Pallisers: Vol. 1, The

PRODUCT SUMMARY

VOLUME ONE
In part one, the dull but dutiful Plantangenet 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 Plantagenet that Pallisers marry for more important reasons than love.
In part two, married and off on their wedding tour, the Pallisers meet up with the Vasavor 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.
VOLUME TWO
In 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.
In 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.
VOLUME THREE
In 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 attemps to sweep Glencora away.
In 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 the coveted post.
VOLUME FOUR
In 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.
In 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 struggles, 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.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"...Recommended."

FULL REVIEWS

Video Librarian (November 2000)

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Based on the six "political" novels of British author Anthony Trollope, The Pallisers, "a sprawling BBC saga of wealth, passion, power, intrigue and scandal," starts with the power-brokered marriage of Plantagenet Palliser (Philip Latham) and Lady Glencorra (Susan Hampshire), and then follows their rise in society and political prominence over three generations of British aristocracy. Now all that may sound terribly dry, but quite the contrary: The Pallisers turns out to be a very entertaining mix of "West Wing meets Melrose Place," further boosted by a rich cast, innumerable plot twists and surprises, and an above-average mastering (considering it was shot on video). The big downside? You'll have to wait until set #2 bows in 2001 for your next Pallisers 'fix'. Recommended.