The Way We Live Now (Disc 2 of 2)

The Way We Live Now is a remarkably contemporary story that captures the power, passion and corruption at the dawn of the capitalist age.

Based on the novel by Anthony Trollope, this satire of Victorian society contains all the dynamic elements that made him one of the most celebrated and popular novelists of his day- The trials and tribulations of young love, the pettiness of upper class life, the raw energy and excitement of the most powerful city the world had ever seen, and the greed and corruption that lay just below its glittering surface.

Episode 1:
When infamous financier Augustus Melmotte mysteriously appears in London, the city's impoverished aristocrats greedily court his favor.Felix Carbury, a charming but lazy young baronet, is one of the many gentlemen swarming around Melmotte's rich heiress daughter Marie.Meanwhile, Felix's independently minded sister Hetta falls in love with a bright young engineer, Paul Montague, who is in town to approach Melmotte with an ambitious business proposition.Complications soon arise in business and love.

Episode 2:
While Paul Montague throws himself into the booming railway business with Melmotte, the presence of his mysterious American friend in London threatens to jeopardize his chances with Hetta.Felix is forced to desperate measures to secure his future with Marie when he learns that her father is planning her marriage to a rival suitor.

Episode 3:
Paul visits Mexico to have his worst fears about the railway construction confirmed.Returning to London, he decides to confront Melmotte, who is involving himself in increasingly ambitious business schemes while Felix gets himself into further trouble and Hetta receives some devastating news.

Episode 4:
Melmotte reaches the highest echelons of London society, but the wolves are beginning to gather at his door.Paul takes his chance to act and Felix comes face to face with some tough opposition, while Hetta contemplates settling for second best.Climaxing in love lost, love gained, a death and some just deserts.