Phineas Finn (4): We begin with the duel between Phineas and Chiltern. Finn takes a wound in the shoulder. But, the bullet does not do as much damage as the smear campaign that Snide begins in ‘The People’s Banner’. Phineas’ attempt to enlist Laura’s aid in winning Violet is rebuffed, at first, but, later she decides to do what she can. We are introduced to Lord Fawn, whose ineptness will be a joy to watch in the episodes to come. Phineas is offered a post in the government as the Undersecretary of the Colonies. After Violet turns down Phineas’ offer he returns to the solace of Mary Flood’s embrace. While in Ireland Phineas becomes aware of the terrible plight of Irish tenants, and his decision to act on their behalf will mean the loss of his newly won job. Election reform means the loss of his seat in Parliament.
Regular Cast: Susan Hampshire (Glencora), Philip Latham (Plantagenet)
Guest Cast: Roland Culver (Duke of Omnium), Donal McCann (Phineas Finn), John Hallam (Lord Chiltern), Clifford Rose (Quintus Slide), Moray Watson (Barrington Erle), Maurice Quick (Collingwood), Donald Pickering (Dolly Longstaffe), Anna Massey (Laura Kennedy), Derek Godfrey (Robert Kennedy), Mel Martin (Violet Effingham), Barbara Murray (Marie Goestler), Derek Jacobi (Lord Fawn), Bryan Pringle (Mr Monk), Lockwood West (Lord Brentford), Máire Ní Ghráinne (Mary Flood), Neil Stacy, Dallas Cavell, Ellen Pollock, Brenda Cowling
Writer: Simon Raven / Novels: Anthony Trollope / Director: Hugh David
Airdate: 23 Mar 1974 on BBC Two
Series: The Pallisers Season 1 Episode 10
Show Info: Period drama series. The lives of various members of the wealthy Palliser family in Victorian times.