Disraeli (1978)

Anglophiles will find much to admire in the 1978 production Disraeli, a comprehensive look at the political and personal lives of one of that nation's most important historical figures. Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), played by Ian McShane (Deadwood, The Golden Compass) in a bravura performance, was "an enigma even to myself," as he puts it. Born to Jewish parents but baptized into the Anglican Church as a boy, he had already established a reputation as an author of "scandalous" novels, not to mention a silver-tongued flatterer and ladies man, when he began pursuing his political ambitions in his early thirties. His career didn't exactly get off to a flying start; it took him five tries to win a seat in Parliament as a "progressive conservative," and even then his defiant, blustery style earned him little favor among the somnolent stiffs who comprised much of that august body, some of whom dismissed him as "a tinseled coxcomb" whose attire resembled that of "an Italian dancing master" (Disraeli was known to sport lavish amounts of jewelry early in his career). Anti-Semitism didn't help, either. But he persevered, going on to serve twice as Prime Minister (the first and thus far only Jew to do so) and proving himself to be an eloquent and able leader with a dynamic vision that government should be more than simply a monarch ruling through an enlightened aristocracy (Rosemary Leach charmingly plays Queen Victoria, the monarch in question, with whom Disraeli formed a close and fruitful relationship).

The series also details his personal life, focusing on his 33-year marriage to the considerably older Mary Anne Lewis (Mary Peach), the widow of Disraeli's former patron and a seemingly frivolous chatterbox whom he admittedly married for her money ("I never intend to marry for love," he said. "It's a guarantee of unhappiness"), only to end up completely devoted to her. Along the way, Disraeli and his fellow politicians also deal with issues ranging from India and the Suez Canal to Ireland and the looming threat posed by Germany's "Iron Chancellor," Otto von Bismarck. All of this is accomplished primarily with words (including Disraeli's own, as well as those of scriptwriter David Butler), and there are lots of them. Disraeli isn't exactly action-packed--indeed, this is a genteel, stately, and occasionally rather tedious undertaking--but those willing to stick with it for its four-plus hours will find no shortage of rewards. --Sam Graham Amazon.com

Disraeli

I would really have appreciated it if there had been subtitles with this as the sound track and accents are a bit difficult to understand. December 21, 2008

Great DVD, give it a change.

At first I was somewhat disappointed, as this product was more like a play than a movie.
Maybe so, but excellent for what it is. Furthermore, it contains a lot of nuance and detail that I could not absorb the first viewing.
Very interesting from many different aspects, Historical, Political, Personal, Literary, Disraeli the convert.
I enjoyed this very much, and also find much relevancy to US politics in the current time.
Highly recommended.
BTW, the acting and actors are superb, especially Mr. McShane. December 21, 2008

Disraeli

An excellent film (all 4 episodes) in every respect- acting,scenery,dresses,dialogues-I have watched all of it twice until now and I think it goes a long way towards placing the viewer in the centre of events. However,I had to do a lot of reading to follow the exact chronological sequence of events-even British viewers shall have to do that since it is not easy to recall the precise circumstances of the often alternating succession of British Prime Ministers of the time-Peel,Russell,Derby,Aberdeen,Palmerston,Disraeli,Gladstone...I think a
relevant one-page note should be incuded in the DVD box. And lastly-concerning historical accuracy and fairness, I think the film does not do
justice to Disraeli's rival, W.E.Gladstone, a very moral person and, argueably, the best 19th century British Prime Miniser (the contestant to that quality being Lord Salisbury)--I think a film on Gladstone, if ever there was made one - should restore this evident unfairness...
December 8, 2008

Victorian Review

Really enjoyed this show. Ian McShane does a great impression of both an early and then more experienced Disraeli. Period dress was very impressive. September 21, 2008

Ian mc shane the best

This movie felt more like a play you have to give it a chance to really enjoy the story. Ian Mcshane is the best thing in the movie except every time I see him I cannot help but see him as a dirty mouthed mustached saloon owner in deadwood. July 10, 2008

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