House Of Cards I: House Of Cards (1990) Rating: Starring: Susannah Harker, Ian Richardson, David Lyon, Nicholas Selby, James Villiers Director: Paul Seed Category: Drama, Suspense / Mystery Studio: BBC Home Video Subtitles: Length: 230 mins     Ian Richardson (From Hell, M. Butterfly) leads an all star cast in this malevolent satire of greed, corruption, and ambition in the highest realms of government. As Machiavellian monster Francis Urquhart, he schemes and backstabs his way to the top until he is standing on a pile of broken promises, betrayals, and the bodies of those who oppose him. Every step of the way, Urquhart lays out his plans with horrifying wit and venomous charm. But the ranks of his enemies are growing, and they intend to bring him down, whatever the price. Brilliantly adapted by Andrew Davies (Pride And Prejudice, Bridget Jones's Diary), from Michael Dobb's best-selling novel, this satirical trilogy took home a primetime Emmy, a Peabody, two BAFTAs and a Broadcasting Press Guild Award.