House Of Cards S01 E01 - Chapter One
Transcript
00:00Nothing lasts forever.
00:25Even the longest, the most glittering rain must come to an end someday.
00:30Who could replace her?
00:32Plenty of contenders, old warriors, young pretenders.
00:36Lord Billsborough, say, party chairman, too old and too familiar, tainted by a thousand
00:43shabby deals.
00:46Michael Samuels, too young and too clever.
00:51Patrick Woulton, a bit of a lout, a bit of a bully boy, yes, it could well be Woulton.
00:58Henry Collingridge, the people's favorite, a well-meaning fool, no background and no
01:05bottom.
01:06What, me?
01:07Oh, no, no, no.
01:08I'm the chief whip, merely a functionary.
01:09I keep the troops in line.
01:10I put a bit of stick about.
01:11I make them jump.
01:12And I shall, of course, give my absolute loyalty to whoever emerges as my leader.
01:27You'll have to excuse me now.
01:37Henry Collingridge is Britain's new prime minister.
01:41Today, Henry Collingridge emerged as the popular choice to lead his party as prime
01:45minister in the forthcoming general election.
01:47Mr. Collingridge, who's 48 years old, has served as minister for the environment and
01:52minister for inner-city growth, and has often been described as the acceptable face of capitalism.
01:59Well, let's see how he does.
02:04Throughout the span of this government, we have transformed this country beyond all recognition.
02:09We are now a nation of property owners, a nation of shareholders, a proud nation of
02:17men and women who know how to get off their backsides and help themselves.
02:26We have achieved all that we set out to achieve.
02:37Now is the time when we can afford to share our hard-won gains with those less successful
02:45than ourselves.
02:46Now, let our watchword be this.
02:53Let's find the right way for all of our people to come together.
03:03Bloody nonsense.
03:04All come together.
03:05Sounds like a motto of a knocking shop in Marrakesh.
03:12Dear old Patrick, knocking shop in Marrakesh.
03:16Very wide of the mark.
03:18Our esteemed new leader wouldn't know a knocking shop if he saw one.
03:21His morality is strictly backstreet Sunday school hypocritical cant picked up in Peterborough
03:27or Rugeley or some such god-awful place.
03:36Not that one holds that against him, of course, though we certainly started something when
03:40we let fellows like that climb up the greasy pole.
03:42Good boy.
03:43My own background, as you see, is somewhat different, but privilege carries responsibility.
03:50I am a loyal servant of the state and proud to be so.
03:56Besides, I may not think highly of Henry Collingbridge, but I believe he thinks highly of me.
04:02I have hopes of high office, I must confess, and have been promised as much by the man
04:07himself.
04:08But first things first, eh?
04:09We have a general election to win.
04:14Good evening and welcome to election special.
04:18The polling stations have just closed, and we have a long night ahead of us.
04:22But early indications are that the government will be returned, but with a substantially
04:26reduced majority.
04:27Oh, he's a jolly good fellow.
04:28Oh, he's a jolly good fellow.
04:29Excelling all of us.
04:30Excelling all of us.
04:31Ghastly people.
04:32Our people.
04:33What was that frightful woman talking about?
04:40She wanted the smack of firm government.
04:42She wanted you to smack her bottom, I could see that much from across the room.
04:48What is Collingridge going to do for you?
04:49I don't know.
04:51Perhaps nothing.
04:52By God, I've done enough for him.
04:54More than he deserves.
04:56That woman said she thought I should be prime minister.
04:59Clams and Cawdor and king hereafter.
05:03I think that you should be prime minister.
05:06You're twice the man Collingridge is, or ever will be.
05:10Well, yes, my wife is very loyal.
05:17A politician needs a wife, and other people too, regrettably.
05:20A man of state needs helpers, little elves and sprites to do his bidding.
05:28Even unwitting pawns who don't know who they serve.
05:33Roger O'Neill, the party's publicity director, Lord Billsborough's right-hand man.
05:43Jesus, Roger.
05:46How did you catch that sidestep?
05:48Wasn't that magical?
05:49I helped Phil Barrett with that once at Lansdowne Road.
05:52Open the window, will you, Rog?
05:54Where were you, anyway?
05:56Picking something up?
05:58Something to celebrate with?
05:59Has his little weaknesses.
06:02Very warm nature.
06:04Very human.
06:07But I don't mind that.
06:10They make him more...
06:14They make him easier to deal with.
06:18And, of course, one needs a sympathetic ear amongst the ladies and gentlemen of the press.
06:24Those valiant seekers after truth.
06:31And as we wait to go over to Torbay for the first result,
06:35let's see what the countrywide swing would look like if our exit poll is correct.
06:39Now, an overall majority of 31 seats would mean that the political map of Great Britain would look something like this.
06:45Jesus.
06:48What are they playing at?
06:50We backed those bastards all the way. Why can't they deliver?
06:52No-one's saying they're going to lose, Greville.
06:54Going in with a majority of 100 and losing 70-odd seats isn't exactly a vote of bloody confidence, is it?
06:59And never a word of it in the polls. Nobody forecast this one. Nobody.
07:02Greville, I've been trying to tell you for two days it's going to be closer than the polls said.
07:06They're just not coming out for Collingridge. I told you that.
07:08Thank you very much, Mattie. That's extremely helpful at this juncture.
07:12What are we going to do now?
07:14I mean, Christ, look at that.
