Rumpole & the Man of God

Rumpole of the Bailey

by John Mortimer, Leo McKern (Read by)

Is the vicar a thief? It doesn't matter, the facts can't be used. Luckily, Rumpole's got other ways to sway a jury. Meanwhile, an old friend's fiancee is looking suspiciously familiar. But from where? Once more, John Mortimer lets Rumpole maintain his hilariously cynical commentary throughout ceaseless smoking, drinking and uncommon lawyering.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Crime, Short Stories

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

John Clifford Mortimer was a novelist, playwright and former practising barrister. Among his many publications are several volumes of Rumpole stories and a trilogy of political novels, Paradise Postponed, Titmuss Regained and The Sound of Trumpets, featuring Leslie Titmuss - a character as brilliant as Rumpole. John Mortimer received a knighthood for his services to the arts in 1998.

Series:
Rumpole of the Bailey
Rapstone Chronicles

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reminiscing of the TV series while listening to actor/narrator Leo McKern reprise his role as 'Rumpole.'

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most famous English barrister is definitely Horace Rumpole.  Although known for his wry wit, prodigious drinking, and less-than-willing deference to Hilda, his wife ("she who must be obeyed"), Rumpole is called upon to defend a vicar accused of stealing.  Rev. Mordred Skinner seems to be less sure of his innocence than Rumpole.

On the personal side of Rumpole's life, he and Hilda go to dinner with (fellow barrister) George Frobisher and his bride-to-be. Unfortunately, Mrs. Ida Tempest looks a bit too familiar to Rumpole and he tries to discourage his old friend from marriage. 
 
This is a gentle, bittersweet story.  It is most charming -- and a bit sad.  Enjoy.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reverend Mordred Skinner has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting 6 shirts. Rumpole is his Barrister.

In the meantime, George wants to introduce Horace and Hilda to his new finacée, Ida, who Horace recognises from somewhere...

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short story

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's 1959, and Rumpole is faced with defending a clergyman accused of shoplifting who although he clearly did not commit the crime, is curiously reluctant to be cross examined under oath, where he would have to tell the truth, but save himself from being be defrocked.

Meanwhile Rumpole's fellow barrister and friend Frobisher, a confirmed batchelor, announces his engagement to a very merry widow, whom Rumpole seems to remember he has met somewhere before...

And finally, Hilda, she who must be obeyed, drops a bomb of information which will have a profound effect on their marriage.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4:
Rumpole defends a shoplifting clergyman, exposes a former arsonist and appeases Hilda.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audio book) Leo McKern does a fine reading of John Latimer's story. The story itself is humorous with a few twists and a good British taste of droll British humor.