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S1.E1 ∙ Dizzy
During the Regency Period young, ambitious novelist Benjamin Disraeli has more success in the boudoir than in his attempts to be elected to Parliament. Starring: Ian McShane, Rosemary Leach, Mary Peach.
S1.E1 ∙ Dizzy
During the Regency Period young, ambitious novelist Benjamin Disraeli has more success in the boudoir than in his attempts to be elected to Parliament. Starring: Ian McShane, Rosemary Leach, Mary Peach.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:04Open up!
00:00:07Open up!
00:00:09Come on, open up! We know you're in there!
00:00:15Open up!
00:00:22He'll have to come out one day.
00:00:23And when he does, do you think he'll have any money with him?
00:00:30This bill has been outstanding for nine months.
00:00:32This one's nearly 12 months.
00:00:33£47, this bill.
00:00:43Beg pardon, sir. Do you happen to know the gent that lives in here?
00:00:47Would you happen to know if he's at home?
00:00:49Mr Disraeli.
00:00:51I believe I saw him just now at the corner of the street.
00:01:00So . . .
00:01:01. . .
00:01:02. . .
00:01:12. .
00:01:13. .
00:01:40ORGAN PLAYS
00:01:57ORGAN PLAYS
00:02:17ORGAN PLAYS
00:02:18Well, everyone's here.
00:02:22Are you sure he's going to be here?
00:02:24I can't promise.
00:02:25We've sent Israeli invitation after invitation,
00:02:28but he's dropped out of sight since he returned from his travels.
00:02:31Well, I do hope he comes.
00:02:33I shall be dreamfully disappointed.
00:02:36I can't imagine why you're so keen.
00:02:38He's just another conceited writer.
00:02:48Please, not again.
00:03:06He's here.
00:03:07The most elusive man in London.
00:03:14I'm so glad you've come.
00:03:16I can't tell you how much I've looked forward to seeing you again.
00:03:19I've been abroad for some time, Mr. Balboa.
00:03:21Oh, Edward.
00:03:22Please.
00:03:23Edward.
00:03:27My dear, may I present Mr. Benjamin Disraeli?
00:03:31My wife, Rosina.
00:03:33Oh, at last.
00:03:34Now, perhaps my husband will stop talking about you.
00:03:37I own I was almost jealous.
00:03:38Now, now, poodle.
00:03:41Oh, yes, it's true.
00:03:42You are the only living writer besides himself that he really admires.
00:03:46That I admit to.
00:03:47Well, you do me too much honour.
00:03:51Impossible.
00:03:52Besides, the world is so slow to recognise genius,
00:03:55we must at least praise each other.
00:03:57Mrs. Bolton, may I introduce you Mr. Disraeli,
00:04:00author of Vivian Gray and the Young...
00:04:02I know them well.
00:04:03Indeed, I know Mr. Disraeli.
00:04:05Mrs. Bolton.
00:04:07I hear you've been touring in the Middle East.
00:04:10Until recently.
00:04:11Please give my regards to Dr. Bolton.
00:04:18Now, who else do you know?
00:04:21Well, no one, I'm afraid.
00:04:22I must confess that my acquaintance with society
00:04:24so far has been in respectable but less exalted service.
00:04:27Yet, they all know you.
00:04:30Yes, most of our guests are here because they're eager to meet you.
00:04:33But I thought...
00:04:34But your novels had outraged all London.
00:04:37Only the critics and the serious minding.
00:04:39That before I left, people I thought of as friends passed me in the street.
00:04:42That was a year ago.
00:04:44Our cousins in the United States write that you are required reading over there.
00:04:48Please, you overwhelm me.
00:04:50Well then, come and meet some of your admirers.
00:05:00You'll excuse me for introducing a disagreeable subject, but what are your politics?
00:05:06Depends who I'm talking to.
00:05:08No convictions?
00:05:11Many.
00:05:12I'm as obsessed by politics as most men on my drink, or women.
00:05:15In fact, it is only there I feel I could make my mark.
00:05:17But without political friends or noble acquaintances to help me.
00:05:23Well, we must do something about it.
00:05:28Who would you like to meet first?
00:05:30Daniel O'Connell?
00:05:32The case was dismissed.
00:05:33The leader of the Irish religion.
00:05:34The judge never spoke to me afterwards.
00:05:38The prince of the dandies, Count Alfred Dorsey.
00:05:43Oh, Dorsey.
00:05:45Over there with the long-necked beauty.
00:05:47Hmm, exquisite.
00:05:48And influential.
00:05:49Lord Melbourne's friend, Mrs. Caroline Norton.
00:05:53Count Dorsey, may I present Mr. Benjamin Disraeli.
00:05:58May I present Mrs. Caroline Norton?
00:06:01Mrs. Norton.
00:06:04I hear you've become a great traveller.
00:06:06Please tell us about everything you've seen.
00:06:08Oh, alas, madam, like all great travellers,
00:06:10I have seen more than I remember,
00:06:11and I remember much more than I've seen.
00:06:16Tell me, who is that tinseled coxcomb
00:06:19that they're all cooing over?
00:06:21It is really the novelist, Mr. O'Connell.
00:06:23Would you like to meet him?
00:06:24Not if he was the last man in the country.
00:06:26I cannot abide these flashy Israelites.
00:06:33Mr. Disraeli?
00:06:36Mrs. Wyndham-Lewis,
00:06:38and Wyndham-Lewis,
00:06:39Member of Parliament for Maidstone.
00:06:41You have been very cruel.
00:06:44Madam?
00:06:44Not to have come earlier.
00:06:47My wife is an admirer of yours, Mr. Disraeli.
00:06:49Oh, no, I'm your greatest admirer.
00:06:52I've read everything you've ever written.
00:06:54Well, then, some of my correspondents
00:06:56have been extremely indiscreet, madam.
00:06:59Oh, that's very humorous.
00:07:01Is it from one of your books?
00:07:03No, I try not to quote myself, madam.
00:07:04Oh, please, don't call me madam.
00:07:06Don't you feel so very ancient?
00:07:08You shall call me Marianne.
00:07:10Oh, very well, madam.
00:07:12Marianne.
00:07:22You see, I could tell you things about yourself
00:07:25that would surprise you.
00:07:26I know far more about you than you realize.
00:07:29Well, I'm convinced of it.