07:16Home and dry. Home and bloody dry. Brilliant.
07:20And who wrote that little bit of nonsense?
07:22I thought you did, Greville.
07:23It was dictated to me over the phone by our proprietor, Mr Benjamin Landless.
07:28Even he wouldn't want the late edition to go out looking like that.
07:32Mattie, any thoughts?
07:36Government majority slashed. Back in by a whisker.
07:41I'm still standing, but only just.
07:44Look, it's your job on the bloody line as well, you know.
07:46Greville, we can afford to wait a bit. It's only 20 minutes till the first result.
07:50Don't worry. I'll be back in just a second.
07:58Come here, you.
08:01Jeremy is scared shitless.
08:03Well, I told him it'd be close.
08:04And I've told him that we're going to get our analysis out first,
08:07showing how his ads zap the target voters in every category.
08:10Right. So if we win, headquarters will know they owe it all to us.
08:14And if we lose...
08:15If we lose, everyone will say we ran the best campaign ever
08:18and it was just the lousy politicians that blew it.
08:21Rog, are you OK?
08:23Bloody hay fever.
08:25Fine. Fine. Never better.
08:30Oh, Lord, I think this is it.
08:32Mary Aloysius Alabaster.
08:34That means I'm trying to party.
08:3643 votes.
08:38Catherine Anne Cowleson.
08:41Labour.
08:4216,314.
08:47George Timothy Granville-Green.
08:50Conservative.
08:5223,785.
08:57That's 23,000.
09:008% swing.
09:03Majority of 30 or so.
09:05Just what they forecast on the exit poll.
09:07We're going to be all right. We've just about saved our bacon.
09:10Well done, Roger. Well done indeed.
09:12If that doesn't get you a knighthood, I don't know what will.
09:15I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to interrupt.
09:17How do you like my assistant, Penny Guy?
09:19Delighted. So you assist young Roger, do you?
09:22Tell me, what exactly do you assist him with?
09:24Oh, just about anything at all, actually.
09:26I say.
09:28Shall I...?
09:30All about 15 minutes.
09:34Right. Bye.
09:38You don't by any chance have an arrangement for leasing her out, do you?
09:55Excuse me, sir.
09:56It's all right, Constable. My name is Charles Collingridge.
09:59And here is my membership card.
10:01I'm sorry, sir.
10:06It's all right, Constable.
10:07Ah, Teddy, I've got myself into a bit of a pickle here.
10:10Come on, Charles.
10:11I'm sorry.
10:13Leave him serving. Prime Minister's expected in five minutes.
10:19Well, boys, we're back.
10:21Well done. Lord, they're all here.
10:23Teddy, is it all right for a chap to come and drink his brother's health?
10:26Absolutely, Charles. We're delighted to see you.
10:30Where's Hal?
10:31He's on his way, Charles. He'll soon be here.
10:39Hal?
10:41It could have been worse.
10:44SIREN BLARES
10:50Mr O'Neill!
10:54Mr O'Neill!
10:55Who is it?
10:56The Prime Minister's office.
11:00I can't hear you.
11:02It's the Prime Minister for you, Mr O'Neill.
11:06APPLAUSE
11:12Hello.
11:13Yes, this is Roger O'Neill.
11:15Thank you.
11:17Just putting me through.
11:21Prime Minister!
11:23Many, many congratulations, and how very good of you it is to call.
11:26And then I'd like to lick it all off.
11:29Very, very slowly.
11:33Oh, thank you very much, Prime Minister. Thank you very much indeed.
11:36I know that'll be very much appreciated.
11:38And did I say that all of this would be taking place in the fifth-year dorm at Benendon?
11:43Prime Minister, I'm overwhelmed. May I tell him that?
11:47The Prime Minister just wants me to thank you on his behalf
11:52for running such a fabulous campaign.
11:55And he says he's not going to ask for his money back.
12:03APPLAUSE
12:09Well done, Michael.
12:11Thank you, Bertie.
12:13Well done, Michael.
12:15Thanks.
12:17Isn't he lovely?
12:20Many congratulations, Michael.
12:22Thank you, Francis.
12:25I'm so sorry. Please let me get you another one.
12:29Um...
12:31Charles Collingridge.
12:33It's all right. I've asked Francis Urquhart to keep an eye on him.
12:37Urquhart?
12:39Hardly see him as one of nature's nursemaids.
12:41What's so sure, Michael?
12:43He's got a good heart as Francis, but he won't stand for any bloody nonsense.
12:47Ideal nursemaid, in my opinion.
12:49He's a bore.
12:51Damn good thing, too.
12:53Dull dog, but sound as a bell.
12:56I get the strong impression he doesn't care much for me.
12:59You're younger than he is.
13:01You're clever and you make no effort to hide it.
13:04You're better looking than he is.
13:06And I'm Jewish.
13:08Well, quite.
13:10But the odd thing about Francis Urquhart is
13:12he'd never stab you in the back, however much he disliked you.
13:15Not when he left like Urquhart.
13:17Dying breed mores the pity.
13:19Ah, Teddy.
13:21He's here.
13:23Right. You coming down?
13:25I'll wait up here.
13:41Thank you. Thank you all so much.
13:43You've been magnificent. Thank you.
13:45How's it looking, Teddy?
13:4724, possibly 25.
13:49How does that? It's a majority.
