Pallisers, The: Set 1 (Disc 2 of 4) (1974) Rating: Starring: Roland Culver, Susan Hampshire, Philip Latham, Anna Massey, Barbara Murray Director: Hugh David Category: Classic, Drama Studio: Acorn Media Subtitles: [None] Length: 400 mins     Part One: The dull but dutiful Plantagenet Palliser and the spirited Lady Glencora are both thoroughly but unsuitably in love with others when their elders declare them a perfect match.The Duke of Omnium reminds Plantegenet that Pallisers marry for more important reasons than love. Part Two: Married and off on their wedding tour, the Pallisers meet up with the Vavasor party to Glencora's great relief.With urging from George, Alice questions her engagement to John.Stifled by the boredom of their country estate and her husband's preoccupation with politics, Glencora sulks until Plantagenet suggests she invite Alice to Matching. Part Three: Nearly mad with longing for Burgo, Glencora urges Alice to follow her heart, not society's dictates as she herself has done.Burgo and his aunt, Lady Monk, conspire to give him a chance with Glencora at Christmas.Plantagenet accepts Lady Monk's invitation, but a terrified Glencora feigns illness.Alice announces she is once again engaged to George. Part Four: George manages to raise the required funds for the Chelsea seat by incurring debts he hopes to erase once he's legally entitled to Alice's money.At Lady Monk's London ball, Glencora falls into the arms of Burgo after Plantagenet leaves to return to the House of Commons.George advocates the secret ballot in his first House speech. Part Five: Glencora confesses her unhappiness to Plantagenet, who responds with genuine tenderness.George shows his true colors when his grandfather's will is read.Plantagenet refuses appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer, putting his wife before his political aspirations.As the Pallisers and Alice prepare for another European sojourn, Burgo attempts to sweep Glencora away. Part Six: John Grey catches up with the Pallisers and pleads with Alice not to turn away from love.In the wake of exciting news, the Pallisers hurry home, encountering a dissolute Burgo on the way.Phineas Finn, a young MP from Ireland, begins to move in higher circles under Lady Laura's tutelage.Plantagenet is given a second chance at a coveted post. Part Seven: Glencora proves to be an eager and capable political hostess.As Laura continues to guide Phineas through high society, he helps her by befriending her willful brother.The underclasses become increasingly agitated in their quest for the secret ballot.Money woes force Laura to make a fateful decision, causing heartache for Phineas. Part Eight: Laura chafes under Kennedy's mounting religious strictures.Fitzgibbon's moneylender begins to hound Phineas for repayment.Phineas proves his mettle as a horseman, as a trustworthy friend and, after some struggle, as a speaker on the floor of the House.His reward is a chance at another seat in Parliament.The public outcry for a secret ballot reaches a fever pitch.