All language subtitles for (1990) House of Cards – Episode 2

There are men,
and I count myself amongst them,

who cannot bear to be idle.

I could reveal to the nation

that the Prime Minister
and his brother are both implicated

in an outrageous piece
of insider dealing.

But I think we'll let that one
mature a little first, don't you?

On the other hand, we need to keep
Charles and Henry Collingridge

in the public eye, if possible.

And the press are grateful for anything
in the silly season.

Now, the Prime Minister
usually takes the precaution

of packing his embarrassment
of a brother somewhere well out of sight

until the end of September.

Some rural French slum in the
Poitou-Charentes this year, I gather,

where Charlie could get
peacefully blotto

while the Prime Minister saves
his money and holidays at home,

posing as a country gentleman
at Chequers.

So it was most unfortunate
when someone tipped off the tabloids

about Charles Collingridge's
holiday address.

Bastards. What the hell has
poor old Charlie done to deserve that?

Just has the bad luck to be my brother,
that's all.

Most families have someone like Charlie,
someone who can't make it on their own.

Yes, right.

You're right.

If I stick by Charlie, people will
respect me all the more for it.

I'd like to think you did it for him,
not just for the opinion polls, Hal.

Well, of course!

Duty and self-interest
happily coinciding.

For once.

After the silly season
comes the conference season.

-Good morning, Mr Urquhart.
-Good morning.

Opposition did rather well this year.

Abandoned their usual tactic
of squabbling in public

and shooting themselves in the foot,

had a go at us instead. Especially
the Prime Minister, I'm sorry to say.

Most unsporting.

Good morning, Teddy!

So it's very important that our Party
Chairman gets his fine-tuning right

before we all sally off to Brighton.

The essential thing Is to present
a totally united and confident front

while avoiding any impression
of complacency.

The natural party of government,

but at the same time,
a listening government.

-Roger.
-Thank you, sir.

The big banner, and that's the spirit
and the theme of this year's conference,

prompted by the PM's last speech,

is "Finding the right way.

-Patrick?
-I don't mind "the right way.

"Finding" is a bit bloody silly,
though, isn't it?

We should have found the way by now,
shouldn't we?

I mean, what are we,
the natural party of government

or the babes tn the bloody wood?

While taking your point, I should say

that market research shows us
to be too smug and sure of ourselves.

So we bloody well should be. People
aren't going to vote for don't-knows.

-Perhaps "Going the right way"?
-Rather implies that the party

or someone in the party,

Is on the way out, don't you think,
Terry? With the greatest respect.

Going, going, gone.

Thank you, Francis. A good point.

JEERING

CHANTING

ALL: SHOUTING Out! Out! Out!

-He's arrived.
-wWho?

-Our leader, Elizabeth. Who else?
-The broken reed.

The man of straw.

"Good things of day
begin to droop and drowse."

A party conference can be many things.

A show of confidence.

An agonising reappraisal.

Or, as in this case,
a series of auditions

by pretenders to the throne

while the lost leader
withers before our very eyes.

Michael Samuels, Environment.

Intelligent, sensitive, caring,
all in the same sentence, I bet you.

That doesn't mean
a return to subsistence farming.

What it does mean Is sensitive
exploitation of natural resources,

intelligent self-interest
to motivate long-term gains

In a caring, capitalist concept.

Told you.

Peter McKenzie, Health.

...ease the pressure
on the state system,

enabling our professionals
to do a better job

for those unable
to fend for themselves financially.

So that now we can say
with real confidence,

-"Carry on, nurse.
- APPLAUSE

God, what an idiot that man Is.

Harold Earle, Education.

We've made the schools accountable
at last.

We've grasped the nettle
and taken it on board.

It's not always been
the most comfortable way.

But one thing I do know
and time will prove it.

It's the right way. It's the right way.

And Patrick Woolton, Foreign Secretary.

No one's more admiring
and enthusiastic than I am

about the amazing strides taken
by our friends in Eastern Europe.

But hold on. I mean, sorry, Tovarich.

If I'm going into the conference chamber
to have big hugs with Russian bears,

I'd rather not leave my six-guns at
the door, if it's all the same with you.

CHEERING

Dear old Patrick. Likes to sound like
a bit of a buccaneer now and then

but he's right behind Henry Collingridge
all the way

and that's exactly what he'll tell you
so himself if you ask him.

Roger, have you got a moment? I'm so
sorry, I won't deprive you for too long.

Over here.

Glad to be rescued. Like being

Don't get me wrong, Francis.
Loving every minute of it,

-the old cotton thrust.
-How's it coming across?

