THE FINAL CUT (FRENCH REGION 2 DVD)

Francis Urquhart wants to be remembered as the greatest British Prime Minister since Winston Churchill. But his popularity is low and his leadership is disputed. Will his plans to make history backfire?

The Final Cut (1995), the final BBC drama serial in the House of Cards trilogy based on the books by Michael Dobbs, is available since May on French Region 2 DVD from Koba Films as "House of Cards - Saison 3".

« All things pass. Nothing lasts forever. »

Ian Richardson bows out as Francis Urquhart (nicknamed "FU"), the Machiavellian politician created by British author Michael Dobbs, an ex-advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in his realistic political thriller House of Cards. Scriptwriter Andrew Davies adapted the novel in 1990 as a BBC serial directed by Paul Seed. He turned Urquhart and his wife Elizabeth into modern Richard III and Lady Macbeth, modified some important elements of the book and reversed its ending.

The Shakesperean portrayal of Francis Urquhart by the amazing Richardson and his "You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment." entered  popular culture. Michael Dobbs brought back the scheming FU in his novels To Play The King (1992) and The Final Cut (1994).

« After all that - the calculation of the odds, the sifting of the probabilities - and then, the fear. Fear in the smell of damp newsprint and the crackle of the radio. Fear that this might be the day that we wake to find the magic gone.  » 

Andrew Davies and Paul Seed reunited  for the adaptation of To Play the King in 1993 and Mike Vardy replaced Seed for the four-part serialisation of The Final Cut, penned by Davies. The tone is set with the pre-credit sequence where FU shoots his ageing Gun dog before attending Margaret Thatcher's state funeral. Upset by the latter scene because she was still alive at the time, Dobbs demanded his name be removed from the credits.

« The woman simply hung around too long. Better a quick exit than clinging to the wreckage of a lost career. Some people seem to lack all sense of timing. »  

As his 65th birthday approaches, Francis Urquhart wants to "leave his mark on the world" with a resolution of the Cyprus dispute while Elizabeth (Diane Fletcher) works to secure them a wealthy retirement. Her husband needs to show his authority within the Cabinet to discourage potential rivalry but he alienates his Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Tom Makepeace (Paul Freeman). Ambitious backbencher Claire Carlsen (Isla Blair), who has an affair with Makepeace, becomes Urquhart's new Parliamentary Private Secretary.

«  Look, Francis, I'm awfully sorry, but I've got myself in a spot of bother.
- What is it this time, sex or money? 
- A bit of both, I'm afraid. »

The twilight of Francis Urquhart's reign mirrors his own irony towards Thatcher. Weakened by unpopularity and a road incident, the Prime Minister struggles to keep power. His last supports seem to be his wife, his sinister bodyguard Corder (Nick Brimble) and the eccentric and innocuous Geoffrey Booza Pitt (Nickolas Grace). Urquhart plays with fire and a personal connection with the Cypriot history could seal his fate.

The Final Cut concludes the House of Cards trilogy with a bang. Skillfully crafted by Andrew Davies, the four-episode serial is, like its predecessors, blessed  with the stellar performances of a splendid cast led by Ian Richardson and Diane Fletcher. BBC One aired The Final Cut in November 1995. Koba Films releases it in a 2-disc DVD set with the original dialogue track and optional French subtitles.

http://www.kobafilms.fr/serie/house-of-cards---saison-3-436.html
http://tattard2.blogspot.fr/2015/06/to-play-king-french-region-2-dvd.html  (To Play the King)
http://tattard2.blogspot.fr/2013/10/house-of-cards-french-region-2-dvd_11.html (House of Cards with Ian Richardson)  

See also:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/art-aping-life-i-couldnt-possibly-comment-1538535.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/bbcs-final-cut-upsets-author-1596844.html

TO PLAY THE KING (FRENCH REGION 2 DVD)

Francis Urquhart became the new British Prime Minister after a merciless rise to power. Now he will let nothing or no one stand his way. Neither the ghosts from the past, nor the recently crowned King. 

To Play the King (1993), the second BBC drama serial in the House of Cards trilogy based on the books by Michael Dobbs, is available since May on French Region 2 DVD from Koba Films as "House of Cards - Saison 2".