00:07:32You're mocking me again.
00:07:33I assure you I'm not.
00:07:34Oh, no, no, no, I didn't mind to be here.
00:07:36You see, I can tell when you're being serious,
00:07:38which is nearly all the time.
00:07:40You say serious things in a funny way
00:07:42so people won't think you're so solemn.
00:07:44Especially about politics.
00:07:47You seemed obsessed about politics,
00:07:49even when you write about love.
00:07:52Well, politics surely is the great romance.
00:07:55Oh, Wyndon doesn't think so.
00:07:57He thinks it's frightfully dull.
00:07:59Then he's a Tory, of course.
00:08:02Are you a Tory?
00:08:04No, I'm inclined to the more liberal party.
00:08:06They tend to get much better dinners
00:08:07and the more amusing.
00:08:07Oh, well, then you must give me a chance
00:08:09to convert you by coming to dine with us.
00:08:12Well, I've just recently...
00:08:14No, no, I'm sick.
00:08:16You leave me no alternative.
00:08:20Well, if you will excuse me now,
00:08:21I do have to see Bulwer on some urgent matter.
00:08:23Oh, well.
00:08:24Only on condition that you don't forget me.
00:08:28Oh, you need have no fear of that.
00:08:33Would I, um, get to escape from an intolerable woman?
00:08:36She will not let you go.
00:08:38It is the price of fame, Ben.
00:08:40He's such a rat like I can get a word in edgewise.
00:08:48How long have you been home?
00:08:50About three weeks.
00:08:52And you've not been to see me?
00:08:53I've been with my family in the country.
00:08:56And now?
00:08:57Taking rooms in St. James's.
00:09:00Duke Street.
00:09:02Very convenient.
00:09:09We were trying to decide which university you were at.
00:09:13Was it Oxford or Cambridge?
00:09:16Neither.
00:09:17Left school at 15.
00:09:1815?
00:09:19And completed my education at home in my father's study.
00:09:23Did you not want to go to university?
00:09:27I also wanted to publish a newspaper,
00:09:30enter parliament,
00:09:32be a soldier, a saint,
00:09:34and a poet like Byron,
00:09:35all at once.
00:09:37Instead, my father articled me
00:09:39to a firm of solicitors in the city.
00:09:41Ah.
00:09:41So you became a lawyer?
00:09:44Alas, no.
00:09:44I gave it up.
00:09:45Oh, why?
00:09:46Too fun of life.
00:09:48And the bar?
00:09:49Law and bad jokes till you're 40,
00:09:51and then with the most brilliant success,
00:09:52the prospect of gout on the coronet.
00:09:56I think we can go in now.
00:10:01Mr. Disrael,
00:10:02I have promised Mary Ann Wyndham Lewis
00:10:04that you will take her in to dinner and sit with her.
00:10:07That insufferable woman.
00:10:10Allah is this great.
00:10:16Oh, there you are, my perfect knight.
00:10:19You know, that's a song.
00:10:20You must know I like silent, melancholy men.
00:10:23I have no doubt of it.
00:10:28Two weeks.
00:10:29Without a word, not even a note.
00:10:32I have been busy.
00:10:34Not too busy to see Mrs. Morton.
00:10:37Oh, she's a friend.
00:10:39And what am I?
00:10:40Twice.
00:10:41You have been to see me only twice in a month.
00:10:45I have been trying to finish my new book.
00:10:49You used to say that I gave you inspiration.
00:10:53But that was a year ago.
00:10:56Clara,
00:10:58what was between us is now over.
00:11:03I will not be discarded.
00:11:07Then let me remind you,
00:11:08it was you who discarded me.
00:11:11Well, you'd become a laughingstock.
00:11:14It was ruined to be seen with you.
00:11:16Still, I lose no sleep over you.
00:11:19You may be taken up by the fringe of society now,
00:11:22but they'll soon drop you when the novelty wears off.
00:11:26What are you?
00:11:28Just a penniless upstart with a great opinion of himself.
00:11:32In a year or two,
00:11:32no one will even remember your name.
00:11:41Ben?
00:11:42Ben, are you here?
00:11:43Edward, come in.
00:11:44Come in.
00:11:49That was Mrs. Bolton I saw leaving.
00:11:54You should be more discreet.
00:11:57She will not come again.
00:11:59I am delighted to hear it.
00:12:01I should hate to think of you
00:12:02as just another of the little flies
00:12:03that dangle in her web.
00:12:06I was once.
00:12:07Like many a man before you.
00:12:10How did you meet her?
00:12:13I exhausted myself working for a time
00:12:16and her husband treated me.
00:12:18And Clara completed the cure.
00:12:20She is of more use to Dr. Bolton's practice
00:12:23than a hundred signed testimonials.
00:12:27Still, I mustn't malign her.
00:12:29She has taste.
00:12:31Only men of wealth or promise appeal to her.
00:12:35Well, she made an error of judgment with me.
00:12:38How so?
00:12:42Cautionary tale, Edward.
00:12:45Medeira?
00:12:48I believed
00:12:50that not having an influential family
00:12:52that I must have riches to succeed.
00:12:55So at 19
00:12:56I gambled on the stock exchange
00:12:58with money that
00:13:00I did not own.
00:13:03Thereby crippling myself with debts
00:13:04that I've been paying off ever since.
00:13:06At 19?
00:13:08Since then I've not known a quiet hour.
00:13:10Ah, couldn't your father settle them?
00:13:12Oh, he thinks he has.
00:13:13I couldn't tell him the full amount.
00:13:15Surely your books sell well.
00:13:18Only enough to pay the interest on what I owe.
00:13:20I burn to write great drama.
00:13:22Instead I have to turn out romantic novels
00:13:24to satisfy the demands of my
00:13:26creditors.
00:13:26And each bad review brings them beating at the door.
00:13:31Oh, a problem we share.
00:13:33Oh, admittedly my reviews aren't as bad as yours.
00:13:37Yet at the moment I have not six shillings in the bank.
00:13:41I thought...
00:13:42A pose, my dear Ben.
00:13:45The pose is everything.
00:13:47In society it is not what you are
00:13:49but what you seem to be that matters.
00:13:51Like a travelling salesman.
00:13:54Hmm.
00:13:54And I have precious little to sell.
00:13:57You have forgotten your most valuable asset.