You can see for yourself.
Looks lovely on the telly

but the lobby press aren't buying it.
They saw Patrick Woolton having a go.

"Leadership Crisis" is the story
they want.

Well, we can only do our best
with the material they give us.

Your assistant's doing sterling work
over there.

-That girl is like gold, Francis.
-I'm sure.

She's your mistress as well, I take it?

Is that a privilege
exclusive to yourself?

-What?
-I said, do you enjoy her body

on an exclusive basis
or is she available to others as well?

Now, hold on, Francis.
I don't think that's really the kind...

Don't be coy with me. You know I could
have you in the gutter any time I like.

-Answer my question.
-Well, me and Penny go back a long way.

In some ways,
we're more like brother and sister.

We allow each other a little time off
now and then for good behaviour,

if you follow me.

Now listen, Francis, it's not simple.
She's not a... You can't just...

I'm sure she'd be very flattered to
think... If you ask her really nicely...

Shut up.
Did you really think I wanted her?

-Oops. Sorry, my mistake.
-Didn't you lend her to Patrick Woolton?

That was research. He wanted a bright
girl for a bit of research in a hurry.

Bright girls for research? Where would
the House be without them?

I think he may want to borrow her again.
More urgent research needs.

Would she be available, do you think?

It's not impossible.

-I'll broach it gently. Leave it to me.
-And I have another task for you.

Just a small delivery job.

CLATTERING

-Good morning, sir.
-Morning.

ALARM BEEPING

BEEPING STOPS

Come on, come on,
come on, Sleeping Beauty.

Bloody hell, Rog. What do you want?

To drown in your eyes
and hide in your arms, darling.

I've only Just set eyes on
the bloody thing because Pennington here

has only now worked up the courage
to show me.

It's very bad, Francis.

The poll was taken
before the conference, Prime Minister.

I'm sure you'll turn it round
before the week's over.

We've seen it all before, after all.

Yes, you're a good fellow, Francis. But
30%, it's a hell of a lead to pull back.

-Right, speak to you soon.
-OFf course.

Do you know, Elizabeth, I believe
our leader is starting to worry.

There's a major story breaking

and I think Greville
will want to know about it now.

All right, who's dead?

Henry Collingridge.

-What the hell...
-Well, not literally.

Grev, I've got hold of the secret poll.
You know, the Tories’ own one.

It's sensational. They're 30% behind

and Collingridge is about as popular
as Captain Hook.

And who decided to make you a present
of this secret Tory poll?

I don't know.
It was left outside my door.

All right, I know it sounds weird.

-But it’s genuine. I'm convinced.
-You've been set up, you silly cow.

Now, don't let me hear
any more about this

unless you have absolute,
stand-up-in-court proof it's kosher.

And don't you ever get me
out of bed again

unless it's adultery in the Royal Family
with photographs!

DIALLING TONE

Pig!

Right.

K.J.S.

K.J.S.

Kevin Spence, Central Office, Research.

RINGING

Come on.

Damn!

Well, lovely.

Nothing can beat you.

-I wish you really meant that.
-I do, I do, truly.

-Lovely girl.
-No. No, Rog...

Don't... Oh!

Oh, Rog!

Got a little surprise.

What? What are you up to?

Oh, Roger. You're not taking cocaine

at 8:00 in the morning
at the Conservative Party Conference?

Don't you think I have fantastic style?

-I think you're barmy.
-Nonsense.

This ts brilliant stuff.

Know where I got it?

Grosvenor Square.

This stuff is usually only available
to the CIA. Yum-yum!

What are you trying to do,
kill yourself or what?

Rubbish. Not a bit of It.

It's just been a bit of a tense week,
that's all.

I could kick this stuff
any time I liked.

I tell you what. Get this week over.

We'll go to a health farm for ten days.

No drugs.

No drink.

And shag ourselves silly.
How about that?

That would be lovely.
If only you really meant it.

I do. You'll see.

-Listen, Pen.
-Now what?

It's a bit delicate, this.

Remember when you had that bit of
a thing with Pat Woolton?

Well, I'd hardly forget that, would I?
What a character!

-You liked him, though, didn't you?
-What a maniac. He was all right.

-Really good fun.
-He's still carrying a torch for you.

Torch? Is that what he calls it now?

He was wondering If
you'd like to have dinner with him.

He's a bit shy about asking you himself.

Shy? Him?

He once put his hand in my knickers
when we sat at a table in Langan's.

Yeah, well...

