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

Excellent!

This adaptation of the novel is dramatic and exciting, whilst there is just a hint of humour. David Suchet portrays the monstrous character of Melmotte exceedingly well, but the main essence of brilliancy was contributed by Andrew Davies, who never ceases to amaze me with his marvellous screenplays, Pride and Prejudice being my all-time favourite. The supporting cast was stunning and the locations suited the scenes well. This is one of the best adaptations since Pride and Prejudice. Excellent!