"House of Cards" (1990) TV series

User Rating:

9.1/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

31 March 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Francis Urquhart, Chief Whip, manipulates things and people to achieve his ambitions in the Houses of Parliament...

Plot Keywords:

Chief Whip | Parliament | Reporter | English Politics | Party Leader

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 3 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Ian Richardson	...	Francis Urquhart (4 episodes, 1990)
Susannah Harker	...	Mattie Storin (4 episodes, 1990)
Miles Anderson	...	Roger O'Neill (4 episodes, 1990)
Alphonsia Emmanuel	...	Penny Guy (4 episodes, 1990)
Malcolm Tierney	...	Patrick Woolton (4 episodes, 1990)
Diane Fletcher	...	Elizabeth Urquhart (4 episodes, 1990)
Colin Jeavons	...	Tim Stamper (4 episodes, 1990)
Damien Thomas	...	Michael Samuels (4 episodes, 1990)
William Chubb	...	John Krajewski (4 episodes, 1990)
Kenneth Gilbert	...	Harold Earle (4 episodes, 1990)
Christopher Owen	...	McKenzie (4 episodes, 1990)
David Lyon	...	Prime Minister Henry Collingridge (3 episodes, 1990)
Kenny Ireland	...	Ben Landless (3 episodes, 1990)
James Villiers	...	Charles Collingridge (3 episodes, 1990)
Isabelle Amyes	...	Anne Collingridge (3 episodes, 1990)
John Hartley	...	Greville Preston (3 episodes, 1990)
Nicholas Selby	...	Lord Billsborough (2 episodes, 1990)
Tommy Boyle	...	Stephen Kendrick (2 episodes, 1990)
John Arnatt	...	Sir Jasper Grainger (2 episodes, 1990)
Richard Braine	...	Kevin Spence (2 episodes, 1990)
Hugh Dickson	...	Dr. Andrew Christian (2 episodes, 1990)
Angela Rippon	...	Newsreader (2 episodes, 1990)

Runtime:

UK:50 min (4 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

UK:12

Filming Locations:

Grand Hotel, Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

Francis Urquhart's catchphrase "You might very well think that; but I couldn't possibly comment" (meaning "Yes, but I'll deny everything if challenged") has become part of the English political language. "Urquhart's Avoidance" is as widely known as real-life political euphemisms such as "he wants to spend more time with his family" ("he's been sacked or resigned in disgrace") and "he's been economical with the truth" ("he's told blatant lies to save his own skin").

Quotes:

[repeated line]
Francis Urquhart: Me? Well, I'm just a backroom boy.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Drama Connections: House of Cards (#1.5)" (2005)

Truely amazing

If you think government and politics is boring, you haven't seen this outstanding TV series! House of Cards consists of one of the cleverest and most intriguing stories I have ever seen. All the characters are fantastic, as are the actors. Diane Fletcher and Alphonsia Emmannuel, both very overlooked compared to the more dominant actors, are fantastic as Mrs. Urqehart and Penny Guy. The supporting players of Malcom Tierney, Kenny Ireland, David Lyon and James Villiers are all a fantastic element of the whole series. There is literally no unnecessary characters and all the actors excel, regardless of their role. Miles Anderson is wonderful as the totally messed up Roger O'Neil. Susannah Harker is excellent as both the young journalist and Urquhart's lover. However, the real star was always going to be Ian Richardson. He gives a breathtaking performance as the Machiavellian Francis Urqehart and rightly received 3 BAFTA awards. Don't miss this suspense packed drama and enjoy the more touching scenes, like when Charles and Henry share a tearful hug after Henry has resigned. Unmissable!