I said I'd pass It on.

Pimping now, Is it?

Jesus Christ, Roger!

Don't you care about me at all?
Don't you care what I do?

Ah, Pen. Of course I do. I didn't think
you'd be upset. I thought you liked him.

That's not the point.
I went with him because I wanted to,

not because you promised
someone a favour!

Ah, listen, Pen, it's not like that at
all. I wish I didn't have to ask you.

I wish I could be everything to you,
but I can't.

You know I'd never ask you
to do a thing like this

unless my arse was on the line.

And It Is.

It truly ts.

I don't know what I'm going to do
and that's the truth.

-You do believe me, don't you?
-Yes, I do believe you.

-It's that stuff, isn't it?
-Partly.

I mean, it's... It's not as though
you hate the man, Pen. You liked him.

And you know if it was me, I'd do
anything in the world for you.

Don't you?

-I love you, Pen. You know that.
-Will you just shut up, Rog?

Why?

What's the matter? I'm sorry.
What have I said?

Kevin Spence?

Oh, Lord...

Never mind. Here, have mine.
I hate the stuff.

Mattie Storin, 7fe Chronicle.

-Oh, y-yes, I...
-Don't pretend you recognise my name.

-Well, I do, actually.
-Well, good.

I wanted to check
a couple of facts with you.

Are you sure you want me?
I'm in research, not the press office.

-I did say facts, Kevin.
-Ah, yes.

Is this a genuine report
from your department?

Not a fake?

-Where did you get this?
-K.J.S. That's you, isn't it?

Look, please.
I can't possibly discuss this.

If someone knew I'd leaked those
figures, confirmed they were genuine...

-Please don't drag me into this.
-I promise you I won't.

It's all right, Kevin.
I don't give away my sources.

It is a genuine report, isn't it?

What's the circulation?

Very limited, I take It?

Just cabinet ministers
and five senior people at Smith Square.

The Deputy Chairman
and four senior directors.

Please don't ask me anything else.

No, I won't. You've been very helpful.

Stay in touch.

I'd rather not...

-Francis!
-Patrick. Good of you to spare the time.

Bloody hell. The Chief Whip says
he wants an urgent word in private,

you make time.

Since you phoned, I've been wondering
what I've done wrong.

You know, I can't think of anything.

Bloody depressing, that,
looked at one way.

Still, I suppose it's better than

finding your picture
in the News of the World, eh?

I need to take your mind, Patrick.

And this is going to have to be one of
those meetings that never took place.

All right. If this is what I think it
is, it's come sooner than I thought.

We're in trouble, Patrick.

And there's a view around
that this is not a passing phase.

This view says that the problem
is the Prime Minister.

His unpopularity is dragging the party
down. And he refuses to see the danger.

He's insisted on holding the Dorset
by-election at conference week

and it looks as if
this is a bad miscalculation.

You understand, this
is not necessarily my personal view.

It's the view I've been asked
to put to you.

Who by, Francis?

-One or two senior colleagues.
-Just one or two?

Three, in absolute confidence.
Three very senior colleagues.

All right. Go on.

Do you think Henry still has
what it takes to be Prime Minister

and if he were...persuaded to retire,

would you be interested
in taking his place?

Bloody hell, Francis.
You don't mess about, do you?

I think you know I prefer plain speaking
and plain dealing, Patrick, as you do.

All right. Let's analyse the situation.

First of all, have we really got
a problem?

Yes, the polls are bloody terrifying,
you're quite right to take soundings.

Second, do we have to do something
about it or will it just go away?

That Is, can we ride out this bad patch
and then swing the country round?

Well, that's very much
up to the Prime Minister.

My view is he does not have
what it takes

and the voters don't think he has.

In my view, if he leads us into another
general election, we'll get stuffed.

Between you and me, that's probably
the majority view on the back benches.

But if we get rid of him
as early as this,

we'll look like a bunch of colonels
in a banana republic.

I don't want to go down in history
as the Idi Amin of Poulton le Fylde.

Well, yes. Quite. But you are
still interested in the leadership?

In absolute confidence,
of course I bloody am.

I stood against Henry
when Margaret left.

And I still think I was
the best candidate.

And if I stood again, I'd be looking
for your support, Francis.

But it's too early.

No, we need a few months

to get the public used to the idea
of a change of leadership.

Move too soon
and we'll look like assassins.

Leave it too late
and the whole party will be in pieces.

I'll say one thing, Francis. I'm damn
glad it's you that's handling this.

There's not many men
I'd trust with a job like this.

