The Way We Live Now (2001– )

At the center of the story is Augustus Melmotte, a European-born city financier, whose origins are as mysterious as his business dealings. Trollope describes him as 'something in the city',... See full summary »

Stars:

David Suchet, Matthew Macfadyen, Paloma Baeza

7 wins & 12 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
David Suchet	...	Augustus Melmotte (4 episodes, 2001)
Matthew Macfadyen	...	Sir Felix Carbury (4 episodes, 2001)
Paloma Baeza	...	Hetta Carbury (4 episodes, 2001)
Cheryl Campbell	...	Lady Carbury (4 episodes, 2001)
Shirley Henderson	...	Marie Melmotte (4 episodes, 2001)
Douglas Hodge	...	Roger Carbury (4 episodes, 2001)
Cillian Murphy	...	Paul Montague (4 episodes, 2001)
Miranda Otto	...	Mrs. Hurtle (4 episodes, 2001)
David Bradley	...	Mr. Broune (4 episodes, 2001)
Tony Britton	...	Lord Alfred Grendall (4 episodes, 2001)
Allan Corduner	...	Croll (4 episodes, 2001)
Anne-Marie Duff	...	Georgiana Longestaffe (4 episodes, 2001)
Oliver Ford Davies	...	Mr. Longestaffe (4 episodes, 2001)
Maxine Peake	...	Ruby Ruggles (4 episodes, 2001)
Helen Schlesinger	...	Madame Melmotte (4 episodes, 2001)
Richard Cant	...	Dolly Longestaffe (4 episodes, 2001)
Graham Crowden	...	Marquis of Auld Reekie (4 episodes, 2001)
Tom Fahy	...	Butler at Grosvenor Square (4 episodes, 2001)
Stuart McQuarrie	...	Lord Nidderdale (4 episodes, 2001)
Angus Wright	...	Miles Grendall (4 episodes, 2001)
Rob Brydon	...	Mr. Alf (3 episodes, 2001)
Michele Dotrice	...	Mrs. Pipkin (3 episodes, 2001)
Michael Riley	...	Hamilton K. Fisker (3 episodes, 2001)
Jim Carter	...	Mr. Brehgert (3 episodes, 2001)
Nicholas McGaughey	...	John Crumb (3 episodes, 2001)
Sarah Niven	...	Simpson (3 episodes, 2001)
Jon Rumney	...	Herr Vossner (3 episodes, 2001)
Joanna David	...	Lady Pomona Longestaffe (2 episodes, 2001)
Lilo Baur	...	Didon (2 episodes, 2001)
Tony Pritchard	...	Mr. Wakeham (2 episodes, 2001)
Fenella Woolgar	...	Lady Julia Monogram (2 episodes, 2001)

Storyline

At the center of the story is Augustus Melmotte, a European-born city financier, whose origins are as mysterious as his business dealings. Trollope describes him as 'something in the city', but the "something" part is not always clear. Within weeks of arriving in London, he announces a new company and promises instant fortune to those who join him in this scheme. Melmotte is surrounded by a circle of decadent aristos, scheming widows and nouveau riche businessmen, all trying to get a piece of the financial pie. His disobedient daughter, Marie, is played by Shirley Henderson, while Cheryl Campbell, Matthew Macfadyen and Paloma Baeza bring to life the aristocratic but impoverished Carbury family.

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Plot Keywords:

tv mini series | railroad business | costume drama | period piece | based on novel | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

PBS [United States]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 November 2001 (UK)

Also Known As:

Elomme päivät

Filming Locations:

Luton Hoo Estate, Luton, Bedfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), NOVA/WGBH Boston, Deep Indigo Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

300 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Black and White Color

User Reviews

Another triumph for Davies

The man who wrote the 1995 mini series 'Pride and prejudice' (Andrew Davies) has adapted another (less well known) classic; Anthony Trollope's 'The way we live now'. Although this series is by no way in the same league as Pride and Prejudice it is still excellent. The plot certainly kept me enthralled over the four weeks it was shown, with character interaction completely gripping. I found the end a bit of a let down and rather rushed but it manages to whiz you through the many characters in a few minutes with great skill. A word of warning, be careful when you pick your favourite characters as what you want to happen probably won't. You truly do believe this is really happening, regardless it being set in 1870. The performances by David Suchet as devious Melmotte, Matthew Macfadyen as comic Felix and my favourite Douglas Hodge as the honest, moral Roger are unmissable. Even if, like me, you do not like the ending the rest of the programme makes it all well worth watching.