Popular demand for a third series of 'Rumpole of the Bailey'

Press, 18 July 1979, Page 21

Popular demand for a third series of 'Rumpole of the Bailey'

From

KEN COATES

in London

New Zealand has bought one of the most popular TV programmes in Britain — the second series of Thames Television’s “Rumpole of the Bailey,” with the Australian-bem actor, Leo McKern, in the leading role. The six-part series has just finished on ITV and has almost become a British institution. So much so, that one TV critic was moved to write: “Horace Rumpole, with his Rumpoled features and his rich Rumpoly voice has joined that great gang of fictional creatures who are more real than the rest of us.” This week, in the last episode, everyone, including Mrs Rumpole — “she who must be obeyed,” tried to retire the lovable old character. There was even a farewell dinner with a presentation clock, but Rumpole would have none of it. Pleaded the same critic: “Come back Rumpole. We have nothing to forgive you for, but just come back. Rumpole must never retire.” There is universal agreement among the 10 million or so fans that a third series should be made, and

Thames would quite like it too. But although the creator, John Mortimer QC, who divides his time between writing and the Bar, is willing enough, it all depends on Mr McKern. Right now, McKern could not be. further away from the Old Bailey and the dubious characters he defends. He is thousands of miles from London, on location in Fiji for a remake of “Blue Lagoon,” a film in which two children are shipwrecked and in which he plays the ship’s cook.

The Australian-born actor says he has fought all his life against becoming typecast. But the chance to play another Rumpole he could not resist. The second series is set in 1978. “John Mortimer wrote about a man based on himself, his father and other barristers he has known,” says McKern. “Yet when I read the script I felt as if he had known me personally for years, and had written it for me.” But he is reported to be hesitating about a third

series. What is more likely is a two-hour “single,” a kind of Rumpole novel after the short stories, some time next year. Born in Sydney 59 years ago, Mr McKern worked as an engineering apprentice and a commercial artist. He lost an eye in an industrial accident; his glass eye has squinted in odd directions ever since. He came to England in 1946 with 50 shillings to his name, pursued an actress and married soon after. It was a tough winter,

he remembers. They sold their gas fire to pay the rent, and he wore three pairs of long johns at once.

He drifted into acting in between spells of delivering bacon and cheese and making artificial jewellery. Then he began to get West End parts. “I had to concentrate like mad on the voice — 12 months of plum in the mouth and syllable by syllable, very carefully. “When I arrived, the idea of casting an Australian as anything at all was

anathema. Listen carefully, and you will still aetec, a rare antipodean syllable.” 1 The success of Rumpolt owes as much to John Mortimer’s dialogue and plots as to Leo McKern’s acting. Mortimer senior was an advocate of some standing, and in wills he had few equals. John was brought up on stories of divorce proceedings and disputed wills. But it is the characterisation based on realism that makes the series.

Mr Mortimer QC takes a delight in accepting clients whose causes might lead more orthodox counsel to find themselves regrettably unavailable. His more celebrated defences have included “Last Exit to Brooklyn,” “Deep Throat,” the “Oz” editors and “Gay News.” Unlike some intellectuals who affect contempt for newspapers, Mortimer openly revels in the popular success of his brainchild.

And even high court judges seem to enjoy the series, despite its outrageous portraits of their kind in which Rumpole never hesitates to call them, “my old darling” — to himself, of course.