Thank you, Patrick, I appreciate that.

I appreciate your frankness as well.

I'll continue to take soundings
and keep you fully informed.

Good on you, Francis. As long as we keep
that slimy little sod Samuels out.

Well, yes, quite. Absolutely.
Good talking to you, Patrick.

-You won't miss the party later?
-Wild horses, Francis. Wild horses.

I don't suppose you've got
any wild women coming?

You'd be surprised.

The man's a lout, of course. A lout,

a lecher, an anti-Semite,
a racist and a bully.

He is, however,
more intelligent than he seems.

And he is, we mustn't forget,

Her Majesty's Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs.

We mustn't make the mistake
of underestimating Patrick Woolton.

You call my secretary any time
if you want to follow any of this up.

Thank you, I will.
Well, bye for now, then.

-Miss Storin. Mattie.
-Oh, hello.

-You've been neglecting me.
-You mean, not pestering you?

I feel slighted.
Was Michael Samuels illuminating?

Oddly enough, not nearly
as illuminating as you.

-I'm astounded to hear it.
-No, I don't think you are. So...

How are things going?
Are we having a good conference?

Apart from your neglect of me,
very good indeed.

That's not my information.

My information Is
you're in deep trouble.

Really?

-Not you personally, of course.
-That's a relief.

-I was wondering If we could chat?
-Were you, Mattie?

I've been getting the impression
that this whole conference is in code.

That it's all about
something else entirely.

I don't feel as if I've had a real
conversation with a real person here.

And you think I'll decode the conference
for you? Rather a tall order, Mattie.

I'd settle just for a chat.

At least you're a real person.
You are a real person, aren't you?

Oh, yes. I'm a real person.

I'd like very much to spend some time
with you, Mattie, as I think you know.

But this evening, unfortunately
I'm otherwise engaged.

I'm having a little drinks thing. Some
of my guests are shy of journalists.

They don't like people to see
what they're like when they're relaxing.

Really? And who would that be?

Mattie, you can't expect me
to tell you that.

-Who's coming? Tell me one guest.
-Your proprietor, for one, Mattie.

Benjamin Landless? Is he in Brighton?

Oh, we get all the riffraff here.
You'd be surprised.

WOMAN ON PA:
Telephone call for Mattie Storin.

Don't you think you'd better get that?

Oh, right. Well...

-See you later in the week, perhaps.
-I hope so, Mattie.

GENTLY HUMMING RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES

Hello, Mattie Storin here.

John, sorry, it's a bit of a scrum here.
You got the story all right?

-Yes, we got it.
-Is that a brilliant story or what?

-Yes, It's a brilliant story.
-And?

-And we're not running it.
-What? Let me speak to Preston.

He's in a meeting,
he knows all about it.

He won't run the story
because he thinks you've been set up.

I've checked that survey. It's genuine.

Can he speak to your source?
Can I speak to your source?

Don't be stupid, John, of course you
can't. Let me speak to Preston.

He's in a meeting, Mattie.
And look, it wouldn't do any good.

We've backed the government all the way.
And we have to stick with them now.

-It's not just you that’s been let off.
-Greville's been fixed, hasn't he?

He's there with you, isn't he?
Ask him who got at him. Ask him.

It was Benjamin Landless, wasn't it?
Wasn't it?

Hold on a moment, Mattie,
I have a call on the other line.

Hold on for what?
There's nothing to talk about, is there?

-Oh, God! That's all I need.
-I'm so sorry. Please allow me to...

Perhaps not. Only make it worse. Um...

-Oh, Lord. Oh, Lord. In trouble again.
-It's all right. Most of it missed.

Are you sure? It was only vodka.

Very pure. My mother-in-law
cleans silver with vodka, you know.

May I, um, buy you a drink, Miss...

Mattie, Mattie Storin. No, let my editor
buy you one, Mr Collingridge.

Two large vodkas and tonics, please.
Ice and lemon.

You know who I am, then?
Amazing. Amazing.

-I.am a journalist, Mr Collingridge.
-Call me Charlie. Everyone else does.

So, what are you doing
in this den of thieves?

Not all thieves.
Still a few good blokes about.

-Like your brother?
-Exactly. Salt of the earth.

That's nice. I'd heard he rather
sort of disowned you.

No, no. He lets people think that.
Best brother in the world, Hal.

Looks after me, Know what I mean?
Likes to do good by stealth.

Enough said. End of story.

-Cheers, to your very good health.
-Cheers.

Lord, you are a pretty girl.
Oh, no offence.

