User Reviews

A strong A theme where Nigel Havers' idealistic teacher is accused of a relationship with a pupil and a B theme where hapless Guthrie Featherstone is now being career directed by his wife in the aftermath of his unwise fling.

Rumpole thinks he's struck gold when he finds the Judge will be his best friend George Frobisher.

Unfortunately for Rumpole, George cannot guarantee not to jail Ransom if he's found guilty, even though Phyllida Trant, prosecuting, supports him in suggesting jail time might not apply as the girl was close to age of consent. Frobisher crustily suggests that sentencing is his job, not theirs.

Rumpole goes all out to win, anticipating taking the pupil apart on the witness stand. Unfortunately he isn't to realise that she's a flinty-hearted manipulator who is only using the accused to further her own interests.

Ransom is accordingly 'potted' by Frobisher.

I was sorry to see the degree of ire demonstrated by Rumpole when he cannot get Frobisher to see things his way. Rumpole is doing his job in defending Ransom - a doe eyed innocent who surely ought to have foreseen the likely outcome - but Frobisher in doing his job is 'in the public eye' so to speak, under the microscope in upholding public views and morals. (Just look at what later happens to Featherstone J in the later 'tap end').

Rumpole shows no appreciation of his friend's duty in doing his job, as he does in his own. Indeed, Rumpole says that he doesn't wish to become a Judge because he can't face putting someone in prison. But somebody has to do it.

Rumpole's anger is vented immediately in rudeness and on virtually every future occasion when they meet, not only losing the close friendship of his former 'best friend' in the process by rejecting every attempt Frobisher makes to heal the breach but finally turning him hostile in 'Bright Seraphim'. Soon Frobisher is only to be seen at Chambers' reunions, but not in Rumpole's company.

What price friendship to Rumpole here? Frobisher was only doing his duty as he saw it.

The trial of a teacher charged with "unlawful carnal knowledge" of a student is merely the backdrop for a drama about human relationships.

At one extreme is Ransom, a young teacher of poetry whose romantic idealism and lack of worldliness lead him to believe the fantasy that his young pupil is smitten with him and desires a relationship. Although it is never conclusively proven that they had sex, he is found guilty all the same and gets a two-year prison sentence.

At the other end of the spectrum is Frobisher, the genteel, soft-spoken former barrister, now judge sitting on the trial. Having spent his many years a bachelor immersed in his profession, he is lonely and regrets that the trappings of his success have not brought the fulfillment he hoped for. He is such an endearing character that the viewer is relieved to hear Rumpole confirm that he is no longer cross with him for sending his client to prison.

Erskine-Brown, ironically enough who also began a relationship with a former "pupil" is elated at the idea of becoming a father but his shotgun marriage to Phillida comes too soon in their relationship, before they know if they are truly compatible, with unfortunate consequences in the future.

Featherstone, QC, MP, and Head of Chambers is trapped in a loveless marriage to a designing woman who threatens to divorce him unless he becomes a judge. They are using each other for the perks each enjoys by being part of a "power couple." For all his titles, he is miserable.

Finally, we come to Rumpole. Approaching the autumn of his years, he is established and comfortable. His labors as an "Old Bailey hack" have provided well for himself and "She Who Must Be Obeyed," as well as a college education for his son, now grown and himself married, with a successful career in America. He is content, happy to maintain his comfortable routine of eggs, bacon, and fried slice for breakfast, nipping off to the bar after work for a glass or two of "Pomeroy's Plonk," and coming home to steak and kidney pud that Hilda has left for him in the oven. It may not be true love that Rumpole enjoys, but unlike the others, he s exactly where he wants to be.

And superbly played by all. See Featherstone desperately try to lose a golf match. See emotions flit across Erskine-Brown's usually stony visage. See them all perform beautifully in a heavy blizzard.

I love the meeting of Rumpole and Miss Trant in the Tastee Bite (now a steel and glass monstrosity, sadly) as she confesses she's just thrown up in the Ladies at Blackfriars Tube Station because she's "Up the spout". (Those were the days, when tube stations had public toilets - single-sex ones no less! HINT.)

It all ends happily with a wedding in a marquee! Miss Trant still doesn't look very pregnant - what happened to the weather?

I am waffling on in case imdb says my review is too short...