2002-01-31 Please No, Not Yet Mr Rumpole!

I first became a fan of Horace Rumpole courtesy of my countryman Leo McKern's portrayal of him in the television series. Later, another friend gave me a collection of Rumpole's stories, which I could not put down. It was with this in mind that I bought Mortimer's latest Rumpolian offering.
In short, Mortimer ensures that Rumpole's practice is never dull. I loved it.
Rumpy is up to his usual best. He charmingly remembers a former client made good in order to convince that client to donate to a charitable project without hesitation.
He is a friend to Claude Esrkine-Brown QC, after poor Claude is left by the former Portia of No 3 equity Court, and latterly Her Honour, Mrs Phillida Erskine-Brown QC for a romance with Rumpole's right wing politician client.
Horace defends a devout religious man who is alleged to have buried his new age wife under the floorboards some time back in the Age of Aquarius; Fixes on a plan to convince Soapy Sam Ballard, Head of Chambers, that Rumpole's small cigars should be allowed in Chambers; Bears the marital bliss presented to him by She Who Must Be Obeyed and recounts some other Rumpole magic amidst a supporting cast that any Rumpole fan will recall and enjoy.
When Rumpole gives perhaps his final oration to his jury, you might ask yourself: is this Rumpole's farewell?
Please No, Not Yet Mr Rumpole!