I've got a daughter your age,
you know. Lovely girl.

Lovely face. Never, never see her.

Own fault. Water under the thingy.

Do miss her, though.

No, no! Absolutely not! Get the
hell out. Do I make myself clear?

-Lord, I can't stand that man.
-Don't come back till tomorrow.

Large whisky, and be quick about it.

I gotta go to this goddamn
champagne reception.

I need something to line my gut with.

-Charlie! How are you?
-Evening, Ben.

One for him, too, I suppose.
And you, young lady?

What are you staring at?
Is my zipper undone, or what?

-Am I supposed to know you?
-We haven't met. I am your employee.

Half the hacks tn Brighton are getting
wrecked at my expense tonight.

In fact, you've just been influential
in getting one of my stories spiked.

Is that so? What was It? "Knit Your Man
A Willy-Warmer For Christmas"?

No, it was that one about
the Tories going 3Q points behind.

You're, uh, Minnie what's-her-name.

-Mattie Storin.
-Yes.

Damn good story.

Wrong damn paper. What do you think
we are, 7he New Statesman? Cheers.

Ah! Thanks, young man. Keep the change.
Have one yourself.

It's chaps like that
that drive chaps to drink.

Uh, could you cope
with another little one, my dear?

Yes. Why not?

-Evening, my dear. Jolly good do.
-Well, thank you.

Not here yet.

I told the bugger, "Any more of that
and you're for Northern Ireland."

I dare say that called his bluff.

Wasn't seen on his feet again till 1987.

He's not here yet.

-McKenzie's wife's a genius with a wok.
-Is that so?

I used to think
the wok solved everything,

but now I know otherwise.

You really must allow me to give you
my recipe for brill. Brill is a fish.

-Yes, I did...
-Mr O'Neill. And how are you?

-Never better, Mrs Urquhart.
-Good.

We've put the boys down for Wellington.
What do you think?

I don't know. A bit dear, isn't it?
Is it worth it?

Miss Guy! Elizabeth Urquhart.

Really? You write the PM's speeches?

If they chuck me out, it'd be like
a lobotomy for Hal.

And that's entirely confidential,
you understand.

Excuse me. Hayfever.

-Ben! Good to see you.
-Never mind that.

What the hell are you boys playing at?

No, I don't want
any of these stupid little things.

Go away.

Listen, I put the whole damn
chain of papers behind your lot

and you still manage to cock it up.

Ben, we can't talk here.
Walls have ears and all that.

To hell with that. I didn't come
200 miles for canapés.

Where's the bathroom?

-Oh, it's over there.
-Great. Let's go.

Excuse me.

I've seen that latest poll of yours.

-Girl of mine got hold of it.
-It's just a poll, Ben.

Bullshit, my friend. It's disastrous.

But don't worry.
I told Greville Preston to pull it.

Ah. Thank you, Ben.

It'll leak, but not till after
the Dorset by-election.

The Prime Minister will be
very grateful.

That limp dick! Where does it leave me?

I wanna buy Transglobal Newspapers.

I wanna buy two ITV regions.

Under Maggie, I knew the score.

Everyone facing the same way,
everyone defending freedom's frontiers.

Everything was up for grabs.
No lame ducks and no sore losers, right?

Now my lawyers are talking
Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

And this government won't back me up
because they haven't got the guts.

Hell, Francis.

What sort of country Is it when a man
can't spend his money how he likes?

Very true, very true.
And very well put, if I may say so, Ben.

Screw "well put.
What are we gonna do about it?

Dump Collingridge.

Holy shit!

You really mean that, don't you?

This crisis of confidence isn't
about policy. It's about leadership.

I'm very fond of Henry Collingridge.

And I respect him, in many ways.

But this country needs
a strong right-wing leader

with the courage to defend freedom.

And increase It.

Exactly. That's the way
the whole of Europe's going.

This used to be a country
fit for heroes, Ben.

Explorers, soldiers,
merchant adventurers.

We want a leader who's prepared
to let his dogs off the leash.

-Give us a little room to run, huh?
-Quite.

We want a leader who's prepared

to put himself about a bit,
give 'em some stick.

I like the things you say, Francis.

So...who did you have in mind?

Patrick Woolton would give us
what we want, I think.

-You don't want it for yourself?
-What, me? Oh, no, no, no.

I'm just the Chief Whip, Ben.
I just keep the troops in order.

Chief Whips have made it
to the top before.

Well. If it ever did come to that,

I'd make sure
they didn't tie you up in red tape, Ben.