« A new king. A new age of hope and peace and spiritual growth, et cetera. And I'm still here for my sins. »

Ian Richardson returns as Francis Urquhart (nicknamed "FU"), the scheming politician created by British author Michael Dobbs, an ex-advisor to Margaret Thatcher and former Tory official, in his realistic 1989 political thriller House of Cards. Scriptwriter Andrew Davies adapted the novel in 1990 as a BBC serial helmed by Paul Seed. Davies made his Urquhart address the audience directly like Richard III. He developed the character of Francis's wife as a modern Lady Macbeth. He also modified Urquhart's relationship with journalist Mattie Storin and reversed the ending.

The Shakesperean portrayal of Francis Urquhart by the amazing Richardson and his "You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment." left their mark on popular culture. Michael Dobbs brought back FU in To Play The King (1992) and The Final Cut (1994). Andrew Davies and Paul Seed reunited for the four-part serialisation of To Play the King. « Remember that frightfully nice man who talked a lot about the classless society? He had to go, of course, in the end. Everything changes. » Urquhart is now Prime minister but he's haunted by the fate of Mattie Storin (Susannah Harker) and his wife Elizabeth (Diane Fletcher) thinks he needs a new challenge.

The freshly crowned King (Michael Kitchen) has social and environmental preoccupations he wants to share with his Prime Minister, except Francis Urquhart will have none of it. « But the trouble is... he has ideas. He has a conscience. He wants to... contribute.» Urquhart gets rid of a secretary of state favourable to inner cities regeneration and asks Tim Stamper (Colin Jeavons) to ensure that dissolute Princess Charlotte (Bernice Stegers) sells her memoirs to press baron Sir Bruce Bullerby (David Ryall). Mrs Urquhart introduces brilliant pollster Sarah Harding (Kitty Aldridge) to her husband, who hires her as his "slave", an informal political advisor.

« You know the way it works, Sarah. It tends to corrupt. And absolute power corrupts absolutely. »

The sovereign's idealism is encouraged by his assistant press secretary Chloe Carmichael (Rowena King). His chief of staff David Mycroft (Nicholas Farrell) deals with personal issues. « You practically abandoned Wales and Scotland. Thousands live in cardboard boxes under bridges. » The rift between Urquhart and the monarch increases, prompting the PM to call a general election. With Elizabeth and the sinister Corder (Nick Brimble) behind him, Francis Urquhart is ready to use any means to enforce his views and preserve his position: manipulation, electronic surveillance, blackmail and far worse. In the shadows, someone has a proof of what happened to Mattie Storin and tips off Sarah Harding, who started an affair with her boss.

«Kings aren't supposed to think. It was a great mistake sending him to university, letting him talk to all these architects and philosophers. »

To Play the King is the legit heir to A Very British Coup (1988) and stands the test of time very well (« And it's a terrible temptation to throw money at these problems now, borrowed money.»). It is blessed with splendid performances amongst a solid cast. The talented Michael Kitchen plays an unnamed King blatantly modeled after Prince Charles. His ex-wife, regularly met by Urquhart, looks like Lady Diana. The formidable Colin Jeavons shares great scenes with John Bird (Bryan Brynford-Jones) and Kitty Aldridge. Diane Fletcher is once again remarkable (« He's actually getting quite keen on Solti's Götterdämmerung. ») alongside the masterful Ian Richardson.

« As the cat's eyelids flicker, some part of us must stay awake always, ready, as the coiled spring is ready. »

The classy and wonderfully mischievous music by Jim Parker often sounds like a rehearsal for his work on Midsomer Murders. To Play the King aired from November to December 1993 on BBC One. In France it was confidentially shown on cable as Échec au Roi. Koba Films releases it in a 2-disc DVD set with its French dubbing and the original dialogue track (subbed in French or not). The latter is preferable to appreciate the fabulous screenplay of Andrew Davies.