13:51Five more years, Henry.
13:53Yes, there is that.
13:54Francis!
13:55Welcome back, Prime Minister, if I may say so.
13:57Following our conversation last week,
13:59I had one or two thoughts about the new cabinet.
14:01I'm sure you have, Francis. I'm sure you have.
14:03Good man. Put them down on paper, would you?
14:05And come round first thing in the morning.
14:07My pleasure, Prime Minister.
14:09It's me.
14:11Oh, God, Charlie. Not tonight.
14:13Don't worry, Henry. I'll look after him.
14:15Charlie!
14:17I've been hoping for a word all night.
14:19Francis. Francis Urquhart.
14:21My dear old friend.
14:23Do you know what I feel like doing, Charlie?
14:25Getting rat arsed.
14:27Exactly. Come on.
14:29I know a good place round the corner.
14:31Splendid. Two good chaps getting rat arsed together.
14:33Surprised?
14:35Well, everybody can be valuable.
14:37That's my philosophy.
14:45Hello, Charles.
14:55Hello, Charles.
14:57I hope you had a little bet on the winning team.
14:59You understand, I really can't...
15:01Are you here just to advise on the new cabinet, Mr. Urquhart?
15:03Or is there a job in it for you?
15:05I advise the Prime Minister on many matters, as you know.
15:07And my advice is confidential.
15:09The word is that you're in line
15:11for a very senior cabinet position.
15:13Is that so?
15:15Ah, now, you can't expect me to comment on rumours.
15:17Nor to keep my Prime Minister waiting.
15:19Thank you very much, gentlemen, ladies...
15:21Let him have a word!
15:43Sorry to keep you waiting, Chief Whip.
15:45He's ready for you now.
15:47If you'd like to come up to the study.
15:49Thank you.
15:57Prime Minister.
15:59Teddy.
16:01Didn't realise you'd be here.
16:03Pull up a chair, Francis.
16:05Thank you.
16:07Teddy.
16:09Didn't realise you'd be here.
16:11Pull up a chair, Francis.
16:17Now, I've had a careful look at this...
16:19memorandum of yours.
16:21You're proposing a very radical change.
16:23I'd like you to tell me why.
16:25Well...
16:27Just in general terms.
16:29All right.
16:31We have been in power longer than any party since the war.
16:33It's a new kind of challenge.
16:35We need to show that we are not stagnating.
16:37That we are capable of self-renewal.
16:39Your own succession to the leadership, Prime Minister...
16:41is a very good example of the sort of thing I mean.
16:43And now you want to see a great deal more of...
16:45that sort of thing?
16:47Well, I think we've had a pretty clear indication from the country...
16:49that people are looking for some kind of change.
16:51You think so?
16:53The new names you put forward here...
16:55none of them could be described as being on the liberal wing of the party.
16:57Wouldn't you agree, Francis?
16:59No one from the radical right, either.
17:01They're all good, sound men, Prime Minister.
17:03Good, sound men from the shires?
17:05Guaranteed to do what they're told?
17:07I'd rather say that they're all men...
17:09who have been bred and educated...
17:11in a tradition of public service...
17:13and have proved their reliability over long years.
17:15Well, yes, that is another way of putting it.
17:17And I see you're offering your own services in high office.
17:19You will remember, Prime Minister...
17:21that some months ago...
17:23we talked about the possibility...
17:25that after the war...
17:27we might be able to...
17:29Yes, yes, I do remember that.
17:31Things do change so very quickly...
17:33in politics, don't they, Francis?
17:35I'm very grateful indeed for your suggestions...
17:37but I have to tell you now...
17:39that we disagree with you entirely.
17:41Do you remember Macmillan...
17:43the Knight of the Long Knives?
17:45He sacked a third of his cabinet...
17:47and destroyed his government...
17:49in the process of which...
17:51he was to become Prime Minister.
17:53He was a man of his word.
17:55He was a man of his word.
17:57He sacked a third of his cabinet...
17:59and destroyed his government in the process.
18:01He was out within the year, Francis.
18:05Now...
18:07here is what I have in mind.
18:11As you see...
18:13no cabinet changes at all.
18:15I'm sure it will be seen for what it is...
18:17a sign of strength...
18:19and sureness of purpose.
18:21Well, I hope the Parliamentary Party...
18:23will see it in that way.
18:25I would like you to press it home to them, Francis...
18:27as Chief Whip.
18:29I do assume I have your full support.
18:31Of course, Prime Minister. That goes without saying.
18:33Good. I want you to know that I still regard you...
18:35as a candidate for the highest office...
18:37but...
18:39you are also the strongest...
18:41and most deeply respected Chief Whip...
18:43this party has had, I think I may say...
18:45since the war.
18:47With such a slender majority in the House...
18:49a good Chief Whip is more important to me...
18:51than a good Home Secretary.
18:53You are too kind, Prime Minister.
18:55Much too kind.
18:59Nothing!
19:01Nothing! Not a damn thing!
19:03And then he had the gall to say...
19:05that he counted on my support.
19:07He said his fate was in my hands, Elizabeth.
19:09Melodramatic twaddle.
19:11Is it?
19:13What?
19:17Isn't there...
19:19some truth in it?
19:21Well...
19:23isn't his fate in your hands?
19:25No. No, no. I'm in charge of discipline.
19:27But I can't deliver if my troops are disaffected.
19:29But aren't they disaffected now?