Know you would, Francis. Know you would.

OK, so let's do it to Collingridge.

Run that poll story for a start, huh?

I've got work to do.
First edition closes in 40 minutes.

I'd better make a phone call.
Nice party, Francis.

SNEEZING

That's enough about me. How about you?

Would you be into quickies
at all, Amanda?

Would I be into what?

ORGASMIC MOANING

So... The party's over.

It's a quiet night.
Our fortunes prosper well.

The Foreign Secretary finds succour
from the harsh affairs of state

in the soft fragrance
of a daughter of the game.

One for the archives,

if he did but know it.

And all the while, Landless's armies
are labouring for me

through the darkness, towards dawn,

telling the story.

A leader out of touch.

A man of straw clutching at straws,

fis future closing In front of him
like a fist.

Who would be a leader
In this wicked world?

Sorry about this, Prime Minister.

We thought you'd better see it
as soon as possible.

Oh, Graham, not at breakfast, surely.

Hal was up till four
working on his speech.

So were we, Mrs Collingridge.

I'm awfully sorry
but it is very serious.

If you read the paragraph I've marked,
Prime Minister.

It's not Just a leak.
It's a personal attack.

"A leading minister commented,
‘Our basically excellent position

is being undermined
by the leader's lack of appeal.’

Another senior figure party suggested

"that Henry Collingridge would be
invited to stand down

"for the good of the party."

Who's doing this? Who Is It?

Are they trying to destroy us all?

I want to know who this is, Graham.
I have to know.

Shall I give Lord Billsborough
a call, sir?

Yes. No!

No, not Billsborough.

Get Francis Urquhart over.
Have him in my suite in half an hour.

Yes, Prime Minister. Erm...

in view of this report and bearing
in mind the Dorset by-election today,

I expect you'll want to adjust your
speech to conference this afternoon?

-I really feel that we should...
-It was a good speech at 4:00 a.m.

and it's still a good speech.

TELEPHONE RINGING

-Urquhart.
-Pat here. Pat Woolton.

-Patrick, what can I do for you?
-You left your case and took mine.

-Or I hope you did. Could you check?
-Hold on, Patrick.

My dear chap. I'm frightfully sorry.

You're quite right.
Shall I bring it round?

-No, I'm on my way. Two minutes.
-Bye.

John, what the hell is it all about?
First you pull my story,

then you print it without my name on it

and a "let's get Collingridge slant.
What's going on?

If I tell you what I know,
do you promise not to bite my head off?

All right. I'm sorry about last night
but I was just so bloody angry.

I know it's not your fault.
Come on, what happened?

Well, I don't know exactly.

Old Grev was on the phone
for about half an hour.

Then he came out
very pleased with himself.

High drama. "Kill the front page!

Grev says he's been checking out
your story with some of his contacts

and it stands up after all.

-So, who wrote it?
-He did.

Ben Landless was here last night.

Urquhart had a party.
Landless was a guest.

Who else was there?

All the big boys.
Woolton, Samuels, Billsborough.

-So it's true.
-It's really happening, John.

They're getting ready
to junk Collingridge.

-So stupid of me, Patrick.
-No harm done.

-Erm, good party, Francis.
-Glad you enjoyed it.

-Seen the papers this morning?
-Yes. Bad business.

Bad for some. Not so bad for others.

-Keep tn touch, Patrick.
-Right.

TELEPHONE RINGING

Yes. Of course.

Francis, the Prime Minister
would like to see you.

-Prime Minister.
-Who is it? Who's betraying me?

URQUHART CLEARS THROAT

Who?

It's Teddy Billsborough.

Are you sure?

No one else it could be.

I'm terribly sorry.

Thank you, Francis.

You're a good man.

If the '8Qs had to be
the decade of confrontation,

the '9Qs will be seen, I think,
as the decade of conciliation.

The decade of cooperation.

The decade of maturity.

Stifling dissent is not going
to help us find The Right Way.

Surely events in Eastern Europe
have taught us that much, at least.

The British open democratic process

has been an inspiration to seekers after
freedom in Poland and in Russia

and in Hungary and in Czechoslovakia.

And I, for one, am proud of that.

It ts only through
frank and open exchange of views

that good government is possible.

Frank and open exchange of views
in an atmosphere of trust.

Pale-faced and clearly agitated,

in his keynote address
to conference this afternoon, comma,

the Prime Minister gave
what most observers agree

was a lacklustre performance.

Good morning to you, Miss Storin.

And to you.

-Is it a good morning?
-Yes.

