Synopsis: All Rise! The Critically Acclaimed Legal Drama RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY holds court on DVD.

An immensely popular series broadcast on PBS from 1978 to 1992, RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY set a new bar for all courtroom dramas to come. Balancing suspense and satire as deftly as the scale of justice, Horace Rumpole tirelessly defends the downtrodden while undressing the upper classes. A timeless mixture of comedy and drama, RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY was one of televisions most celebrated courtroom dramas.

Flawlessly adapted by John Mortimer from his best-selling Edgar Award-winning novels, and starring the esteemed Leo McKern (A Man for All Seasons), this 14-disc DVD Megaset includes all 42 episodes from the seven seasons of RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY.

Review: I had seen this classic BBC show back in the day a bit on PBS and through other sources (VHS), but this is one of those hard to find shows that is finally getting a proper DVD release!   Rumpole was the first great courtroom drama, it influenced shows like Boston Legal years later, but this one was the original.  Its funny in a very British sort of way, snarky at times and very dramatic in others.  Its a fantastic show and this would make a wonderful Xmas gift.

The special features on this set include: Feature-Length Bonus Movie Rumpole's Return; Mortimer's Musings--An Interview with John Mortimer; McKern's Memories with Actress Abigail McKern (Daughter of Leo McKern); Episode Introductions with John Mortimer; Spot the Barrister-Highlighting John Mortimer's Impromptu Appearances; Newspaper Evidence; John Mortimer Biography; John Mortimer Bibliography and Selected Credits; About the Old Bailey; Official Executioners of Newgate Prison

Interest Range: BBC, Vintage TV