19:33His weakness...
19:35his refusal to take responsibility...
19:37for firm leadership...
19:39it's going to bring this government down...
19:41sooner or later.
19:43Yes. And sooner rather than later...
19:45in my view.
19:47Unless...
19:49Unless...
19:51he were to relinquish the leadership.
19:55He won't do that.
19:57Unless a better man...
19:59were to take the leadership from him.
20:07Have you any idea...
20:09what that would involve?
20:11No.
20:13But I would imagine that you have...
20:15a very good idea, Francis.
20:17And I know that you're capable of doing...
20:19whatever is necessary.
20:23We're not expecting anyone, are we?
20:25No.
20:27I'll go.
20:41Mr. Urquhart.
20:43Mattie Starr in the Chronicle.
20:45I've been trying to contact you all day.
20:47I really would appreciate some help in understanding...
20:49the thinking behind this really surprising announcement...
20:51that there aren't going to be any cabinet changes.
20:53I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude...
20:55but I have no comment to make.
20:57Mr. Urquhart, that's a great story...
20:59but I don't think you'd like us to run it.
21:01I beg your pardon.
21:03What story?
21:05Late last night, there were telltale signs...
21:07of deep division in the highest party circles.
21:09Francis Urquhart, the chief whip...
21:11who has been denied promotion once again...
21:13for his decision.
21:15I know you, don't I?
21:17Aren't you the new girl Greville Preston took on...
21:19when they pensioned off old Cecil Roach?
21:21I'm the newish political correspondent...
21:23on the Chronicle, Mr. Urquhart.
21:25Ah, yes. Quite.
21:27Do come inside, Miss Thornett.
21:37Oh, let me take your coat.
21:40Good evening.
21:42Good evening, Mrs. Urquhart.
21:44Miss Storring.
21:46A journalist.
21:48We'll talk in my study, Elizabeth...
21:50and you won't be disturbed.
21:52My wife likes to listen to Wagner in the evenings, Miss Storring.
21:54Do come in.
22:01Would you like a drink?
22:03I'll have whatever you're having.
22:05Whiskey, all right?
22:08Bruch Claddoch...
22:10if you know your malts.
22:12Thank you.
22:16Do sit down.
22:26Well, now...
22:31Mr. Urquhart...
22:33in my piece tomorrow...
22:35I want to record your public loyalty to the Prime Minister...
22:37and your defence of his actions.
22:39Or, in this case, lack of actions.
22:41But I want to understand...
22:43what people are really thinking.
22:45I want to know what you really feel.
22:47And I think you'd like to talk to me...
22:49in confidence, on lobby terms.
22:51And what makes you think that?
22:53You didn't have to let me in.
22:55You could have phoned Greville Preston...
22:57and complained about my outrageous harassment...
22:59and threatened him with this and that...
23:01and he'd have listened.
23:03All I know is that threats from Francis Urquhart...
23:05are not idle threats.
23:07And if I were to betray your confidence...
23:09you could have me not just sacked...
23:11but unemployable within the week.
23:13I'm going to confide in you, am I?
23:15I hope so.
23:17Everyone I talk to says...
23:19Francis Urquhart could tell you the answer to that one...
23:21but he won't.
23:23Well, at this stage in my career...
23:25I need to understand much more than I need scoop headlines.
23:27I need a friend in high places, Mr. Urquhart.
23:29And I think you'd like to talk to someone like me.
23:31And nobody knows I'm here tonight.
23:33And nobody will.
23:45Perhaps you'd like to ask me questions, Miss Storlin.
23:49Mattie, please.
23:51Yes, Mattie.
23:55There really is a lot of rivalry and dissent...
23:57within the cabinet, isn't there?
23:59Some elements of the party...
24:01some elements in the cabinet...
24:03are deeply distressed.
24:05They don't think the PM has what it takes...
24:07for a full five-year term...
24:09or anywhere near it.
24:11They see another leadership crisis looming.
24:13And the more ambitious of them...
24:15want to be well-placed when it comes.
24:17They're not thinking about the good of the party anymore...
24:19much less the good of the country.
24:21They're thinking about the next leadership race.
24:23And one might say the same...
24:25about the people of the country.
24:27Yes.
24:29And one might say the same about the Prime Minister...
24:31that he's thinking about his own survival...
24:33not the good of the country.
24:35You might say that. I couldn't possibly say that.
24:37And if one word of this is linked with my...
24:39I am a lobby correspondent, Mr Urquhart.
24:41Don't worry.
24:43It'll be senior members of the party...
24:45and sources close to the Prime Minister.
24:47Good. Very good.
24:49Could I ask you...
24:51why you've decided to talk to me?
24:53You don't usually give interviews at all, do you?
24:55Let's say you turned up at the right time.
24:57No, no, that's not fair.
24:59Things need to be aired publicly.
25:01I've read your stuff. It's very good.
25:03I think I can trust you...
25:05to be fair and honest.
25:07Perhaps you haven't been here long enough...
25:09to be corrupted.
25:11Well, thank you. I hope I never will be.
25:13Um, could I ask you...
25:15if the Prime Minister is experiencing discord...
25:17in the Cabinet...
25:19wouldn't his best move be to sack the dissidents?
25:21Get in some new people and some fresh new policies.
25:23You might think so, Mattie...
25:25but in all fairness, it isn't so easy.
