Ian McShane cuts a dashing figure in the second "Disraeli" episode, titled "Mary Anne" in honor of his patron played nicely by Mary Peach. He's just entered Parliament, where he encounters anti-semitism, resentment and general disdain from members of both parties. Following wise counsel, he soon begins to make a name for himself via simple but impressive speeches. The death of Wyndham Lewis makes Mary a widow, and Disraeli is very supportive, but it's still a platonic relationship.
A friend, Alfred, suggests that Disraeli take advantage of the wealthy widow to solve his own financial problems. Dizzy takes him up on it, and after writing her love letters, he proposes marriage to May Anne. His father objects to the marriage, but it's full speed ahead. A best friend bad-mouths him to Mary Anne and convinces her that Disraeli is only interested in her money.
Disraeli's cutting speech to Mary Anne has the desired effect -she apologizes and marries the young man. A new problem occurs, as Dizzy fails to advance in gaining position in the government, with folks still bad-mouthing him. But an enemy within the Conservative party turns into an ally. A generational change in the Conservative Party propels both of them upward in politics, and Dizzy even gives up his dandy look. Melodramatically, his friend dies suddenly of a heart attack, and the party relies on Dizzy, making him the Chancellor of the Exchequer, second highest post in the government, though Queen Victoria looks none too pleased during his ceremony.
A friend, Alfred, suggests that Disraeli take advantage of the wealthy widow to solve his own financial problems. Dizzy takes him up on it, and after writing her love letters, he proposes marriage to May Anne. His father objects to the marriage, but it's full speed ahead. A best friend bad-mouths him to Mary Anne and convinces her that Disraeli is only interested in her money.
Disraeli's cutting speech to Mary Anne has the desired effect -she apologizes and marries the young man. A new problem occurs, as Dizzy fails to advance in gaining position in the government, with folks still bad-mouthing him. But an enemy within the Conservative party turns into an ally. A generational change in the Conservative Party propels both of them upward in politics, and Dizzy even gives up his dandy look. Melodramatically, his friend dies suddenly of a heart attack, and the party relies on Dizzy, making him the Chancellor of the Exchequer, second highest post in the government, though Queen Victoria looks none too pleased during his ceremony.