00:14:00And what is that?
00:14:02Yourself, man.
00:14:03You have just enough of yourself in your books
00:14:06for people to want to know more.
00:14:09And so I tell myself.
00:14:12I wish I could believe it.
00:14:15All belief is the result of wishing to believe.
00:14:19Now, who said that?
00:14:23You set out to conquer society.
00:14:25All you have done so far is
00:14:26hand in your visiting card.
00:14:28Now you must storm the salons.
00:14:30Oh, but Clara said I was made on the fringes of society.
00:14:32They would drop me after a year.
00:14:33All she wanted to do was rise on your coattails.
00:14:38No.
00:14:40I have been sent to bring you
00:14:42to the shrine of art and fashion.
00:14:48Where's that?
00:14:49To Lady Blessington.
00:14:51Where the lovely Marguerite holds court with
00:14:54Dorset.
00:15:03At last.
00:15:04I'd almost given you birth now.
00:15:07It was my fault, I'm afraid.
00:15:08I was delayed by a moment of self-criticism.
00:15:11Nothing too serious, I hope.
00:15:13No, try as I might.
00:15:14I could not quite find the right change.
00:15:16It's the only excuse I would have accepted.
00:15:22Marguerite.
00:15:22May I present Mr. Benjamin Disrightly,
00:15:24Lady Blessington.
00:15:26I shall never listen to rumor again.
00:15:28Why is that?
00:15:29I told me that Lady Blessington was beautiful,
00:15:31not that she dimmed all other things.
00:15:34I warn you, Mr. Disraeli,
00:15:36I'm not susceptible to flattery.
00:15:38I sincerely hope not.
00:15:39My most earnest study all my life
00:15:40has been to tell the truth.
00:15:43I wanted to ask you.
00:15:45No, Alfred.
00:15:45Later you may ask anything you wish.
00:15:48For the moment is mine.
00:15:54I thought you said he was in despair.
00:15:56I assure you, he was.
00:15:58And only an hour ago.
00:16:02Part genius,
00:16:05part dandy,
00:16:07and part actor.
00:16:11An irresistible combination.
00:16:14Do you find Mrs. Norton beautiful also?
00:16:19A Grecian statue brought to life
00:16:21with all the wisdom of Athenians.
00:16:24How un-galant to make me jealous already.
00:16:29And last because youngest,
00:16:31Miss Selina Porrester.
00:16:32Is she beautiful too?
00:16:34No, wouldn't it be.
00:16:36Or rather.
00:16:39A thorn.
00:16:40Half fearful of the wind across the glade.
00:16:43I'm afraid the Mr. Disraeli is too kind.
00:16:46He finds all ladies beautiful.
00:16:48Well, in this company I cannot deny it.
00:16:51Say like Paris you had to choose.
00:16:54Not between three goddesses,
00:16:55but between the six of us.
00:16:57To whom would you give the golden apple?
00:17:02Then I would divide it into six equal parts
00:17:04and present one to each.
00:17:11If you excuse us, ladies,
00:17:13we must let her circulate a little.
00:17:15Oh, history.
00:17:16There's Edward with O'Connell.
00:17:20I have been telling Mr. O'Connell
00:17:22that I intend to stand at the next general election.
00:17:25And as a radical, I was glad to hear.
00:17:27Bulwar tells me that it's you
00:17:28who's responsible for all those
00:17:30political articles in the Times.
00:17:32Very perceptive.
00:17:34It only goes to show that
00:17:36one should never judge a candy by its wrapping.
00:17:39Or a diamond by its roughness.
00:17:43Well, I was warned about the quickness of your wits.
00:17:46I see I must be careful.
00:17:47I can just hear Ben in the house.
00:17:50No one could speak more effectively.
00:17:52Are you thinking of standing for Parliament too,
00:17:55Mr. Disraeli?
00:17:57Well, I must admit it's been my secret ambition for years.
00:18:00Although I realize it will be difficult.
00:18:02It certainly will be.
00:18:04And which side will you support?
00:18:07Well, as a careerist,
00:18:09I suppose I should support the government.
00:18:10But I'm afraid I cannot agree with their policies.
00:18:12Then again, by upbringing,
00:18:13I'm a Tory.
00:18:14But I am sympathetic to the Radicals.
00:18:18It's a pity there's not a party
00:18:20that combines the best of all three.
00:18:21You will only find that in Utopia.
00:18:23Well, I wish you luck with whatever you decide.
00:18:27You're winning them over.
00:18:29I've never seen O'Connell so friendly.
00:18:31Still, mon ami,
00:18:32you must not put all your egg in one basket.
00:18:36Having met the leader of the Radicals,
00:18:38would you like now to meet the leader of the Doris?
00:18:45Peel is here.
00:18:46Over there with MacLeese, our point of fire.
00:18:49Do you know Sir Robert?
00:18:51No, but I've often heard him speak in the house.
00:18:55Sir Robert, may I present Mr. Benjamin Disraeli.
00:18:59Sir Robert, this is indeed an honor.
00:19:01I was brought up to revere the names of Peel, Canning.
00:19:07Mr. Disraeli is one of our most distinguished
00:19:09younger novelists, Sir Robert.
00:19:12Oh, yes.
00:19:13I was recommended to read one of your books.
00:19:17I didn't finish it.
00:19:18Ah, Mr. Disraeli is also a student of politics.
00:19:23He has heard you speak in the house.
00:19:25Oh, indeed.
00:19:25What was the debate?
00:19:26I'm afraid I can't remember.
00:19:27I didn't stay to the end.
00:19:32A most interesting evening, Sir Robert.
00:19:36All right.
00:19:37Touché.
00:19:39Though not the way to win powerful France.
00:19:41There's not a lance of humanity in it.
00:19:43It was a moment you showed immortalized us on canvas, MacLeese.
00:19:47Dignity confronted by impudence.
00:19:50Providing you make it quite clear who was being impudent.
00:19:54Come the ladies again.
00:19:55If you take my advice, you'll concentrate on them for the moment.
00:19:59I intend to.
00:20:00The one thing I have learned is that they have more influence on public opinion than anyone else.
00:20:05Mr. Disraeli, we've been trying to decide on a name for you.
00:20:08We can't call you Ben.
00:20:10Why not?
