Penelope and John Mortimer, 1961 (photo)

John Mortimer ( 923 – 2009) British novelist, barrister and playwright best remembered for creating the eccentric barrister named Horace Rumpole, hero of numerous BBC radio and television court-room dramas. Other popular works include the play Voyage Round My Father, and the novel Paradise Postponed which he adapted for television. Penelope Mortimer (1918-99). British novelist, biographer and journalist. Her main theme was female experience. Her most famous novel was The Pumpkin Eater, adapted for the screen by Harold Pinter. First wife of author John Mortimer. She wrote two highly regarded volumes of autobiography.