25:27He's not absolutely certain where the danger lies, for one thing.
25:29And a sudden flurry of changes...
25:31might look like panic.
25:33That's the official view.
25:35But you don't agree with it.
25:37Of course I agree with it, Mattie. I have to agree with it.
25:39You, on the other hand, might feel that if you were...
25:41the captain of the Titanic...
25:43you wouldn't be saying...
25:45steady as she goes.
25:47Who should he...?
25:49I don't know how to put this in a way...
25:51that you'll be able to answer.
25:53Try.
25:55If I were...
25:57captain of the Titanic...
25:59which of my...
26:01senior officers...
26:03should I be worried about?
26:05Beware of an old man in a hurry.
26:07Have you heard that phrase, Mattie?
26:13Lord Billsborough.
26:15But he's Collingridge's closest advisor.
26:17Surely he can't still think he can...
26:19Surely he can't still think...
26:21he could be party leader, not at his age.
26:23Not from the Lords.
26:25So?
26:27He doesn't want it for himself.
26:29He wants to pull the strings.
26:31He wants the party leadership...
26:33for one of his protégés.
26:35You might think that.
26:37I couldn't possibly comment.
26:39Michael Samuels.
26:41You might think that.
26:43Lord Billsborough is setting up Collingridge...
26:45as an Aunt Sally...
26:47so that Michael Samuels...
26:49can take his place when the time comes.
26:51You might think that.
26:53I couldn't possibly comment.
26:55And...
26:57how do you feel about all this?
26:59Oh, I'm just the chief whip, Mattie.
27:01My personal feelings are neither here nor there.
27:03I look after morale and discipline...
27:05amongst the backbenchers.
27:07Keep them up to the mark, listen to their problems...
27:09help them out when I can.
27:11Administer some sharp kicks up the backside...
27:13when that seems indicated.
27:15Head of house sort of thing.
27:17I'm sorry, that sounds very cheeky.
27:19Not at all. That's exactly what it's like.
27:21Everyone says you're very good at it.
27:25I believe I am, Mattie.
27:27I believe I am.
27:33Thank you so much for being so generous with your time.
27:35I really appreciate it.
27:37Not at all.
27:45Well?
27:49Interesting girl.
27:51Clever.
27:53Not too clever.
27:55No, no.
27:57Just clever enough, I should say.
27:59I think she might be just the little friend you need, Francis.
28:01A political correspondent...
28:03with her way to make, I mean.
28:09No, Prime Minister.
28:11I haven't seen the papers yet.
28:13Yes.
28:15There was speculation last night...
28:17that the Prime Minister was unlikely to fight another election...
28:19and that some senior ministers...
28:21were already manoeuvring for position...
28:23in the event of an early leadership struggle.
28:25It's all very insubstantial, Prime Minister.
28:27Someone's flying a kite.
28:29Someone's bloody well making mischief, Francis.
28:31Lord Billsborough, the party chairman...
28:33dismissed as nonsense any suggestion...
28:35of a leadership election in the offing.
28:37However, the position of the party chairman...
28:39would be crucial during a leadership race...
28:41and Billsborough is known to be very close...
28:43to Michael Samuels, the environment secretary...
28:45who could be one of the contenders.
28:47Dammit, Francis.
28:49This is the Chronicle. They're supposed to be our people.
28:51Yes, you're quite right.
28:53Will you leave this with me, Henry?
28:55I'll get on to Greville Preston...
28:57and find out who's been telling tales out of class.
28:59And if we don't get any joy there, we'll go straight to Ben Landless.
29:01You're absolutely right. We don't need this from the Chronicle.
29:03Leave it with me. I'll put a bit of stick about.
29:05Thank you, Francis.
29:07And, Francis, I'm really very grateful for your support.
29:09Not at all.
29:11Goodbye.
29:15Now then, Mr. Stout.
29:17You seem to have got yourself into a bit of a mess...
29:19and you haven't done a lot for the image of the party either, have you?
29:21No.
29:23No, Chief Whip.
29:25I'd like to say how terribly sorry I am...
29:27You should have thought of that before.
29:29Can we do anything for him, Stamper?
29:31Not easy, Chief Whip.
29:33I've talked to the sergeant...
29:35and he's understandably reluctant to believe...
29:37that his friend here stopped his car...
29:39to ask the way to his own bloody constituency.
29:41Dear God.
29:43I'm really awfully...
29:45Do shut up, Stout.
29:47However, I did eventually persuade him to stretch a point.
29:49He won't be proceeding.
29:51Really? Oh, my God.
29:53I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am.
29:55All right, Stout. You've been lucky.
29:57Heard something else funny about you the other day.
29:59Heard you were thinking of abstaining...
30:01on the second reading of the environment bill.
30:03Don't.
30:05All right, Stout. Take yourself off...
30:07and try not to be such a damn fool.
30:09And if you must use whores...
30:11for God's sake, go to a decent knocking shop...
30:13where they understand the meaning of discretion.
30:15Stamper will give you a list...
30:17if you don't know any yourself.
30:19Yes, right. Thank you very much.
30:21I'm so very... I mean, if ever there's anything...
30:23anything at all, I...
30:25Yes, yes, yes. Off you go now.
30:27Goodbye. And, well, uh...
30:29thanks again.
30:32What a frightful little man.
30:34Where do they find them these days?
30:36God knows.