00:20:11Benjamin, perhaps, but Ben is a name for a prizefighter.
00:20:14Then what shall we call him?
00:20:15Something from one of his own books.
00:20:16Vivian?
00:20:18Alroy?
00:20:18Champagne for a christener.
00:20:21You a male d'oeser, please.
00:20:23Sir, with his permission, I shall call him Dizzy.
00:20:28Perfect.
00:20:30To Dizzy.
00:20:33To Dizzy.
00:20:34Lovely.
00:20:37To Dizzy.
00:20:43I think it's the most wonderful thing I've ever heard.
00:20:48It depends in which sense you use the word wonderful.
00:20:53But, Father, isn't it exciting for Ben to be fighting a by-election at Wycombe?
00:20:57But, well, only a few miles away.
00:21:00Hmm.
00:21:00It is certainly an improvement on the incessant round of parties and balls and dinners that appear to be his
00:21:06only occupation for the past year.
00:21:09Father, I may seem to have been a social butterfly, but I've not been wasting my time.
00:21:13Well, I am relieved to hear it.
00:21:15All society is governed by a few influential hostesses.
00:21:18Everyone of importance in the fashionable world, in art, literature, government, is to be seen at their receptions.
00:21:24Not to be invited is not to exist.
00:21:26Debatable.
00:21:27Fact of life.
00:21:28At least now I'm known and have met many people who could be of great use in my career.
00:21:33In, uh, politics?
00:21:36Yes.
00:21:38And it is with their encouragement that I offer myself as a parliamentary candidate.
00:21:43With their encouragement?
00:21:45But no one's actual support, hmm?
00:21:47Now, first I must prove myself.
00:21:49That is why I'm standing as an independent.
00:21:51Oh, Ben.
00:21:52Ben, Ben, let me remind you of the political facts of life.
00:21:58Now, there are very few electoral seats in this country.
00:22:01And all are controlled.
00:22:02They are directly controlled by one or other of the two main parties.
00:22:07Then the voters must be given an alternative.
00:22:09That is why I shall present myself as a candidate totally dedicated to their interests, not to any party.
00:22:15Exactly.
00:22:16Yes, now, before we're all carried away,
00:22:18may I also remind you that in Wickham there are at most only 30 or 40 men eligible to vote.
00:22:24And most of them are told whom to elect by the landowners and the businessmen who employ them.
00:22:30But if they listen to my arguments...
00:22:32They will still have no choice.
00:22:33They will still have to stand up in public on polling day and announce their votes with their employers watching.
00:22:39Well, then I shall appeal to the unattached.
00:22:41Hmm.
00:22:42You give their votes quite simply to the man who offers the highest bribe.
00:22:48And I shall win on merit, not bribery.
00:22:50Yes, very well.
00:22:51But where are you going to find enough money, then?
00:22:53Look, I offer new blood, new ideas.
00:22:56Exciting?
00:22:56As a member of parliament, Father, I can show, I can talk to the people and show them perhaps that
00:23:01government need not be dull, heavy, clinging to the past,
00:23:04but alive, creative, exciting, Father.
00:23:06I know, then.
00:23:07But where are you going to find the money?
00:23:12Yes, I am a true independent.
00:23:16Your interests and your needs are the only party bags that I need.
00:23:20I understand the people, because I have sprung from the people.
00:23:25Like Moses from the bull rashes!
00:23:27I could ask for no better faith, my friend, for he was plucked by a princess and rose to be
00:23:32a leader in his adopted land.
00:23:36Again, I have no noble blood, nor have I ever taken a penny of public money.
00:23:41If and when I am elected, as I am bound to be, I promise to support not the privileges of
00:23:49the few, but to work for the good of the nation as a whole.
00:23:56My policy can be summed up in one word, and that word is England.
00:24:04Yes, my friend, when the poll is declared, I shall be there, and my opponent will be there.
00:24:32I cast my vote for Colonel Gray.
00:24:51I vote for Colonel Gray.
00:25:00Twenty votes for Gray, and only twelve for me.
00:25:05I can't say I'm really surprised.
00:25:08The government has more than enough money and influence to make sure the Roman was elected.
00:25:14And Charles Gray is the son of the Prime Minister.
00:25:17Hmm, and that's hard, your recommendation.
00:25:20Sit still if you want to be immortalized.
00:25:23That's all right.
00:25:24I've already sketched him.
00:25:26And his sister.
00:25:29Remarkably intelligent young woman, Sarah.
00:25:32You know, she's started canvassing Wickham for the next round already.
00:25:36Are you going to stand again?
00:25:38Yes.
00:25:40The next general election.
00:25:43The reform bill will be in by then.
00:25:46There'll be two hundred or so more voters.
00:25:47He'll have a better chance.
00:25:48Yes, but is all the effort worth it?
00:25:54This life of pleasure, idleness, and occasional literary work is delightful.
00:26:00The hours, the days, the years slip by in a dream.
00:26:07And every so often,
00:26:09my ambition pricks me awake and reminds me I'm achieving nothing.
00:26:13Remember what you said yourself?
00:26:15Without noble birth, powerful friends, or a fortune behind you,
00:26:18what can you hope to achieve?
00:26:22Everything.
00:26:23The Lord Melbourne himself told you there are too many obstacles in your way.
00:26:28That you can never hope to reach the highest of his.
00:26:32He's very experienced.
00:26:34But not infallible.
00:26:35I intend to prove him wrong as quickly as possible.
00:26:37You're going on in spite of what he said.
00:26:39If I did not think I'd succeed, I would not step on the ladder.
00:26:45Wickham is merely the first rung.
00:26:48Well, it's a two-candidate seat, and each elector has two votes.
00:26:51You're about to get one of them, aren't you?
00:26:53Yes, the only problem is, where do I get the money?
00:26:55Oh, simple.
00:26:57Borrow my money from your creditors.
00:26:59If you win, it's their only way of getting their money back.
00:27:10Why are you so miserable?
00:27:12It is not easy to have to accept defeat for the second time.
00:27:16That third man took votes from me.
00:27:17It was very close.
00:27:19Oh, it's not consummation.
00:27:21Your election expenses must have been very heavy.
00:27:24Can you pay them?
00:27:25Well, I've not sixpence in the bank.
00:27:45Ben, you're not to worry.
00:27:47I shall take care of it for you.
