John Mortimer's remarkable career spanned multiple mediums, including theatre, film, television, and radio, with a writing presence that dates back to World War II, when he penned scripts for the Crown Film Unit. In addition to his writing endeavors, Mortimer also practiced law as a trial attorney for over three decades. One of his most iconic creations is Horace Rumpole, a barrister at law, who will be celebrating his 68th birthday soon, and is a seasoned Old Bailey hack, devoted husband to Mrs. Hilda Rumpole. This beloved character serves as the protagonist and narrator of numerous stories, as eloquently described in Rumpole and the Younger Generation. On television, the inimitable Leo McKern brought Rumpole to life for nearly two decades, leaving an indelible mark on the character's enduring legacy.
Personal Details
BornApr 21, 1923 Hampstead, London, England, UK
Spouse
Penny Mortimer
( Dec 31, 1969 to Jan 16, 2009 )Penelope Mortimer
( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )
Biography
Career
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1938

The Ware Case as Youth (uncredited)
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1935
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2013
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2009
{"id":47245,"title":"Truly, Madly, Cheaply!: British B Movies","year":"2008","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/truly-madly-cheaply-british-b-movies","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_47245.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_47245.jpg"},"released":1}
2008
{"id":158889,"title":"Omnibus","year":"1992","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/omnibus-1991","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_158889.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_158889.jpg"},"released":1}
1992
{"id":54785,"title":"Don Quixote","year":"2000","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/don-quixote-2000","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_54785.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_54785.jpg"},"released":1}
2000

Don Quixote as Writer
{"id":6755,"title":"Tea with Mussolini","year":"1999","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tea-with-mussolini","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/115kb7pvs2i8.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/115kb7pvs2i8.jpg"},"released":1}
1999

Tea with Mussolini as Screenplay
{"id":155995,"title":"Cider with Rosie","year":"1998","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/cider-with-rosie-1998","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_155995.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_155995.jpg"},"released":1}
1998

Cider with Rosie as Writer
{"id":9828,"title":"Summer's Lease","year":"1989","job":"Novel, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/summers-lease","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_9828.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_9828.jpg"},"released":1}
1989

Summer's Lease as Novel, Screenplay
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1987

Maschenka as Writer
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1984

A Voyage Round My Father as Writer
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Edwin as Writer
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1980

Rumpole of the Bailey as Writer
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1975

Play for Today as Writer
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1969

John and Mary as Screenplay
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1968

A Flea in Her Ear as Writer
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1965

Bunny Lake Is Missing as Screenplay
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1963

The Running Man as Screenplay
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1962

Trial and Error as Writer
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Lunch Hour as Screenplay
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Guns of Darkness as Screenplay
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1959

Back to Back as Writer
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1975

Rumpole of the Bailey as Creator