« What's the matter? You do trust me, don't you? Of course you do. »

http://www.kobafilms.fr/serie/house-of-cards---saison-2-435.html
http://www.kobafilms.fr/serie/house-of-cards---saison-3-436.html (The Final Cut)
http://tattard2.blogspot.fr/2013/10/house-of-cards-french-region-2-dvd_11.html (House of Cards with Ian Richardson)


See also:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/television--exposed-the-man-who-would-be-king-house-of-cards-is-back-and-this-time-francis-urquhart-has-turned-really-nasty-james-rampton-met-the-actor-ian-richardson-on-set-while-the-former-chief-whip-tim-renton-compares-the-role-with-reality-1504874.html 

TO PLAY THE KING & THE FINAL CUT (FRENCH REGION 2 DVD)

To Play the King and The Final Cut, the second and third chapters of the original House of Cards trilogy starring Ian Richardson, are now available on French region 2 DVD thanks to Koba Films (as "House of Cards - Saison 2" and  "House of Cards - Saison 3"). 

[Update July 15] Reviews here:

http://tattard2.blogspot.fr/2015/06/the-final-cut-french-region-2-dvd_26.html  (The Final Cut)
http://tattard2.blogspot.fr/2015/06/to-play-king-french-region-2-dvd.html  (To Play the King)

See also:

http://tattard2.blogspot.fr/2013/10/house-of-cards-french-region-2-dvd_11.html (House of Cards with Ian Richardson)

HOUSE OF CARDS (FRENCH REGION 2 DVD)

When Margaret Thatcher's tenure as UK Prime minister comes to an end, Henry Collingridge becomes the Conservative Party leader and the new PM. Francis Urquhart, the party's Chief Whip, expects a top job in the new Cabinet but Collingridge maintains him in the Whip's office.

Encouraged by his wife, Urquhart decides to bring down Collingridge and ensure his way to the 10 Downing Street by any means. Conspiracy, manipulation and even worse.

« What, me? Oh no, no, no. I'm the Chief Whip, merely a functionary. I keep the troops in line. I put a bit of stick around. I make them jump. And I shall, of course, give my absolute loyalty to whoever emerges as my leader. »

House of Cards, the 1990 BBC political thriller is at last available on DVD in France thanks to Koba Films. Directed by Paul Seed, this four 55-minute part drama serial was adapted by scriptwriter Andrew Davies from a book by Michael Dobbs. Dobbs, an ex-advisor to Margaret Thatcher and former Tory official, crafted a realistic novel about intrigue and corruption behind the scenes of post-Thatcher British politics while she was still in charge. The serialisation stars Ian Richardson (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) as Francis Urquhart, whose job as Chief Whip is to enforce discipline of the governing party in the House of Commons.

« Nothing lasts forever. Even the longest, the most glittering reign must come to an end someday. »

After the resignation of Margaret Thatcher, ruling Tories need a leader. The decent and popular Henry Collingridge (David Lyon) emerges as the new PM and Francis Urquhart, who supported him, expects to join the Cabinet. But after the general election, won by the Conservatives with a reduced majority, Collingridge rejects Urquhart's proposals for a reshuffle including his promotion. Francis's wife Elizabeth (Diane Fletcher) suggests to her husband that he should take the leadership from Henry Collingridge by doing "whatever is necessary". And so he does.

Francis Urquhart quietly moves his unwitting pawns: the coke-addicted party publicity man Roger O'Neill (Miles Anderson), junior political reporter Mattie Storin (Susannah Harker), the ultraconservative Foreign Secretary Patrick Woolton (Malcolm Tierney), even media mogul Ben Landless (Kenny Ireland). No 10's power is slowly undermined, Collingridge is clueless and badly hit through his alcoholic brother Charles (James Villiers). Pawns can be sacrificed, not only figuratively. For House of Cards, Michael Wearing (Edge of Darkness), then Head of Serials at the BBC, advised Andrew Davies to "tweak" the book a bit and "think Jacobean".

« Quite a little touch of Richard of Gloucester at Baynard's Castle.
- "Shine out, fair sun!" »

Davies made his Francis Urquhart address the audience directly, like Richard III. He considerably developed the character of Francis's wife, called Miranda in the novel, as a modern Lady Macbeth. He also modified Urquhart's relationship with Mattie (« There are some things a gentleman never discusses. ») and reversed the ending. Richardson's Shakesperean stage background and his collaboration with Susannah Harker in Troubles (1988) served the dramatisation. Paul Seed's direction, ideas from producer Ken Riddington and the music of Jim Parker contributed as well to highlight Andrew Davies's substantial changes.

