After not having much success as an author, young social gadfly Benjamin Disraeli decides to run for Parliament. He loses his first bid but is eventually elected as a Tory.

Disraeli makes his presence felt as a member of Parliament and marries a wealthy widow named Mary Anne Lewis, but he's disappointed at continually being bypassed for a Cabinet position.

Disraeli's stature in his party rises as he gains the favor of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He also begins his great rivalry with Liberal leader Gladstone and sees his wife's health begin to deteriorate.

Disraeli's beloved wife, Mary Anne, passes away but he's elected party leader and steers the Conservatives to a landslide victory in the 1872 elections. As Prime Minister, Disraeli shows his greatness by implementing reforms at home and pursuing a successful foreign policy.