MovieChat Forums > The Pallisers Discussion > Planty = Great Gentleman

Planty = Great Gentleman

posted 18 years ago by octoberbest
8 replies | jump to latest

Just watched the series for the second time in six months, and my first conclusion is that Planty is the most gentlemanly good noble man! Between dealing with Glencora for all her shortcomings and not letting her name be dragged through the mud over the seat at Silverbridge scandal, she really lucked out. She didn't want to marry him and he didn't want to marry her, either, but after they get married, we forget all about that because of how seriously he takes his duty. He doesn't bring it up again. Plantagenet was the perfect guy for her. Definitely a successful couple.

[–] tiderolls 18 years ago

I wonder if she truly appreciated him, though. It seems Cora was always "pining" after Burgo, always referring to him as the one she truly "loved." I don't think she'd been very happy with Burgo; he probably would've squandered her money! BTW, do you think Planty & Cora's son, Gerald, was named for Burgo, whose last name was Fitzgerald???

If you've ever seen "Upstairs, Downstairs," Planty reminded me of Richard Bellamy, another class act!

[–] CushyJob 18 years ago

True, Cora did seem preoccupied with Burgo for most of her life! There was a time though, was it on the ship years after marrying Planty, where she seemed to realize just how fortunate she was that her arranged marriage worked out for the best. And she did love Planty. He frustrated her because she was so full of life and needed to give love as much as receive it. Planty was very traditional and followed rules leaving no time for an outpouring of emotions. Still Philip Latham did a great job with Plantaganet - I always knew he loved Cora by that half smile he gave her now and then and by not screaming or stomping out of a room each time she'd butt into his business affairs. Neither was perfect and it made for an excellent interaction as husband and wife.

Interesting thought about Gerald - don't know - but I could see Cora wanting to name him that and Plantaganet succumbing to her strong, emotional will!

Believe it or not, I'm just FIRST watching Upstairs, Downstairs - I had never seen it and an up to the last DVD in the series. What a fabulous series - I can't bear to have it end . . . And, yes, Bellamy, as portrayed by David Langton, is the perfect gentleman!!

vocatus atque non vocatus Deus aderit...

[–] tiderolls 18 years ago

I totally agree with you on Philip Latham's performance. I've seen him in a few other roles, and he's always been on target. If you ever get a chance, watch Dracula: Prince of Darkness, one of my favorite Hammer films. Latham portrays the manservant who has an air of menacing amusement.

Just about everyone on The Pallisers did a great job, and I absolutely loved the outside shots--especially those filmed in the first episode.

[–] Pipeman_Toronto 18 years ago

I agree that Plantagenet is the consummate gentleman - even though he was canoodling around with Lady Dumbello at the beginning of the series and had to be reprimanded by the Duke of Omnium and Gatherum.

I dont know that Glencora had a lot of shortcomings though. It was her feistiness that made me like the character so much - and I think it was the best work that Susan Hampshire ever did. She did meddle in politics, but she just wasnt the type to behave in the manner considered appropriate for Duchesses.

I dont think their relationship was perfect - or even that they were an ideal match. But I think each brought out the others best characteristics over the long haul. Awfully hard to be sold in marriage like that though!

[–] flavia18 17 years ago

I would think that he owed it to her to be polite/nice to her, since she didn't want to marry him in the first place. And I mean this over & above the usual gentleman's behavior towards his wife.

Those who study history are doomed to watch others repeat it.

[–] enochsneed 12 years ago

One of my favourite moments in the entire 26 episodes is when Plantagenet defends Alice Vavasor (who has just said Glencora has the gift of laughter) and then apologises for being abrupt with her after Glencora caught cold in the Matching Priory ruins. The look on Susan Hampshire's face shows that *this* is the moment when she starts to love Plantagenet, seeing his fairness and noble nature.

Plantagenet never really becomes lovable but he is a good man, and Philip Latham plays the part superbly.

[–] randommovies2002 10 years ago

Yes! ITA with everything you said. It's one of the greatest moments of the series (and that's saying something!).

I enjoyed Alice and Glencora together so much, I really missed Alice after she dropped from the series. I loved Marie, too, but those early eps with Alice and Lady Glen are sublime.

[–] jimprideaux2 8 years ago

Yes, he seemed almost always to choose the most noble path. However there was one instance in which he seemed to play out to character, that was during a brief altercation with Silverbridge when he was and adolescent. Something a bout Silverbridge not showing enough respect. Was this because in the Victorian view if was more important for the father to be obeyed than anything else? That to treat children harshly was to instill I them a stronger character?