Audiobooks by John Mortimer

Rumpole and the Age for Retirement Audiobook

Leo McKern is Horace Rumpole! Here he reads about the life and trials of the eccentric barrister, famous for his inestimable knowledge of blood stains, blood groups and forgery by typewriter. Witty and cynical as ever, Horace Rumpole will once again delight listeners with his irreverent behavior and legal triumphs. Will he and his long time client Percy Timson both be forced to retire, one to sunny climes, the other to jail?

John Mortimer (Author), Leo McKern (Narrator)

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Rumpole for the Prosecution

John Mortimer (Author), Leo McKern (Narrator)

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The Trials of Rumpole

Horace Rumpole-who never prosecutes, whose fame rests on an infinite knowledge of blood and typewriters, whose court scenes are proverbial, whose home is ruled by Mrs. Rumpole ("She Who Must Be Obeyed")-is back on the defense, as irreverent, as iconoclastic, as claret-swilling, poetry-spouting, impudent, witty, and cynical as ever. This time the judge-debunking barrister-at-law is embroiled with a minister accused of shoplifting, an actress accused of murder, and a racist candidate for Parliament, with art theft and mistaken identity thrown in for good measure. The result is a delightful excursion into hidden corners of the British judicial system served up in typically colorful Rumpole style. Stories include: "Rumpole and the Man of God", "Rumpole and the Showfolk", "Rumpole and the Fascist Beast", "Rumpole and the Case of Identity", "Rumpole and the Course of True Love", and "Rumpole and the Age for Retirement." "Rumpole has been an inspired stroke of good fortune for us all."-Daily Mail (London)

John Mortimer (Author), Frederick Davidson (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Gentle Art of Blackmail & other stories: Four BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young Horace Rumpole in this second stellar collection of court cases, also starring Timothy West as the older RumpoleRumpole and the Man of GodIt is 1959, and Rumpole must defend a clergyman accused of shoplifting who, although he clearly did not commit the crime, is curiously reluctant to be cross-examined under oath. Meanwhile, Hilda (she who must be obeyed) has big news…Rumpole and the Explosive Evidence Rumpole defends a well-known safe blower and exposes the underhand behaviour of one Dirty Dickerson, a senior police officer who is quite prepared to tamper with evidence.Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail In 1964 Rumpole returns to Oxford, where he studied law, to defend a young gardener who is accused of blackmailing the Master of St Joseph’s College. Their friendship had provoked rumours of homosexuality – still illegal in those days – and the Master says he has been threatened with a public accusation.Rumpole and the Expert Witness Rumpole is asked to defend a GP, Dr Ned Dacre, who is accused of murdering his wife, Sally. The plot thickens when the local pathologist turns out to have history with Dr Ned…

John Clifford Mortimer, John Mortimer (Author), , Benedict Cumberbatch, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Rumpole

Here are six delightful tales featuring everyone’s favorite barrister for the defense, Horace Rumpole. Eccentric characters such as his wife, Hilda, otherwise known as “She Who Must Be Obeyed,” and his philandering colleague Claude Erskine-Brown are back as Rumpole visits a snooty restaurant where he engages in a battle of wills over his adored mashed spuds, takes the unaccustomed role of prosecutor, and ventures—unwillingly—onto a ship, where he confronts, of all things, a detective novelist. Included are “Rumpole à la Carte,” “Rumpole and the Summer of Discontent,” “Rumpole and the Right to Silence,” “Rumpole at Sea,” “Rumpole and the Quacks,” and “Rumpole for the Prosecution.” This masterly blend of humor and mystery makes for irresistible listening. “The eighth collection of stories about the barrister; that they continue to be so enjoyable is a mark of both the author's craftsmanship and his natural talent.”—New York Times Book Review

John Mortimer (Author), Frederick Davidson (Narrator)

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Rumpole for the Defense

Whether he's quoting Wordsworth or having words with a particularly obtuse judge, Horace Rumpole always knows what he's doing--even if no one else does. In this delightful collection of stories, Rumpole straightens everyone out in the shocking case of a "bent copper," gallantly teaches a professor of moral philosophy about blackmail, consults with the dear departed when a will is contested, traces the path of true love when a doctor is accused of murder, and (in the name of duty, of course) drinks to excess with a teetotaling member of the prosecution. There is even a rare moment or two when Rumpole finds himself appreciative of "She Who Must Be Obeyed" (Mrs. Rumpole), when she inadvertently provides some essential clues that clinch his cases. Stories in this collection include "Rumpole for the Defense," "Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail," "Rumpole and the Dear Departed," "Rumpole and the Rotten Apple," "Rumpole and the Expert Witness," "Rumpole and the Spirit of Christmas," and "Rumpole and the Boat People." "These stories are well-written, interesting and clever. The wide variety of characters are...given life and entirely appropriate voice by Frederick Davidson...This is an excellent production, sure to be savored by listeners and good enough to listen to again."-AudioFile

John Mortimer (Author), Frederick Davidson (Narrator)

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Rumpole of the Bailey

John Clifford Mortimer, John Mortimer (Author), Patrick Tull (Narrator)

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Rumpole: On Trial & other stories: Four BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

Julian Rhind-Tutt takes on the role of Rumpole in this fifth collection of cracking court cases. Rumpole on Trial Suffering from toothache, Rumpole is in no mood for his client's boring testimony or Justice Gwent-Evans' impatience. But when he argues with the judge, he is warned in no uncertain terms about his future conduct. Soon, Rumpole finds himself on trial and facing the end of his career... Rumpole and Hilda Rumpole's long-suffering wife Hilda ('She Who Must Be Obeyed') narrates a fascinating tale of murder and romance that Horace would prefer to remain untold, and gives Rumpole - and us - a glimpse of her true, passionate nature. Rumpole and Memories of Christmas Past Rumpole spends an unexpectedly rewarding Christmas in Norfolk; discusses the spirit of Christmas with the Mad Monk; and learns that the season of goodwill is shared by barristers and criminals alike. Rumpole and the New Year's Resolutions Rumpole has an interesting encounter with Santa Claus at a Chambers Christmas party, finds himself on babysitting duty after a blackmail trial, and attends a traditional British panto - where he recognises a familiar face. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Rumpole, Jasmine Hyde as Hilda and Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown. A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4.

