The Way We Live Now

Trollope's story of power, greed and corruption set in the political and financial world of London is startlingly contemporary, with many parallels to recent city scandals.

The production

The BBC/PBS production of The Way We Live Now won the BAFTA for Best Drama Serial in 2002

The cast

David Suchet heads the cast and gives a magnificent performance as Augustus Melmotte.

Episode 1

Augustus Melmotte, the great financier, arrives in London and sets up house. Felix Carbury begins to court his daughter, Marie.

Episode 2

Marie attempts to elope with Felix Carbury. Paul Montague undertakes a trip to Mexico, and Melmotte entertains the Emperor of China.

Episode 3

Marie learns that Felix Carbury is not in love with her. Paul returns from Mexico to expose Melmotte, who has become MP for Westminster.

Episode 4

Melmotte is beseiged by creditors and needs emergency funds held in his daughter's name. Marie refuses to sign the papers; Melmotte is exposed and commits suicide.