Naturally, the result is
a little disappointing.

But it's hardly cheering news
for Labour, either, is it?

By-elections are the chance
for folk to let off steam a bit.

-Funny things happen in Dorset.
-You're not worried, then?

Oh, we shall be taking It
very seriously.

It may be we're not getting
our message across in the right way.

-Can I quote you on that?
-Yes, I think you may, Miss Storin.

I'm very glad I bumped into you, Mattie.

Because there's another piece of news
that's going to break.

And I know you'll handle it responsibly.

Lord Billsborough!

REPORTERS SHOUTING QUESTIONS

No comment!

"In what was described
by a senior government spokesman

"as a fit of pique and a fit of panic,

"the Prime Minister this afternoon

"sacked his Party Chairman
Lord Billsborough,

"the greatly loved and longest-serving
member of his government."

Pique and panic.

Oh, yes, I'm sure It was.

But I thought that girl of yours

was supposed to be
handling things with responsibility?

I'm sure she did, Elizabeth.
I'm sure she did.

I'm very much afraid someone
must have been getting at her editor.

She's proving to be rather a treasure,
isn't she?

You could say that.

-And you trust her?
-Yes.

Up to a point.

If you wanted to be quite certain
of her loyalty,

perhaps one night when you're in town
and I'm here in the country...

Well, I should quite understand,
Francis.

I'll leave that up to you entirely.

-Thank you, Elizabeth.
-TELEPHONE RINGS

Urquhart.

Yes, of course, Prime Minister.

Yes, yes, of course. At once.

-Well, well, well.
-I hope he isn't going to sack you?

He'd better not bloody well try.

CAR HORN HONKING

The Observer rang the Press Office today

about a story they say
they're going to run tomorrow.

-What story?
-J still can't believe it.

They say my brother Charlie's
been buying shares in companies

just before they benefit from government
decisions and making a killing on them.

I mean, you know Charlie. He hasn't
the wit to do a thing like that.

Charlie? Of course he hasn't.

And... Well, he has his weaknesses, Hal.
I know you won't mind my saying that.

But he'd never do anything criminal.

Thank you, Francis.

God, it's such a relief
to talk to someone with a bit of...

Francis, you do believe that
I know nothing whatever about this?

Absolutely, Hal.
Without the slightest reservation.

You're a good man. Well, they say
they've got documentary evidence.

-Bank statements, brokers’ receipts.
-But nothing that connects it with you?

Not as far as I know,
but what else would they assume?

If he's been getting inside information,
who else would give it to him?

God, Francis, what am I going to do?

You're Know you're innocent.
Go on the offensive.

Tell them you'll sue
and go ahead and do it!

Set your solicitor onto it today.
Where's your brother now?

In his flat, as far as I know.

I told him to take the phone
off the hook and not answer the door.

We'll have to do better than that.

When /he Observer hits the streets,
he'll be under siege.

Listen, there's a place we use in Kent
for the dipsos and druggies

on the back benches, sort of safe house
cum clinic cum asylum.

-I'm sorry but...
-I know.

I'll get Tim Stamper to fix it.

Can someone who knows him
be there, too? Not you, of course.

-Anne will go, he's fond of her.
-I'd rather it wasn't her.

Francis, we're all he has now.

Right. She'd better get going
straight away.

Don't worry about this place, Hal.
They're very kind.

Absolutely discreet.
Dr Christian's a very sound man.

It may be a blessing In disguise
for Charlie.

Francis, you're a tower of strength.
I don't know how to thank you.

Don't embarrass me, Hal.
I'm just doing my job.

ALL TALKING AT ONCE

I don't know what's happening!

No! Get away!

-Go on! Go on!
-Get away, you people!

-A comment for the press, Charlie?
-Get out! Get out!

Where are they taking you, Charlie?

GENTLY HUMMING RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES

ALL CALLING OUT

-How bad Is it, Francis?
-I've seen worse.

Oh, come on. No one's ever been
this low in the polls

and come back to win an election.

Be the first.
Give 'em something to cry about.

Oh, Francis.

However this comes out,
I'll make sure the world knows

what a hell of a man you are
to have in your corner.

-Right. What are we up against?
-The Observer doesn't implicate you.

Very sensible of them.
It'll blow over, Hal.

These things always do. What else?

There's a run on the pound.
Doesn't mean a thing.

It may bother the teenagers in the City
with the Porsches and the Filofaxes

but the average voter
couldn't care less.

Leadership crisis?
That cretinous dwarf Bairsted

says It's going to force
a leadership contest.

