Leo McKern, 82, dies

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 5:44 am

That fine actor, who portrayed Rumpole in the BBC's series, Rumpole of the Bailey, died yesterday. As a character actor of great ability rather than just a pretty face, he'll be missed.

Mr Sleep · Post by **Mr Sleep** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 9:20 am

I seem to recall he had a rather large career check here to see the films he featured in.

Of course many UK programs featured the Late McKern

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 9:31 am

That is quite a filmography. Im sorry I didnt really get a chance to see him on tv. I guess it doesnt help that he did UK tv and I am from the USA.

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 9:45 am

@Tybaltus, Rumpole of the Bailey was a big favorite on public television in the US, via the Mystery series. I believe that it was also converted in to VHS format, and is available through such places as Movies Unlimited.

Yes, McKern had a distinguished film career, but he was primarily known (and thought of himself as) a stage actor. Films, of course, provided more money, and he got along very well with younger artists rather than his contemporaries. The Beatles loved him (he appears in their films), as did Peter Sellers, and Patrick McGoohan. Evidently, he was something of a maverick and revolutionary.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 9:49 am

I never watched Rumpole of the Bailey. I think the fact that I, for the most part, dont like older television shows (Things before 1975), even if they were classics. But thats my fault, not the show's fault.

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 9:59 am

Originally posted by Tybaltus
I never watched Rumpole of the Bailey. I think the fact that I, for the most part, dont like older television shows (Things before 1975), even if they were classics. But thats my fault, not the show's fault.

No blame attaches.

The series aired on the BBC in 1978, and showed up shortly afterwards in the US. Amazon sells the VHS tapes. Here's a link to a good site which doesn't have a lot superfluous graphics, if you're at all interested (and there's no reason you should be): click here.

This is drawn from the page, and refers to the work of the author, John Mortimer. It's pretty savvy, and dead on, IMO:

"His series, then, in addition to the quick witted dialogue among characters, is distinguished by its social commentary. Specifically, the program is a cleverly entertaining vehicle for tweaking the legal profession and the general state of British mores and manners. In chambers and during court cases, Rumpole provides viewers with grumbling commentaries and under-the-breath critiques of pomposity and the all-too-frequent soulless application of strict legalism. Yet, even though these comments on various social issues such as gay rights, censorship, and the treatment of children in court are quite serious, Mortimer never allows the issues to get in the way of the story. Meticulous attention to detail, well-written scripts, and top-notch actors are the factors that contribute to fine television without the formula-driven action/adventure genres typically associated with drama programming."

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:10 am

if you're at all interested (and there's no reason you should be)...

You assume pretty quickly. Youre right that Im not increadibly interested, but thats only because Im lazy. It doesnt mean that I didnt look at the site, though. Because I did. It looked like it was a hit and it was a good series though.

This is drawn from the page, and refers to the work of the author, John Mortimer. It's pretty savvy, and dead on, IMO:

"His series, then, in addition to the quick witted dialogue among characters, is distinguished by its social commentary. Specifically, the program is a cleverly entertaining vehicle for tweaking the legal profession and the general state of British mores and manners. In chambers and during court cases, Rumpole provides viewers with grumbling commentaries and under-the-breath critiques of pomposity and the all-too-frequent soulless application of strict legalism. Yet, even though these comments on various social issues such as gay rights, censorship, and the treatment of children in court are quite serious, Mortimer never allows the issues to get in the way of the story. Meticulous attention to detail, well-written scripts, and top-notch actors are the factors that contribute to fine television without the formula-driven action/adventure genres typically associated with drama programming."

Sounds like you really liked the series, fable. Also sounds like this series was well done, however I am not a big law person so, that might impact my interest level in the show.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:21 am

I always enjoyed the Rumpole mysteries (and I'm not that into law stuff either). In fact, I always like most anything that was shown on Mystery or Masterpiece Theatre. Leo McKern always struck me as a somewhat more subtle Peter Ustinov (sp?), with a great sense of comic timing and dramatic delivery.

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:05 am

Originally posted by Tybaltus
Sounds like you really liked the series, fable.

So-so. I'm not a big mystery fan. What I really did like about it, and Mortimer's books, is how well-written they are. They don't rely upon tricks to reveal culprits, and focus heavily upon character exposition.