00:27:48Oh, father.
00:27:50I know you have other debts as well, and I settle the most urgent of them.
00:27:57Father, I can't keep asking you.
00:27:59It'll come out of what I hope to leave you.
00:28:03Oh, no, no.
00:28:04Oh, thanks, now.
00:28:06Little enough I can do for you.
00:28:08Oh, I wish I could do more of that, sir.
00:28:16Sarah was right, you know.
00:28:19You've done well.
00:28:22To come last.
00:28:24It's not closer than anyone could who expected.
00:28:28You doubt my ability.
00:28:30Never that.
00:28:32But in trying to become a politician, a public figure,
00:28:35are you well, you've not taken into account
00:28:37the effect of the hidden prejudice.
00:28:43I am an Englishman and a member of the Church of England.
00:28:47Yes.
00:28:48But you are still by birth.
00:28:51A Jew.
00:28:51Yes.
00:28:52Which I have never denied, nor tried to conceal.
00:28:56Precisely.
00:28:57Precisely.
00:28:59And that is what Melbourne meant.
00:29:01Even to have been elected to the House of Parliament
00:29:03without anything else would have been a triumph.
00:29:06You would not only have been an MP,
00:29:08but you would have been the first Jew
00:29:12ever to have entered the House of Commons.
00:29:15You must not take it to heart
00:29:17because the times and the centuries are against you.
00:29:20My only regret, Father,
00:29:21is that there might not be another by-election
00:29:24for months, even years.
00:29:26You mean to try again, don't you?
00:29:28Yes, again, again, and again, Father.
00:29:31And not only for ambition, but for pride.
00:29:36I refuse to let myself be beaten.
00:29:38Yes, again, again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and
00:29:51again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and
00:29:51again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and
00:29:53again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and
00:29:53again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and
00:29:59again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and
00:30:00again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and
00:30:03again, and again, and again, and again
00:30:29May I compliment you, Mr. Booba, on your speech yesterday?
00:30:33Thank you, Sir Robert.
00:30:34There was, I believe, only one thing wrong with it.
00:30:37May I ask what that was?
00:30:39That it did not come from my side of the house.
00:30:45Oh, Mr. Disraeli, I have not seen you to congratulate you on your showing at High Wycombe.
00:30:51On being defeated, Sir.
00:30:53We must all admire your perseverance.
00:31:01You must not be downhearted.
00:31:04I assure you, Madam, I'm not.
00:31:06I've had copies made of all your speeches.
00:31:08I tell everyone how brilliant they are.
00:31:10Oh, well, I'm flattered to have such an admiring champion.
00:31:13Enough to come and dine with us again.
00:31:15Whenever I'm invited.
00:31:16I'm having a very special déjeuner on the 22nd.
00:31:20I shall expect you there without fail.
00:31:22And mind you don't flirt with all my lady guests in turn.
00:31:25It makes them all very jealous.
00:31:28Your duty is to flirt only with me, because I'm your hostess.
00:31:31You understand the art of turning duty into a pleasure.
00:31:35As long as I listen to you...
00:31:54I am not going to go with you.
00:31:54But if not, I tell you the edges of you.
00:31:54But if you're related to the rep σtheavy thing, then you'll look at you.
00:31:57So I wish you something brought your attention andライieve of my brother,
00:31:58happy angelor, happy angelor, happy angelor, happy angelor, happy angelor.
00:31:59Oh yeah.
00:32:00Go ahead.
00:32:00How about this Expansion of the war?
00:32:01You do not get it a fair enough?
00:32:01Well, you areupa committed at last night.
00:32:02The bell-en-connue? Where?
00:32:04There.
00:32:05Talking to Marguerite and the older man.
00:32:09Ah.
00:32:11The fair Henriette.
00:32:13Henriette?
00:32:14Lady Henriette Sikes.
00:32:17The man is Lord Linders, famous as Formatory Chancellor,
00:32:21and even more famous as a Rouen.
00:32:25She must like the type.
00:32:27Why?
00:32:27Her husband, Sir Francis Sikes, is also well known as a womanizer.
00:32:34Well, I must meet her.
00:32:54Ah, Edward. I must congratulate you.
00:32:57The last days of Pompeii has brought each and all the light.
00:33:00It's a masterpiece.
00:33:02I cried so much reading it.
00:33:03I thought I wasn't going to be fit to be seen at your party.
00:33:16Be an angel, my dear, and fetch me another glass of pot.
00:33:19Of course, dear Clara.
00:33:20You have your husband deusely well trained, Clara.
00:33:24He will do anything to please me.
00:33:26You would not.
00:33:29Tell me, do you use kindness or cruelty?
00:33:33A delicate mixture of both.
00:33:37You're interested.
00:33:51Mr. Francis Sikes, may I present Mr. Benjamin Disraeli?
00:33:54Howdy, Dole.
00:33:55Mrs. Bolton, I believe you're ready now.
00:33:59Yes, we're old playfellas.
00:34:02Hmm.
00:34:03Knows everyone.
00:34:04Clara.
00:34:06Oh, Disraeli.
00:34:07Now, my wife's been talking about you.
00:34:09Oh, indeed, sir.
00:34:10She's read some of your novels.
00:34:12Very taken of them.
00:34:14I'm honoured, sir.
00:34:16Beware, Sir Francis Dizzy has quite a collection of fair admirers.
00:34:20Oh, well, we are all collectors.
00:34:23In our own way.
00:34:29What the big old situation?
00:34:31Mother, the devil would be in Clara.
00:34:33Oh, reassure yourself, my friend.
00:34:35She is too clever to say anything.
00:34:36And at least you know Henrietta has heard of you.
00:34:40I must say, Alfred.
00:34:48I didn't realise you would be here.
00:34:52I only came because I thought you would be.
00:34:55When can I see you?
00:34:56When can I come to you?
00:34:57He wants to come to you.
00:34:58Mon amour, Mon amour,
00:35:16He wants to come,
00:35:19and won't lift it?
00:35:20He might want to walk.
00:35:21away sounds
00:35:24He may have couldn't do it?
00:35:24I always thought you would let them and hear them out.
00:35:25of my fire and gesehen
00:36:24Dr Bolton thought he saw you heading this way.
00:36:28We came to see the views.
00:36:34We were afraid you might have strayed.
00:36:44Exquisite, isn't it?