Do you want me to lean on him?

'll frighten the wits
out of the little sod

with the greatest pleasure, if you like.

Well, he's publicly declared now.

Get him to publicly retract.
Humiliate the little bastard.

But no. I think you're right,
Prime Minister.

Let him come onto the punch.
Knock him down and trample him.

And do the television interview
on Wednesday?

I'd say so, yes.

Insist they leave this Mendox shares
nonsense till the last five minutes.

By then, everyone will be
rooting for you.

It'll seem like a tasteless
bit of irrelevance, which is what it is.

Yes, dammit. Thank you, Francis.
We're not finished yet.

kight, stand by, studio, please.
Counting from VT in ten seconds.

Very guiet. Very quiet,
please, now. Five, four...

-All right?
-Yes, fine.

Prime Minister, for the last few minutes
of this interview,

could we turn to the allegations
printed in this week's Observer

about possible improper share dealing by
your brother, Mr Charles Collingridge?

-With pleasure.
-Earlier you issued a statement

denying any connection of your family
with the matter

and suggesting that there might have
been a case of mistaken identity.

That's correct. Quite obviously,
it's not for me to explain

The Observer's extraordinary mistake.

AllI can tell you is that none of
my family has anything to do with it.

-You have my word of honour on that.
- LAUGHTER

The family's solicitors have initiated
proceedings against 7he Observer

and will do so against anyone

who repeats these false
and malicious statements.

-Thank you. We'll bear that in mind.
-That would be very wise of you.

Now, you and your brother deny

that either of you
opened an accommodation address

-at a Paddington newsagents?
-That's correct.

But on Monday of this week,

Jane Hartston of our staff
visited the address

and was able to photograph a number of
envelopes addressed to your brother.

Now, look here...

The first one clearly marked
the Ottoman Union Bank,

the bank that bought and sold
the Mendox shares.

The second is addressed to your brother

from the Conservative Party sales
and literature office in Smith Square.

Well, I really cannot see
any relevance in this at all.

Quite clearly this is a case
of mistaken identity.

-And I do have to warn you...
-Prime Minster, like you,

we thought that Charles Collingridge
might well be a common name,

that there might be some other
Charles Collingridge

who was able to take improper advantage
of secret government decisions.

But oddly enough,
there's only one Charles Collingridge

listed in the London
telephone directory.

Your brother.

Prime Minister, we've almost come to
the end of the programme.

Is there anything else
that you would like to say?

Well, with the Prime Minister
declining to comment any further

on his alleged involvement
in the Mendox shares scandal,

that's all from us at
World Watch Tonight. Good night.

TELEPHONE RINGING

Urquhart.

I had a feeling it might be you.

I'm sorry to disturb you at home.

But I'd be very grateful if you'd give
me a few minutes before we go to press.

Not on the telephone.
You can come here, if you like.

I'd prefer it if you didn't tell
your colleagues where you're going.

I'll see you in ten minutes.

He can't survive this, can he?

I shall be spending the next few days

rallying all the support for
the Prime Minister that I can get.

Off the record, Mattie,
it's not going to be easy.

Do you think he tipped his brother off
about those shares?

I can't believe that Henry Collingridge
could do a thing like that.

I've always considered him
a totally honourable man.

-But?
-But, Mattie?

-Not quite up to his job.
-Mattie, you might very well think that.

You know I couldn't possibly comment.

-I really like talking to you.
-Of course you do.

You love trying to tempt me
into indiscretions.

I know, but it's more than that.

With Samuels and Earle
I get the party line.

You talk to me
like another intelligent human being.

I like talking to you.

I'm interested in you.

You find that strange?

I find it very flattering.

Because I happen to think you're by far
the ablest man in this government.

Oh, no, no, no. You're too kind, Mattie.

I think you underestimate yourself
and that's a shame.

Underestimate myself? In what way?

You underestimate your ability
and your capacity for power, I think.

And I think you underestimate
your personal attractiveness.

Now, that is absurd, Mattie.
You can't expect me to fall for that.

I'm old enough to be your father.

Perhaps that's something to do with it.

Oddly enough, I always wanted
a daughter.

My wife and I have no children.

What a very unusual interview
this has turned out to be.

Perhaps we should...
No, I must just say this.

You mustn't underestimate
your abilities.

Really.

You know you could go much further
than you have done, don't you?

Do you think so?

If you put your mind to it,

I think you could achieve
anything you wanted.

You might think that, Mattie.

I'm afraid I couldn't possibly comment.