30:38If I had a dog like that, I'd shoot it.
30:40Oh, yes, quite.
30:42Roger O'Neil's in the outer office.
30:44Oh, yes.
30:46I think I'll make this one a private chat, Stamper.
30:48Whatever you say.
30:53Roger?
30:55Good to see you, looking fit.
30:57Let's do squash sometime. I like that very much.
30:59Roger!
31:01Good morning to you, Francis.
31:03Well, I'll be on my way. Yes, all right.
31:05Have a seat, Roger.
31:07Good of you to come in. Drink?
31:09Well, it's a bit early in the morning for me, but...
31:11well, if you're offering.
31:13Whiskey?
31:15Ah, sure, why not?
31:17Wanted to thank you for the good job you did for the party...
31:19in the run-up to the election.
31:21There were one or two who wanted to make you a scapegoat,
31:23but I'd have none of that,
31:25and neither would the PM.
31:27Good God, I hadn't realised anyone was blaming me.
31:31You're not having one yourself?
31:33It is a bit early in the day for me.
31:43You've been a bit of a bad lad, haven't you, Roger?
31:45What?
31:47You've had your hand in the till.
31:49Francis, you're joking!
31:51Your expenses are paid by central office, aren't they?
31:53But you've been claiming quite large sums
31:55from the advertising agency as well.
31:57It's a bit naughty, Roger.
31:59How's that?
32:01It's perfectly simple, Francis.
32:03The accounting at Smith Square is so slow.
32:05If I'd been buying a few lunches,
32:07I could wait months to get my money back.
32:09It's so much simpler to get it from the agency,
32:11don't you see?
32:13I've never taken a single penny
32:15in expenses
32:17that wasn't absolutely legitimate, Francis.
32:19Not a single penny.
32:21And I swear that to you on my mother's grave.
32:2322,370 pounds
32:25in the last ten months, I make it.
32:27Ah, here we are.
32:29Have a look at the figures.
32:31Might be slightly out,
32:33but not by more than a tenner or so.
32:35Bit steep for a few lunches,
32:37wouldn't you say?
32:41It's all some...
32:47Cocaine's awfully expensive stuff, isn't it?
32:49Is it worth it?
32:51They say it makes a good man brilliant.
32:53If that's so, you must be a genius.
32:57Francis, you must believe me.
32:59I haven't got a problem.
33:01I'm not addicted.
33:05I just use it occasionally
33:07for recreational purposes
33:09and now and then when I have to work late.
33:11I understand, Roger.
33:13But there are not many who would, are there?
33:15And I know this sounds old-fashioned,
33:17but isn't it illegal?
33:19What are you going to do?
33:21Well, I know what we should do.
33:23Write off the money as a bad debt
33:25and toss you overboard.
33:29But I suppose I must have a soft spot for you.
33:33I'm going to bail you out, Roger.
33:35I'm going to save your bacon.
33:37And in return, I want your absolute,
33:39unquestioning loyalty.
33:41Yes.
33:43Yes, of course.
33:45Yes.
33:47Yes.
33:49Yes, of course.
33:51To me personally, not to the chairman.
33:53I need someone I can trust
33:55to keep an eye on things
33:57and help out in general.
33:59Anything, Francis.
34:01Anything at all.
34:03All right, Roger.
34:05Now listen to me
34:07very carefully.
34:09Why are we consulting with socialists tonight?
34:11Isn't that against the rules or something?
34:13Well, not a bit of it.
34:15Henry's not a bad skin.
34:17We used to work together years ago.
34:19He's going to be very pleased with me tonight.
34:23Bit of a flash kid, don't you think?
34:25Fancies himself.
34:27Fancies you too.
34:29Everybody fancies me, except you.
34:33Here he comes. Teeth and tits.
34:37One for you, and one for you.
34:41And I rather gather you've got something for me.
34:43Yes.
34:45How do you fancy being the star
34:47of Prime Minister's question time?
34:53Number six, sir.
34:57I refer the honourable member to the reply
34:59I gave some moments ago.
35:03Will the Prime Minister
35:05explain to the House why
35:07he is not going ahead
35:09with the promised hospital expansion programme?
35:13Hear, hear!
35:17I note the honourable member's
35:19creditable concern with the Health Service
35:21and would remind him that under this Government
35:23the Health Service has enjoyed
35:25an annual increase of 7%.
35:27Hear, hear!
35:297% in real terms.
35:31Furthermore, the Health Service
35:33has benefited more than any other Government service
35:35from our determination
35:37to reduce inflation
35:39and to operate in a sensible
35:41and cost-efficient way.
35:43Answer the question.
35:45That is what I'm doing.
35:49This Government has made a commitment
35:51to expand the hospital building programme.
35:55It is not this
35:57Government's practice to discuss
35:59the specifics...
36:01It is not this
36:03Government's practice to discuss the specifics
36:05of new spending plans
36:07in terms of precise dates.
36:09Order! Order!
36:11Order! Order!
36:13Order! Order!
36:15Order!
36:17Order!
36:19Order!
36:21Order!
36:23Order!
36:25Order!
36:27Order!
36:29Order!
36:31Order!
36:33Order!
36:35Order!
36:37How in Christ's name that little bastard came in! No! The cabinet didn't hear about it till this morning.
36:47That wouldn't have given him time. It must have leaked out of yesterday's cabinet committee meeting.