00:36:51Does it inspire you, Ben?
00:36:54I do hope so.
00:36:55The whole point of your joining us on this little holiday together was for you to be able to work
00:36:59on your epic poem.
00:37:04I never felt more inspired in all my life.
00:37:10I can't wait to read it, can you, Francis?
00:37:13Very keen.
00:37:16Now I think perhaps we should go back.
00:37:18Dr Bolton is waiting for us.
00:37:20He's seen to the picnic arrangements.
00:37:23Will he notice that you have gone?
00:37:26Eventually, Lady Sacks.
00:37:28Eventually.
00:37:44Another cup of tea, Mrs Bolton?
00:37:46No, thank you, Lady Sacks.
00:37:47That was delightful.
00:37:49But then you're so welcoming.
00:37:52I'm always happy to welcome my husband's friends.
00:37:57And I yours, my dear.
00:38:04All one big happy family, eh?
00:38:08I particularly enjoyed our holiday at South End.
00:38:11It reminded me of the happy times I spent visiting your day parents at Bradenham, did it?
00:38:16Yes.
00:38:17Henrietta and I must visit them next time we're in Buckinghamshire.
00:38:25Well, I'm so sorry to break up our little tea party, but I really must go.
00:38:29Oh, must you, Clara?
00:38:30But I must put in an appearance at home sometime.
00:38:34Thank you, dear Lady Sacks.
00:38:36Goodbye, Ben.
00:38:37I'll see you to your carriage.
00:38:48How long is this to go on?
00:38:50It is torture for me to see you alone, like now, for only moments.
00:38:54For weeks.
00:38:55For months now where you've shared theatre parties, dinners, whole weekends with your husband and Clara always there.
00:39:00Now I cannot work for thinking of you, Henrietta.
00:39:03But I have you with me.
00:39:06It is even worse for me.
00:39:08For the hours without you have no meaning.
00:39:10Nothing else to fill my days but to think of you.
00:39:15Francis will be back with me.
00:39:16Oh, if you believe him.
00:39:17Oh, my God.
00:39:20He plays cat and mouse with me.
00:39:22He does not come home for days.
00:39:24Then he walks in her bridge to find you with me.
00:39:26After I know he's been with her.
00:39:29I only say you love me.
00:39:30I love you?
00:39:32I would give my life, my friends, my duty, all hope of heaven itself for you.
00:39:38Well, I think our little comedy has gone on long enough, don't you?
00:39:50Well, I would sooner call it a tragedy if it did not contain so many elements of farce.
00:39:55Quite so.
00:39:56I can no longer hide my feelings, which you encouraged.
00:40:01Because having me under your roof allowed you to carry on your affair with Mrs. Bolton without open scandal.
00:40:09Quite so.
00:40:12It was an ideal arrangement for us all.
00:40:16Recently, however, the situation has become intolerable.
00:40:21And therefore I...
00:40:22I now intend to resolve it.
00:40:26Divorce.
00:40:27You would give Henrietta a divorce.
00:40:31There's no question of divorce.
00:40:34I shall simply go abroad for a year or so and take Clara with me.
00:40:38How you will then avoid giving rise to scandal is your own concern.
00:40:42I do trust you'll be discreet.
00:40:44However, knowing Henrietta's willful disposition, I very much doubt it.
00:41:02I'll be free.
00:41:04Yes.
00:41:06He's right.
00:41:09We will be the targets of gossip.
00:41:12The censure of society.
00:41:14But...
00:41:15Are you willing to risk all that for me?
00:41:20What is the world to me without you?
00:41:25Only love me.
00:41:27And I belong to you completely.
00:41:30I think it's what you want.
00:41:35Shall we go to Lady Blessington's tonight?
00:41:42Henrietta.
00:41:46Henrietta.
00:41:47I have to find...
00:41:51a profitable way of spending my days.
00:41:55What do you mean?
00:41:58You know more...
00:42:00ways of spending money than anyone I've ever known.
00:42:03No, it's true.
00:42:04We...
00:42:04We're besieged by creditors.
00:42:08We cannot go out by daylight.
00:42:09We are forced to stay inside with the doors locked.
00:42:15How perfect.
00:42:17This is more...
00:42:18time alone together.
00:42:25You'll finish your epic and make thousands of pounds.
00:42:30We should count our blessings.
00:42:33Hmm.
00:42:35When I see others like Rosine and Bulwin falling out of love quarrying...
00:42:42I realize how lucky I am to have found someone like you.
00:42:46So...
00:42:47perfect, so true.
00:42:48Dearest.
00:42:53Our life would be ideal...
00:42:57if I only had some hope of success.
00:43:01Your next book.
00:43:01I just don't want to write...
00:43:04I don't want just to write about great events.
00:43:07I want to act in them.
00:43:08Don't you see that my love for you has rekindled, redoubled all my ambitions.
00:43:14There are days when I feel I could guide the destiny of nations.
00:43:19Move thrones.
00:43:21continents.
00:43:21What happens?
00:43:23That is all...
00:43:25stops our life together from being totally happy.
00:43:30Then I must wave my magic wand and do something about it.
00:43:37What do you mean?
00:43:41Wait and see.
00:43:51And here is the very man, Lord Lyndhurst.
00:43:55You remember my descent?
00:43:56But of course.
00:43:58At the moment, the man in all London I most envy.
00:44:02We receive so few callers.
00:44:04Or rather so few callers choose to be received.
00:44:08I'm grateful that you accepted my invitation.
00:44:11Well, Henrietta's been telling me about your political ambitions.
00:44:15We've all seen your determination.
00:44:17How many times have you stood for Parliament now?
00:44:20Three times for Wickham and once for Marylebone.
00:44:23But I withdrew from that election.
00:44:25And you stood as a radical?
00:44:26No, no, no, no.
00:44:27As an independent.
00:44:29Well, whatever you are, you're certainly not a Tory.
00:44:34No, I'm not.
00:44:36Well, you see my difficulty.
00:44:38If I tell Wellington and Peel and all those others at the Carlton Club
00:44:41that you now wishes to help you,
00:44:43they're going to say he must have a very flexible political conscience.
00:44:48But I've never changed my basic beliefs or claim to be what I'm not.
00:44:52Very commendable.
00:44:54But, er, what are you?
