The Way We Live Now (1969 TV serial)

The Way We Live Now (1969 TV serial) is a four-part British television adaptation of Anthony Trollope's 1875 novel of the same name. It was produced by the BBC and starred Barry Jones as Augustus Melmotte, the central character, a financier whose schemes and social climbing dominate the narrative.

The serial faithfully adapted Trollope's satirical portrayal of Victorian society's obsession with wealth, speculation, and social status. It explores the intricate relationships between characters motivated by ambition, love, and financial gain. The plot revolves around Melmotte's grand but ultimately fraudulent financial ventures, and the impact these have on the lives of those around him, from aristocrats seeking to profit to naive young individuals caught in his web.

Key themes explored in the adaptation include: the corrosive influence of money, the superficiality of Victorian high society, the conflict between old and new money, and the challenges faced by individuals attempting to navigate a rapidly changing social landscape. While generally well-received for its adherence to the source material, like many early television adaptations, it may be less visually dynamic than later versions.