John Clifford Mortimer, John Mortimer (Author), , Jasmine Hyde, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Nigel Anthony (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Splendours and Miseries of an Old Bailey Hack

Maurice Denham stars as John Mortimer's famous comic creation Rumpole of the Bailey.Defender of the underdog, friend of South London villains and scourge of QCs, much-loved barrister Horace Rumpole was first brought to life on television, and in 1980 BBC Radio 4 introduced him to the airwaves for a 13-episode series.In these delightful full-cast courtroom dramas, the claret-drinking, poetry-quoting lawyer recalls his colourful career at the Old Bailey, while being supported at home by the redoubtable Hilda ('She Who Must Be Obeyed'). From a disputed will case to a GP accused of murder, Rumpole must exercise all his talents as an advocate to fight for justice...Includes Rumpole and the Confession of Guilt, Rumpole and the Dear Departed, Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail, Rumpole and the Rotten Apple, Rumpole and the Man of God, Rumpole and the Defence of Guthrie Featherstone, Rumpole and the Show Folk, Rumpole and the Fascist Beast, Rumpole and the Case of Identity, Rumpole and the Expert Witness, Rumpole and the Course of True Love, Rumpole and the Perils of the Sea and Rumpole and the Age for Retirement.Among the supporting cast are Margot Boyd, Michael Maloney, Michael Elphick, Angela Thorne, Geoffrey Bayldon and Saeed Jaffrey.

John Clifford Mortimer, John Mortimer (Author), , Margot Boyd, Maurice Denham (Narrator)

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Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven (BBC Radio 4: Afternoon Play)

When Lewis Luby (Jeremy Irons) comes to, late at night in an Italian hospital, he finds himself lying under the monstrous big toe of God. Surely there has been some mistake: Luby, who has never for one moment believed in the immortality of the soul, cannot possibly be in heaven! John Mortimer had the idea for 'Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven' when he first visited the Santa Maria della Scala hospital in Siena and saw patients lying in beds under ceilings decorated with 15th-Century frescoes depicting Heaven and Hell. The play was first produced for BBC Radio 3 in 1976, with John Gielgud in the title role. Later that year it was presented on stage as part of a double bill 'Heaven and Hell', with Denholm Elliot as Luby. This BBC Radio 4 'Afternoon Play' production, starring Jeremy Irons as the protagonist, was first broadcast 31 December 2008 and repeated 15 February 2011. Stephen Critchlow, Marsha Fitzalan, Chris Pavlo, Donnla Hughes, Dan Starkey and Flaminia Cinque also feature amongst the cast.

John Clifford Mortimer, John Mortimer (Author), A Full Cast, Chris Pavlo, Dan Starkey, Donnla Hughes, Flaminia Cinque, Jeremy Irons, Marsha Fitzalan, Stephen Critchlow (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Sleeping Partners & other stories: Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young, devastatingly acute Horace Rumpole in this third thrilling collection of court casesRumpole and the Old Boy Net: With the help of his new pupil, Miss Phillida Trant, Rumpole must defend Mr Napier Lee, who is charged with blackmail. But the alleged victim of the blackmail went to public school with the defendant, and Mr Lee won't sneak on his old school chum...Rumpole and the Sleeping Partners: After a legal ball in the Savoy Hotel, Rumpole and Hilda argue about Rumpole's drunken behaviour and Rumpole decides to sleep the night on his sofa in chambers - strictly against the rules. But there he finds his colleague Erskine-Brown with Phillida Trant, 'working late'...Rumpole and the Portia of our Chambers: Rumpole comes close to giving up the law when forced to consider the path his life has taken by a combination of his attraction to his pupil Phillida, an unsettling case involving an Irish terrorist, and a visit from an old flame of Hilda's.

John Clifford Mortimer, John Mortimer (Author), , Benedict Cumberbatch, Jasmine Hyde, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Age of Miracles & other stories: Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Horace Rumpole in this fourth collection of dramatic court cases Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation Erskine-Brown is working on a sordid ABH and affray case which allegedly occurred in a Soho night club. When he and Rumpole visit the disreputable scene of the crime, they meet Maurice Machin, the editor of the Daily Beacon, whose paper is being sued for libel. Rumpole and the Age of Miracles Hilda's distant relation, The Reverend Timothy Donkin, looks set to be defrocked as Canon of Lawnchester Cathedral unless Rumpole can convince an Ecclesiastical Court that adultery did not take place in the nearby Saint Edithna Hotel. Rumpole and the Tap End Tony Timson finds himself in hot water when charged with the attempted drowning of his wife April, while sharing a bath with her. Rumpole not only defends Tony, but also finds he must protect Judge Guthrie Featherstone QC, who upsets women everywhere with sexist pronouncements about their proper place in the tub.

John Clifford Mortimer, John Mortimer (Author), , Benedict Cumberbatch, Jasmine Hyde, Nigel Anthony (Narrator)

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