00:44:57I'm a Conservative to conserve what is good in the Constitution and right.
00:45:01A radical only to change what is wrong.
00:45:05No, I am, if you like, a progressive Conservative.
00:45:07I rather like that.
00:45:09You're no different to Peel.
00:45:12Well, um, yes.
00:45:14We need new younger spirits to counter these new young Whigs who call themselves Liberals.
00:45:20I'll do what I can.
00:45:24Well, what can I say?
00:45:25First thing is to get you elected to the Carlton Club.
00:45:30Will that be possible?
00:45:32Well, you said yourself they would doubt my sincerity.
00:45:35Not if you come along as my unofficial secretary to work up speeches, write letters and so on.
00:45:40That's so. If you'd care for the job.
00:45:43I'd be delighted.
00:45:45Then we must find you a seat in Parliament.
00:45:47There's a by-election coming along at Taunton shortly.
00:45:51We'll put you up as Conservative candidate.
00:45:54Do you think Dizzy will get in?
00:45:56What, with his own brilliance and our official backing?
00:46:00It's the best chance he's had yet.
00:46:06Now, even with official support at last, I knew there was little chance of winning.
00:46:10It's not, it's not that that makes me angry.
00:46:13What is it then?
00:46:14Is it this thing and the paper?
00:46:17My eyes. I cannot see newsprint anymore.
00:46:20And Sarah will not read it to me.
00:46:21It's merely a report of a speech that O'Connell made in Dublin, father.
00:46:24Daniel O'Connell.
00:46:26About your defeat, Ben.
00:46:27More personal.
00:46:29Much more.
00:46:31He says that by joining the Conservatives I have proved I have all the necessary qualities of...
00:46:37Of depravity.
00:46:38Lack of principle.
00:46:39Selfishness.
00:46:40That my...
00:46:42Well.
00:46:45Well.
00:46:57The British Empire is degraded by tolerating a miscreant of his abominable nature.
00:47:04His name shows he is of Jewish origin.
00:47:06He is the most degraded of his species.
00:47:08He possesses just the qualities of the impenitent thief on the cross.
00:47:11Whose name, I verily believe, if it was searched out must have been Disraeli.
00:47:15And I apologise for reading out such filth, father.
00:47:18Oh!
00:47:20Did you tell him shut him down?
00:47:22He's greeted with laughter and applause.
00:47:25It shall not go unanswered, father.
00:47:29This is what I was afraid of, Ben.
00:47:32There is no answer.
00:47:34There is no answer that will not make it worse.
00:47:48Follow him, Ben.
00:47:50No.
00:47:52He would only tell me to turn the other cheek and it's too late for that.
00:47:56What are you going to do?
00:47:58The only thing I can do.
00:48:01Send O'Connell a public challenge to prove his words.
00:48:08A duel.
00:48:10What are you thinking of?
00:48:12It's the only way I can answer this insult to myself and my family.
00:48:17You might be killed.
00:48:19No, it won't come to that.
00:48:20O'Connell is hiding behind a vow he's taken never to fight.
00:48:22His son has apologised for him indirectly.
00:48:25I've won already.
00:48:26And saved your precious name.
00:48:28What about mine?
00:48:30As if the shame of being cut by most of society were not enough.
00:48:33My own family will not speak to me because of you.
00:48:36What should I have done?
00:48:37Accepted his insults and lost all my pride and hope in the future.
00:48:40You lose more of your pride with every election.
00:48:42But one day I'll win.
00:48:46Why is it so important?
00:48:53Am I not enough?
00:48:59I'll never understand you.
00:49:01Oh, Lyndhurst understands.
00:49:03He only supported you because I asked him to.
00:49:05He'll do anything for me.
00:49:06Oh, why?
00:49:06Do you think you're the only man who's ever loved me?
00:49:12Were you his lover?
00:49:18Oh, you used his affection for you to buy flavours for me, is that it?
00:49:25Of course not.
00:49:26Why'd you say?
00:49:30I was upset.
00:49:33He told me he admires you.
00:49:36Really sincerely admires you.
00:49:42I flirted with him once, but that's all in the past.
00:49:50Don't look so stern.
00:49:52It's not fair when I've been so worried about you.
00:49:56I'm sorry, Henrietta.
00:49:57No, I'm sorry.
00:49:58I'm sorry.
00:50:01Don't ever doubt me.
00:50:06Yes?
00:50:09Oh, Danny.
00:50:12Am I interrupting anything?
00:50:13No.
00:50:15The girl sent me straight up.
00:50:17It's all right, Danny.
00:50:19I didn't know we had a sitting today.
00:50:22We don't.
00:50:23I was hoping to see himself.
00:50:26Don't tell me someone's commissioned my portrait.
00:50:29Well, O'Connell might want a memorial stone, eh?
00:50:32Oh, I was looking for you.
00:50:33Dorsey is desperate to see you.
00:50:35What about?
00:50:37Well, you wouldn't tell me, but it's urgent.
00:50:40Important news.
00:50:48Here you are at last.
00:50:51We weren't sure you were even back in town.
00:50:54I'm bursting with curiosity.
00:50:56Now what is it?
00:50:58It's about that horrid challenge of yours in the newspapers.
00:51:01For which I was proud to make the arrangements.
00:51:03Which, thank heavens, weren't needed.
00:51:06Anyway, it's had the most extraordinary effect.
00:51:08The Duke of Wellington.
00:51:09The Duke has been greatly impressed by your courage.
00:51:11And has written to Peel to say he must do something for you.
00:51:15Peel wants you to dine with him.
00:51:17And Linder says you have squaboshed the O'Connells.
00:51:22Whatever that may mean.
00:51:25Everyone speaks of you with new respect.
00:51:27The sword is sometime mightier than the pen, you see.
00:51:30This is true. This is all true.
00:51:32If you doubt my word, I shall have to challenge you.
00:51:35Don't you dare.
00:51:37Instead, I shall walk with him to the calvin' club.
00:51:40I shall allow the members to buy champagne till dinner in honor of Dizzy's trial.
00:51:45Oh, forgive me, Marguerite. Alfred, I...
00:51:47It is so rare to have good news.
00:51:50I must get back until Henriette.
00:51:52Henriette.
00:52:17voisin' club, what have you done with?
00:52:24Oh, for my son?
00:52:25Oh, my son.