36:51Peter McKenzie was very upset about the cuts. Well, he would be as health minister, but I don't think he would have leaked to an opposition MP.
36:57Then who did, Francis? I want him found. I want an example made of that bastard.
37:02I think it was someone who wanted to make things difficult for you personally. That's why it was leaked to Kendrick rather than the press.
37:10I think we have to face the fact that it may be someone very close to you, Prime Minister.
37:14Someone you've always trusted and who now wants to break you.
37:20Henry, I've just heard. I came straight over.
37:24Ah, later, Teddy, if you'd be so good. I just have to chew over a few things with Francis here.
37:33Yes. Yes, of course. I'll come back later then.
37:40Those of us who care for the nation's defence have been astonished to hear that confidential documents have been left in a public house.
37:54But quite perhaps rather less surprisingly, found their way into the pages of the independent newspaper.
38:04We have been gravely alarmed to read in these documents of huge, unnecessary and positively dangerous cuts in the territorial army establishment.
38:17Does the Prime Minister understand the damage that will be done to the government support over the coming months?
38:26Will the leader of the House allow time to debate and to reverse this decision?
38:39I would remind my right honourable friend that to discuss the contents of this stolen document is tantamount to condoning an act of common theft.
38:47Point of order, Mr Speaker. Point of order, Sir Jasper Granger.
38:53Would you not agree, Mr Speaker, that not to discuss the content of this stolen document would be a breach of faith, a betrayal by the government of its most loyal supporters?
39:10Mr Speaker, my right honourable friends and I have listened carefully to the mood of the House.
39:17In the light of representations put from all sides today, the government, which has always prided itself on being a listening government,
39:31the government will temporarily rescind the cuts and it takes a further look at the whole question.
39:40Order! Order! Order!
39:49Mr Ardent! Mr Ardent! Could you spare me a few seconds, please?
39:55Oh, Miss Mattie Storey. Yes, I think I could find you a few seconds. Let's go over there.
40:01I've been following your work with interest. So has the Prime Minister, though he's not quite such an admirer.
40:08He had a terrible day today.
40:10Not unknown for a Prime Minister to change his mind. Though we're not often privileged to see him do it in public, eh?
40:16Well, it'll all glow over, I dare say.
40:19Will it? Two major leaks in less than a month. Where are they from?
40:25I don't know, my dear. I'm responsible for the backbenchers, not the Cabinet. Though I dare say I'll be asked to find out.
40:33The leaks are coming out of the Cabinet. And the Prime Minister is ordering an investigation into his own closest colleagues.
40:39You might think that. I couldn't possibly comment.
40:44Thank you.
40:46Thank you.
40:48All right, all right. Don't tell me about it. Do something about it.
40:54That is exactly what is wrong with this goddamn country.
40:59Everyone wants to give you their analysis of what's wrong and why nothing ever goddamn works.
41:05Nobody wants to get off their butt and make the goddamn thing work.
41:10Run! Jesus, I'd rather run up business in the South of the Nile!
41:15Thoughts of a newspaper proprietor.
41:18You may be right. Oh, God.
41:21What you working on?
41:23Something about the leaks. Urquhart's leading the witch hunt.
41:27I do think he has a sort of... I don't know. Magnetism about him.
41:33Kissinger syndrome.
41:37The aphrodisiac effect of power.
41:40I guess that must be it.
41:42Not much chance for the likes of me, then.
41:45Women don't exactly tremble at the naked, unbridled domination of the deputy editor.
41:50Well, no. You have got a nice face, though.
41:54I don't know what's the matter with him, Frances. I feel he's not listening.
41:59As though he doesn't trust me any more.
42:03He owes it all to you, Teddy. Surely he recognises that.
42:06But I know what you mean. I don't think he trusts any of us any more.
42:09It's very distressing, Frances.
42:11How can we help the man when he won't let us help him?
42:14Well, I'll continue to put the fear of God into the troops as long as I can.
42:18But there comes a time... We're nowhere near it yet, of course.
42:21Yes, yes, quite.
42:24You will keep me informed, won't you, Frances?
42:27Now more than ever, he needs wise counsel.
42:31Of course I will, Teddy. Goodbye, now.
42:34I think Lord Billsborough's starting to lose touch a bit.
42:37A shame. He used to be a hell of an operator in his day.
42:40Well, work to do.
42:47Well, yes, a couple of leaks are all very well.
42:50But it takes more than that. A big scandal, perhaps.
42:54A political scandal.
42:56Or a scandal about something people rarely understand.
42:59Sex. Or money.
43:0450,000 pounds, Mr Urquhart.
43:07It's a very generous donation, Mr Jabwala.
43:10We don't often see such large sums in cash.
43:14I'm a little old-fashioned, Mr Urquhart.
43:16I prefer to trust cash rather than cashiers.
43:19And strictly speaking, you should hand it to the party treasurer, not to me.
43:24Oh, but you are my Member of Parliament, Mr Urquhart.
43:27I know you. I trust you.
43:30Oh, I'm sure the party treasurer is an excellent man.
43:33But you, Mr Urquhart, you are my friend.
43:37Well, I'm very touched.
43:40And no, I hope to gain nothing except my wife and I
43:45would be thrilled to meet the Prime Minister if he should ever visit the constituency.
43:50I'm sure that can be arranged.
43:57MUSIC PLAYS
44:14BUZZER
44:17BUZZER
44:22Accommodation address.
