IMDb 8.09 1990 HD

House of Cards

House of Cards

1990
Comedy Drama War & Politics
8.09 IMDB

Frustrated at a new moderate Conservative government and deprived of a promotion to a senior position, chief whip Francis Urquhart prepares a meticulous plot to bring down the…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Starring
Ian Richardson / Susannah Harker / Malcolm Tierney / Alphonsia Emmanuel / Diane Fletcher / William Chubb / Isabelle Amyes / Nicholas Selby

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

compelling cynical dark ambitious manipulative sharp intense political ruthless intriguing masterful

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 30, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

House of Cards is a masterfully constructed piece of political theatre, largely due to Ian Richardson's magnetic portrayal of Francis Urquhart. His journey from chief whip to a man intent on the premiership is fascinatingly portrayed, with every…

A
Arthur Pendleton
May 30, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This adaptation of House of Cards offers a potent exploration of ambition unchecked. Ian Richardson commands the screen as Francis Urquhart, a man driven by a singular vision to seize the Prime Minister's office. The plot is a…

P
Penelope Davies
May 30, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

At its heart, House of Cards is a study in ruthless aspiration, driven by Ian Richardson's unforgettable turn as Francis Urquhart. The narrative meticulously charts his path to power, a journey fraught with deceit and strategic brilliance. While…

B
Bernard Finch
May 30, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

House of Cards presents a compellingly dark vision of political ambition, anchored by a formidable performance from Ian Richardson. As chief whip Francis Urquhart, Richardson embodies a cunning intellect and a chilling resolve to ascend to the highest…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 30, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Ian Richardson delivers a masterful performance as Francis Urquhart, a man whose ambition burns with chilling intensity. The series excels in its portrayal of political strategy, presenting a complex web of manipulation and backstabbing. Richardson's direct asides to…

FAQs

The tone of House of Cards is decidedly cynical and often darkly humorous. It presents a world where political maneuvering is paramount and morality is frequently compromised. The narrative is driven by a sense of calculated ruthlessness, particularly through the machinations of Francis Urquhart. This creates a compelling, albeit unflinching, viewing experience.