00:52:25Oh, my son.
00:52:25Oh, boy.
00:52:26Oh, my father.
00:52:27Oh, my son.
00:52:28Oh, my son.
00:52:30Oh.
00:52:32Oh, my son.
00:52:58father says I have to comfort you. does he know? not everything only that
00:53:04something happened. well I appreciate your concern my dear sir but you don't
00:53:09have to worry. if you treat me like one of your ladies in London I should pull
00:53:14your ears and break your hobby horse. stop wallowing in so pity.
00:53:23hmm you're right. of course you're right. I'm not behaving like a child yet I am
00:53:29over. why are you so bitter? why do you hide yourself down here instead of returning to
00:53:36London? because I realize that after all those months with Henrietta I've achieved
00:53:40nothing. I'm almost 33 I'm not a boy anymore it's shaming. how can you say you
00:53:49are no further forward? your speeches are reported in the papers. you're a close
00:53:56friend of Lindhurst. Wellington and Peale speak highly of you. because they've
00:54:01learned they can't ignore me but they still do not trust me. then you must prove to
00:54:05them that they can. the old king is dying. there will be a new reign and another
00:54:11general election. you must be ready. you owe it to yourself. and to me. to everyone who
00:54:21believes in you to try and try again.
00:54:28oh my god Wyndham it's a Household cavalry. oh isn't it exciting? oh oh I'm here so loose
00:54:37my dear. I know but the artillery always makes me jump. always say he's going to break the window.
00:54:43I can't think why we had to come here. there were 10 hundred places I'd rather be than are here
00:54:47linating to
00:54:47Mary Ann Lewis's chatter.
00:54:49Dessie, she is devoted to you.
00:54:51I'd have heard for ten minutes of frivolity,
00:54:53but out there the world is turning.
00:54:56She wanted to see you on some urgent matter.
00:54:58The only matter of urgency to me is that there is an election afoot,
00:55:01and I have not one penny to spend as a candidate.
00:55:06So, you were really there at Kensington Palace?
00:55:09Lindhurst took me as his personal secretary.
00:55:12I was, little Victoria.
00:55:13A revelation.
00:55:15Changed overnight from a girl into a woman.
00:55:17Tiny.
00:55:18Pale but very composed.
00:55:20A queen to the very tips of her toes.
00:55:24To our new queen.
00:55:26Victoria.
00:55:29May God prosper her.
00:55:32Victoria.
00:55:34Oh, Wyndham, look at them.
00:55:37The three handsomest men in London.
00:55:39Did you think so?
00:55:40No, no, no.
00:55:41I assure you, I'd like to have you all cast in bronze.
00:55:45Well, before that metallic fate overtake us with your permission,
00:55:50Bulwer and I will withdraw.
00:55:52We only brought Dessie as requested.
00:55:54Well, if you must.
00:55:55Monsieur.
00:55:57Don't bother to see us out.
00:55:59I trust we may have longer on our next meeting.
00:56:03Sir.
00:56:11How delicious to have you to ourselves.
00:56:14Oh, no disrespect to Mr Bulwer and Count Dorsey, but they're not of our party.
00:56:18My wife has become quite a raging conservative thanks to you, Mr Disraeli.
00:56:23Oh, he is non parfait.
00:56:25Oh, and how wonderful for you to be recognized officially at last.
00:56:30I've followed your career and admired your courage from the first day we met.
00:56:36I'm not worthy of so much kindness.
00:56:39Oh, kindness, my foot.
00:56:40Anyone will tell you I only back winners.
00:56:42Which, er, which brings me to the point.
00:56:45I haven't heard that you've been chosen as a candidate for any constituency yet.
00:56:50Ah, well I must confess to an embarrassment of choice.
00:56:53Yes, I've been asked to confess not one but seven different seats.
00:56:57Seven?
00:56:57Oh, that's unheard of.
00:57:00Have you chosen one?
00:57:01That is the embarrassment.
00:57:04Um, will you excuse me a moment?
00:57:16Remarkable woman, Marianne.
00:57:18Oh, she is indeed, sir.
00:57:20Forgive me, but, er...
00:57:23Do I take it that your embarrassment is, er, financial?
00:57:27Total.
00:57:29I myself am one of two MPs for Maidstone.
00:57:32The second is a liberal who was retiring at this election and a radical is standing in his place.
00:57:37It would be a great stroke to have two Tories.
00:57:41I see.
00:57:42My wife and I wondered if you would care to stand with me.
00:57:45That is, of course, if you, er, haven't chosen somewhere else.
00:57:49Well, I...
00:57:50Unfortunately, the, er, electors of Maidstone are notoriously corrupt.
00:57:57Expenses will be very high.
00:57:59Thousands of pounds.
00:58:00I am flattered, sir, but I have already told you...
00:58:02I don't think you quite understand me, sir.
00:58:05I am offering to pay your election expenses.
00:58:10Pay?
00:58:14You overwhelm me.
00:58:17But I feel I must point out that, on my past record, it is highly unlikely that I shall be
00:58:22successful.
00:58:24I admire you for saying that, sir.
00:58:27However, I have learned to trust Mary Ann's judgment.
00:58:31Besides, I want another Conservative in the borough.
00:58:35Now, what do you say?
00:58:36Do you accept?
00:58:38With both hands.
00:58:44Well, my dear.
00:58:45Did I do it right?
00:58:47Oh, perfect, Wyndon.
00:58:49Mrs. Lewis.
00:58:51Mary Ann.
00:58:55I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
00:58:57And if I am successful, it shall be entirely thanks to you.
00:59:01Oh, nonsense.
00:59:02It will be thanks to your genius.
00:59:05And Wyndon's money.
00:59:07For the general election of 27th July, 1837.
00:59:14To be as follows.
00:59:16Wyndon Lewis, Esquire, 707.
00:59:21Vendon Montes-Ray Lee, Esquire, 616.
00:59:27Colonel Periner Thompson, 412.
00:59:33I, therefore, declare that the aforesaid Lincoln Lewis
00:59:37and the aforesaid Benjamin Tis-Ray Lee
00:59:41are duly elected members of the Parliament for the Consistency of My Flight.
01:00:02Ready?
01:00:31Join us at the end of the Moon every month,
01:00:41THE END
01:01:11THE END
01:01:32THE END
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