Women loved him (no surprise, since he was possessed of a silver tongue and wasn't shy about using it), and envious men called him everything from “a tinseled coxcomb” to “a penniless upstart,” while to friends he was known simply as “Dizzy.” He was a writer of “scandalous” novels, a man obsessed with politics, and "an enigma even to myself." Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) was one of England's most important historical figures, the first (and thus far only) Jew to serve as prime minister—a job he liked so much that he held the position two separate times. Presented in four one-hour installments, this 1978 production (subtitled “Portrait of a Romantic”)—featuring Ian McShane (Deadwood) in the title role—begins with Disraeli's political career taking shape (it took five tries before he won a seat in Parliament as a "progressive conservative" in 1837), before following his professional and personal lives for the next several decades. On the former front, Disraeli proved to be an eloquent and able leader with a dynamic vision that government should be more than simply rule by a monarch through an enlightened aristocracy (Rosemary Leach charmingly plays Victoria, the monarch in question, with whom Disraeli formed a close and fruitful relationship). Meanwhile, the personal element focuses on his long marriage to the considerably older Mary Anne Lewis (Mary Peach), the widow of Disraeli's former patron. Disraeli is hardly a thrill-ride; indeed, there is a whole lot more talk (including Disraeli's own words, as well as those of scriptwriter David Butler) than action, and the production—while handsomely mounted—is occasionally rather tedious. Still, those in a Masterpiece Theatre frame of mind will find much to admire here. DVD extras include a text bio and filmography for McShane. Recommended. (S. Graham)
Disraeli
A&E, 2 discs, 253 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 23, Issue 4
Disraeli
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