44:25Three-month payment in advance.
44:28That's fine.
44:30So you're working round here now, eh? Yeah, that's right.
44:33And the name is? Collingridge. C. Collingridge.
44:38Right.
44:40I might, er, might lock you up myself one of these days.
44:44Do you specialise at all, like?
44:46Yeah. Verbal abuse and colonic irrigation.
44:49Oh.
44:51Bye, then. Bye.
45:03Nasty little man. It was all right, though.
45:06I suppose so. Why couldn't Charlie Collingridge do it himself?
45:10It's a bit of a waste of money paying me 18 grand to run errands, isn't it?
45:13Come on, I'm supposed to be the brains of this outfit.
45:16You are. You are, I swear it.
45:19Well, what's he want it for, anyway? Don't tell me he's going on the game.
45:23Hardly. PM's brother needs to be careful.
45:27Sure I don't know what he wants it for. Spanking mags, for all I know.
45:30Using his real name? Well, ours is not to reason why.
45:34We're doing a special favour. The request comes from the very top
45:37You don't read the word to a soul, all right? Right.
45:41Hmm.
46:06You wish to open the account with...
46:09Excellent.
46:14Excellent.
46:18Well, no. I shan't need to draw on it immediately.
46:21Could I purchase some shares through you?
46:23But of course. It would be a pleasure.
46:26Mendox chemicals.
46:2820,000.
46:30You should be able to get them for about 240 pence.
46:33I'm rather pressed for time. Could I leave that with you?
46:37We should be able to confirm it for you by four this afternoon, sir.
46:40Excellent. Thank you very much.
46:42Not at all, Mr Collingridge. It's a pleasure.
46:50Julia, Minister of Health. Mrs Makepeace.
46:53With permission, Mr Speaker, I'd like to make a statement.
46:56The Department of Health, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer,
46:59has today licensed three new drugs for general use.
47:03Cybernox, manufactured by Mendox Chemical Company,
47:07with general application in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases.
47:13Charles Collingridge here.
47:15You were kind enough to open an account for me last week.
47:18I'm afraid I've had to alter my plans entirely.
47:21The negotiations on the hotel in Turkey have fallen through,
47:24and I'm flying back to Kenya at the end of the week.
47:28Well, can't be helped.
47:30Had a bit of luck with those Mendox shares, though.
47:32Should clear nine or ten thousand on them.
47:35Can you sell those today at anything over 295?
47:38And I'll come in tomorrow morning to close the account.
47:43Can you send a closing statement to my London address?
47:47Charles Collingridge, 216 Prade Street, W2.
47:55Thank you very much for all your help. Goodbye.
48:00Not working this morning, Francis?
48:02Oh yes, Elizabeth. I am working.
48:05I'm working very well, as a matter of fact.
48:09Very good of you to come in, Humphrey.
48:11I couldn't really get away, and I didn't feel comfortable holding all this money.
48:14Fifty thousand? What's he hoping to get out of it?
48:17Five minutes alone with the PM, he says.
48:20Bit more than the going rate, isn't it?
48:22Well, I'll write to Mr Javwala today.
48:24Chaps like him should be encouraged.
48:26Yes, indeed.
48:27And I'll see the PM is informed.
48:29About time he heard a bit of good news.
48:59Mr Urquhart.
49:12Good morning, Mattie.
49:17I couldn't believe it when you said roof garden.
49:19I had no idea it was here. It's amazing.
49:21Surprisingly few people know about it.
49:23I like to keep it that way. Good place to get away from the rabble.
49:26So, what was it, Mattie?
49:28Well, really, I just wanted to thank you for all your help over the last couple of months.
49:32You must be glad they're over.
49:34Well, we've known easier times.
49:36And what makes you think the summer's going to be any better for us?
49:40What do you mean?
49:42Can I say something in absolute confidence, Mattie?
49:46Not even on lobby terms.
49:48Yes. Yes, of course you can.
49:52I've heard hints that the tabloids are going to mount a personal attack on the PM.
49:57A particularly nasty one.
49:59They're going to use his brother.
50:01His brother?
50:02Charles Collingridge. Don't you know him?
50:04Well, between the two of us, he's a bit of a liability.
50:07Alcohol problem, debts everywhere.
50:09And when he's had too much to drink, he's not too sure of his sexual orientation.
50:14Well, you see the problem.
50:16If the PM disowns his brother, he's a heartless bastard.
50:19If he stands by him, he's a security risk and God knows what else.
50:23That's how they'll play it.
50:25Why are you telling me?
50:27Because I think you're a responsible and honourable journalist.
50:30Because I trust you.
50:32And, well, because I think we're going to need all the friends we can get.
50:39There isn't any chance he might be involved in something unsavoury with his brother, is there?
50:44Oh, no.
50:46No, I'm sure there isn't.
50:48He's fond of his brother, but he's not a complete fool.
50:51You'd have to say that.
50:53You'd have to cover up for him, even if you thought there was something.
50:56Perhaps. But there isn't, is there?
51:01He does seem to need a lot of propping up, Henry Collingwood.
51:04Well, that's all part of my job.
51:07And it's all worth it, wouldn't you say?
51:10Well, since you asked, no.
51:13Because I happen to think there's at least one man who'd make a much better leader.
51:18You might think that, Mattie.
51:21I couldn't possibly comment.