It is London in the 1870's and the word on everyone's lips is "Melmotte". The notorious financier is moving to England and the aristocracy is captivated by the promise of his money. Soon businessmen are clamouring for a part in his affairs and eligible young men are lining up for his daughter and her inheritance.This lavish adaptation of Trollope's epic tale of money features a gallery of extraordinary characters, from the dissolute Sir Felix Carbury to the glamorous and dangerous Mrs Hurtle, from principled Roger Carbury to the foul but magnificent Melmotte himself.