'm glad he's still around.

[maisonvivante]

I'm new to the Rumpole series, but it's absolutely brilliant. As an American, when I watch 70's or 80's British television, I usually prefer the period stuff. But I found Rumpole instantly engaging, relevant and exquisitely written. And just think--I've still got tons of episodes to watch! Aren't I lucky? ;)

[GRAEME]

Originally Posted by maisonvivante I'm new to the Rumpole series, but it's absolutely brilliant. As an American, when I watch 70's or 80's British television, I usually prefer the period stuff. But I found Rumpole instantly engaging, relevant and exquisitely written. And just think--I've still got tons of episodes to watch! Aren't I lucky? ;)

You certainly are!

Wish I could get to see some classic US shows like Maverick and High Chapparall - but they're either not on DVD or region 1 only.

Enjoy!

[maisonvivante]

Originally Posted by GRAEME You certainly are! Wish I could get to see some classic US shows like Maverick and High Chapparall - but they're either not on DVD or region 1 only. Enjoy!

Oh, I will! As I said, I was surprised how relevant the character/show seemed right from the get-go. There's nothing musty about it--there's a sense of real emotion and deeply drawn characters, right down to the most minor supporting roles. I've never been a huge fan of "courtroom drama," but this program elevates that sub-genre to a whole new level.

I've already married the character to the actor who plays him, and I must admit, I would be one of those people who would have a difficult time seeing someone else step into the role. I'm not sure I could warm to Jim Broadbent in the role. Then again, the original post in this thread is a couple of years old, so maybe that project is long since abandoned.

[ProfMarcus]

Just by the by, John Mortimer originally wrote the part with Alastair Sim in mind ("Only to discover that he was incosiderate enough to be dead.") I read a few years back that they'd tried to restart the series with Albert Finney. Jim B should be a fine replacement. I long - finally - to watch the Penge Bungalow Murders enfold before my eyes.