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House of Cards

House of Cards
★ 8.1/10•1990•55m•TV-14•War & Politics•Comedy•Drama
Similars

He had Number 10 Downing Street in his hand!

Frustrated at a new moderate Conservative government and deprived of a promotion to a senior position, chief whip Francis Urquhart prepares a meticulous plot to bring down the Prime Minister then to take his place.

Michael Dobbs · Writer

Andrew Davies · Writer

Paul Seed · Director

StatusEnded
Runtime55m
LanguageEN
First Air DateNov 18, 1990

Episodes

Episode 1 - Part 1E158m

Part 1

Francis Urquhart is the perfect politician. Impeccably diplomatic, charming, admired, trusted and respected by all. He has faithfully served his party without question, but events are about to spark his ambition. When the long-standing Prime Minister dies, the hunt is on to find a replacement. Urquhart is a hard-line Conservative and believes in strong leadership. In his eyes, none of the choices measures up. Naturally, he keeps his opinions to himself, but as Party Whip, his support is valuable, and he is courted by all the candidates. He must tread warily, as supporting the loser could cost him his position. Supporting the winner, however, could land him a Cabinet position.

Nov 18, 1990

Episode 2 - Part 2E258m

Part 2

The new Prime Minister, Collingridge, tells Urquhart that he is far too valuable in his current post to be offered a ministerial position. Urquhart is furious but hides his contempt of the man under his usual urbane smile. Collingridge, he believes, will not last long and perhaps something can be arranged to hasten his departure. Meanwhile, it might be a good idea to surreptitiously undermine the leader and start maneuvering in his own favor. And, as luck would have it, an inexperienced young journalist, Mattie Storin, is innocently hanging on his every word. He pretends to be helping her learn about Westminster politics, instead he uses her to leak damaging stories about his rivals. As the Party gathers for its annual conference, the scandals begin to break.

Nov 25, 1990

Episode 3 - Part 3E358m

Part 3

Collingridge is in deep political trouble and he has no alternative but to step down as Prime Minister. Ironically, he still has great faith in Urquhart, whom he feels is the only man he can trust. However, as the scandals and leaked stories have gained momentum, political journalist Mattie Storin begins to suspect that Collingridge has been framed. But who is the culprit? By now, she is too emotionally involved with Urquhart (her loving “Daddy”) to realize how she has been used.

Dec 2, 1990

Episode 4 - Part 4E457m

Part 4

Urquhart’s ruthless scheming has worked. As the leadership election looms, all his leading rivals have been discredited. But even though the obstacles in his way have been erased, there is still no guarantee of his winning. Meanwhile, by the process of reason and elimination, the truth is beginning to dawn on Mattie, though she can hardly bring herself to believe that “Daddy” is not what he seems. As for Urquhart, he has too much to lose now to let sentiment stand in his way. He will go to any lengths to prevent her, or anyone else, from finding out just what he has done to gain power.

Dec 9, 1990

Actors

Ian Richardson

Ian Richardson

Francis Urquhart

Susannah Harker

Susannah Harker

Mattie Storin

Miles Anderson

Miles Anderson

Roger O'Neill

Alphonsia Emmanuel

Alphonsia Emmanuel

Penny Guy

Malcolm Tierney

Malcolm Tierney

Patrick Woolton

Diane Fletcher

Diane Fletcher

Elizabeth Urquhart

William Chubb

William Chubb

John Krajewski

David Lyon

Henry Collingridge

Isabelle Amyes

Anne Collingridge

James Villiers

James Villiers

Charles Collingridge

Christopher Owen

Peter McKenzie

Damien Thomas

Damien Thomas

Michael Samuels

Nicholas Selby

Lord Billsborough

Kenny Ireland

Kenny Ireland

Ben Landless

Colin Jeavons

Colin Jeavons

Tim Stamper

Kenneth Gilbert

Harold Earle

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