A look at the real cases and personal demons of Sir Edward Marshall Hall, Edwardian London's most celebrated barrister. Presiding over trials that made headlines and drew large crowds to the public gallery, the Old Bailey defence counsel was Britain's first legal celebrity. A champion of justice for all, Marshall Hall earns a reputation as The Great Defender as he pleads the innocence of clients other lawyers refuse to represent.
WriterSimon Passmore
An Alien Shore
Feb 28, 1989
Who would defend a prostitute found with a client's body in her trunk? Marshall Hall is persuaded to be her barrister by the prospect of fame. Even so, he delivers his very best.
Noblesse Oblige
Mar 7, 1989
After a long illness, Marshall Hall needs money. He agrees to defend a mother in a libel suit brought by her son-in-law for calling him a homosexual.
Gone for a Soldier
Mar 14, 1989
When an unwed servant's baby is smothered, her former mistress hires Marshall Hall to defend her. Police say she had confessed to killing her child. What can be said on her behalf?
Beside the Seaside
Mar 21, 1989
Marshall Hall's client is a conman, a womanizer, a German spy...but is he a murderer? That is the question: Did he kill his wife
Gun In Hand
Mar 28, 1989
Why do the leading citizens of his town support the defense of the local brewer, accused of killing his mistress? Marshall Hall must travel to the Black Country to get the facts.
Turn Again
Apr 4, 1989
When does winning cost the LAWYER? Edward Marshall Hall finds out when he wins a case of libel for an actress against a newspaper.
The Camden Town Murder
Apr 11, 1989
Marshall Hall defends a young artist who is accused of killing a woman of easy virtue. The great barrister suspects that one of her other paramours may be responsible instead.
Sentence of Death
Apr 18, 1989
Dr. Crippen's case will be someone's Waterloo. If a barrister cannot trust his "favorite" solicitor, what happens to his world? Marshall Hall's wife suspects Newton and warns her husband.
