House of Cards

[Urquhart has a meeting with the King in the garden of his royal retreat]

King:
How much does Bullerby have? What could he publish?

Urquhart:
Everything the princess was able to tell him. A lot of it's hearsay, of course. But I'd say there's enough to bring down the Monarchy for good.

King:
Damn you man, is that what you want?

Urquhart:
No, sir. It is not what I want. And I think – I'm sure, in fact – I could persuade him to suppress the more sensitive items.

King:
The price being my silence and complicity, I suppose.

Urquhart:
You might see it in those terms.

[Pause]

King:
All right, do your worst.

Urquhart:
I beg your pardon, sir?

King:
I don't think the people will want any more muckraking. I think the whole nation is sick to death of negative campaigning and dirty tricks. They want to be given hope, they want something positive. I want to show them that there is an alternative, and I shall.

Urquhart:
You have given your word, sir.

King:
I have given my word not to make any political speeches, and I shan't. But I shall make it very clear that I oppose you bitterly and everything you stand for. You think you are an honourable man. I don't think that anymore. I think you and your party are intellectually and morally bankrupt. It's time for you to go, and you know it.

Urquhart:
I shall like to formally request a dissolution of Parliament in preparation for a general election.

King:
Granted, Mr Urquhart.

Urquhart:
Why are you doing this? What could possibly be in it for you?

[Pause]

King:
You really don't understand, do you? I do believe you're frightened of me, Mr. Urquhart.

Urquhart:
You believe that if it gives you any comfort, sir.

[Urquhart bows, then walks away]