« Not feeling guilty, I hope. If you have pangs of pity, crush them now. Grind them under your heel like old cigar butts. I've done the country a favour. »

House of Cards aired on BBC One from 18 November to 9 December 1990 and rightfully joined political TV classics like Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister (1980-1988) and A Very British Coup (1988). Michael Dobbs's accuracy was unexpectedly echoed when a Tory challenge to leadership lead to Margaret Thatcher announcing her resignation on November 22. The portrayal of Urquhart by the amazing Ian Richardson and his "You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment." left their mark on popular culture. Dobbs brought back his scheming politician in To Play The King and The Final Cut, respectively adapted in 1993 and 1995.

Richardson won a Best Actor TV BAFTA in 1991 for House of Cards. Susannah Harker was nominated for Best actress. The rest of the cast delivered equally solid performances. Especially the fantastic Diane Fletcher, Miles Anderson, Alphonsia Emmanuel (Penny Guy) and James Villiers - very moving as Charles. The excellent Colin Jeavons returned as Tim Stamper (« If I had a dog like that I'd shoot it. ») in To Play The King. In France, pubcaster France 3 aired House of Cards in the 90s as Château de Cartes. Stage, TV and movie actor Bernard Dhéran lent his voice and his talent to Ian Richardson.

« Why should I yearn to be everybody's daddy? »

Koba Films releases House of Cards in a 2-disc DVD set with its original dialogue track, available with optional French subtitles done for the occasion, and its French dubbing. An audio commentary of Episode 1 by Andrew Davies, Ian Richardson and Ken Riddington is provided as bonus material. A 13-episode American adaptation of House of Cards starring Kevin Spacey premiered last February on the streaming service Netflix.

http://www.kobafilms.fr/serie/house-of-cards-324.html (In French)

See also (Spoilers):

http://chrishallamworldview.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/house-of-cards-revisited/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/17/rewind-bbc-s-iconic-political-thriller-house-of-cards-still-captivates.html

I COULDN'T POSSIBLY COMMENT

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Media Rights Capital and David Fincher (Fight Club, The Curious case of Benjamin Button) are developing a US weekly version of House of Cards (1) - the iconic BBC political thriller miniseries adapted from the 1989 novel by Michael Dobbs.

House of Cards (1990) starred the great Ian Richardson as Francis Urquhart (initials FU - Dobbs wrote that the concept of his book came from that!) a modern Richard III practicing his total lack of conscience and his consumed art of manipulation as the Chief Whip of the Conservative Party, destroying careers and lives on his way to 10 Downing Street. Urquhart died at the end of the book, but BBC had other plans and Dobbs brought him back in two other novels, To Play the King (1992) and The Final Cut (1994) - respectively adapted with Ian Richardson in 1993 and 1995.

The House of Cards trilogy is considered as one of the greatest British television programmes ever and had even echoes in the real British political life. Francis Urquhart and his catch phrase « You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment » are part of the national Popular culture in the UK. On a personal level the novels rank among your humble servant's favourite books and I'm a huge fan of the television trilogy (actually I even tried to help a little to get a DVD release in France).

House of Cards and its sequels are intrinsically British, written by a former insider of the British Conservative Party, describing with brilliance (in both the books and the adaptations) the British political system. Now another British television classic gets the stateside treatment, as if Life on Mars US was not the last straw. Remember the American movie adaptation of State of Play, a BBC miniseries influenced by the legacy of House of Cards... Try to remember.

We all knew a US version was inevitable (NBC is remaking Prime Suspect - Good luck!) but in some respects the only proper US nod to Francis Urquhart is Profit, the short-lived 1996 series shown on Fox and starring Adrian Pasdar as Jim Profit, the ultimate corporate sociopath. Just revive Profit and send him to Capitol Hill (2).

Me not liking the idea of an American remake of House of Cards? You might very well think that but I couldn't possibly comment.

(1) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ib38cebd2d45985ddcb58b554faca9d01
(2) Anyway, sooner or later and with or without Pasdar, Profit will be back. Tom Hardy would be fantastic.

See also:

http://www.michaeldobbs.com/
http://www.startrader.co.uk/Action%20TV/guide90s/housecards.htm