Dave Anstey has been arrested for robbing an off licence and slashing the shop manager in the face. The assailant wore a red tartan hat. Something Dave wears all the time.
His employer is prepared to vouch for him that on the time of the robbery, Dave was at work. However in the witness box, the employer goes back on his evidence.
Rumpole of course gathered that the employer was a bit too friendly with Dave's pretty wife and he also owned the off licence that was robbed. Rumpole has the employer labelled as a hostile witness and demolishes him during cross examination.
This is not the main plot of this episode of Rumpole.
Head of Chambers, Guthrie Featherstone, Q.C. M.P. seems to be having a mid life crisis. He is seen in a nightclub by Erskine Brown dancing with one of the ladies from the typing pool. Brown is appalled and wants Rumpole to be the head of chambers. Meanwhile Mrs Featherstone comes to see Rumpole about a divorce matter.
It does look rather shocking when Guthrie Featherstone propositions Miss Trant at the chambers. An obvious case of sexual harassment. No wonder her fiance Erskine Brown is so put out.
A change to the formula but not altogether successful one. Married barristers in chambers being footloose could be a common occurrence but it is not riveting viewing. However Rumpole who was overlooked over to be the head of chambers is surprisingly steadfastly loyal to Guthrie Featherstone.
We never do find out which party Guthrie Featherstone represents as an M.P. The episode was made at a time when the 1979 General Election would had been held with a change of government regarded as being likely.