Forgotten what a fantastic series this was, Ian Richardson was a class actor, not only as Francis Urquhart in House Of Cards, but also as Major Neiumheim in Private Schulz. Nice to see it again, thanks.
Landless says at 1:04 he wants to buy two ITV regions (for anyone outside the UK, these were regional stations of the ITV television network, affiliates if you like who would broadcast the ITV network to a part of the UK). People forget that back before 1990 one company could only own one ITV region. Margaret Thatcher changed all that with the 1990 Broadcasting Act which ruined the ITV network with really only two big companies, Carlton and Granada owning most of the regions by the end of the 1990s. How times changed since this aired.
For those of you inquiring about Ian's Scottish accent, there is a scene in either the 3rd or the last episode of the 1st series, where he pretends to be someone else to ward off Mattie over the phone, where he's speaking with a Scottish accent.
I assume you've seen episode six of Private Schulz c.1980? (Edinburgh-born) Ian Richardson doing a Glaswegian accent. On the off chance you haven't, watch it!
In the novels Landless is a cockney. I think it's pretty clear the TV version was intended to come across as an American. I suspect Rupert Murdoch may have provided some inspiration for this character.
@frankenstang1973 Quite agree. Private Schulz was fantastic. I saw it when it first aired in the 80s and someone in the UK sent me a DVD of it about two years ago. A great story and lots of fun.
madman122100 Depends whether you read the original or a revised version of the book, as in one version it has him from East London. The original also had FU jumping from the House of Commons roof garden at the end, not throwing Mattie from it.
I seem to recall Landless offering to back Urquhart but on the condition that he would exact a great deal of patronage from him should he succeed the leadership. It would appear that this particular thread never materialised in "To Play the King" or "The Final Cut."
I initially thought Landless was supposed to be Conrad Black...and I do think the character is supposed Canadian because, despite sounding generically American, he does use a lot of English expressions quite regularly, so if people are criticising the actor for a bad 'American' accent, I don't think that's the character anyway. However, Conrad Black is a bit of an aristo and would never be as outright vulgar as Landless. Personally I think he's a Black/Murdoch hybrid...what a horrible thought!!!
Alpha comes in showing characteristic aggression. Alpha reject beta. Sigma clearly much smarter than alpha. Alpha aggressive because he's stupid. Sigma outwits the alpha. Alpha doesn't know who he's dealing with, tries to bully the sigma. Sigma impresses alpha with extreme ruthlessness. Alpha becomes secretly afraid of sigma. Alpha cannot comprehend the sigma not wanting to be in the spotlight. Finally, alpha respects sigma.
Forgotten what a fantastic series this was, Ian Richardson was a class actor, not only as Francis Urquhart in House Of Cards, but also as Major Neiumheim in Private Schulz.
Nice to see it again, thanks.
Landless says at 1:04 he wants to buy two ITV regions (for anyone outside the UK, these were regional stations of the ITV television network, affiliates if you like who would broadcast the ITV network to a part of the UK). People forget that back before 1990 one company could only own one ITV region. Margaret Thatcher changed all that with the 1990 Broadcasting Act which ruined the ITV network with really only two big companies, Carlton and Granada owning most of the regions by the end of the 1990s. How times changed since this aired.
For those of you inquiring about Ian's Scottish accent, there is a scene in either the 3rd or the last episode of the 1st series, where he pretends to be someone else to ward off Mattie over the phone, where he's speaking with a Scottish accent.
I assume you've seen episode six of Private Schulz c.1980? (Edinburgh-born) Ian Richardson doing a Glaswegian accent. On the off chance you haven't, watch it!
Cause he is Scottish, born in Edinburgh
I'd forgotten how much I love Stamper.
Love, love this clip. I don't know if he was supposed to be American, but the actor was Scottish.
As an American I unironically fucking love the way Americans are portrayed on this show
In the novels Landless is a cockney. I think it's pretty clear the TV version was intended to come across as an American. I suspect Rupert Murdoch may have provided some inspiration for this character.
Kerry Packer would be the inspiration.
His personality and look bear a striking resemblance to a certain former president
Francis Urquhart is like Harry Lime; two characters who do vile things, but you can't help liking them!
Sort of like Richard the Third, vile but the audience is still pulling for him.
I read on Wiki that Landless was Canadian perhaps he's supposed to be Conrad Black
"me?....why im just a backroom boy..."
Yes, and he should have done the part in his own Scottish accent, which is almost what it sounds like.
@WonkaVator72 Private Schulz, IMHO was one of the best acted comedy's of all time, glad you enjoyed it.
@frankenstang1973 Quite agree. Private Schulz was fantastic. I saw it when it first aired in the 80s and someone in the UK sent me a DVD of it about two years ago. A great story and lots of fun.
So is Landless a Murdoch pastiche/stand-in?
what's with landless's accent, is he supposed to be american?
madman122100 Depends whether you read the original or a revised version of the book, as in one version it has him from East London. The original also had FU jumping from the House of Commons roof garden at the end, not throwing Mattie from it.
Canadian.
“American” with an “American” accent.
Ben Landless is like Kerry Packer.
I seem to recall Landless offering to back Urquhart but on the condition that he would exact a great deal of patronage from him should he succeed the leadership. It would appear that this particular thread never materialised in "To Play the King" or "The Final Cut."
I initially thought Landless was supposed to be Conrad Black...and I do think the character is supposed Canadian because, despite sounding generically American, he does use a lot of English expressions quite regularly, so if people are criticising the actor for a bad 'American' accent, I don't think that's the character anyway. However, Conrad Black is a bit of an aristo and would never be as outright vulgar as Landless. Personally I think he's a Black/Murdoch hybrid...what a horrible thought!!!
@tabber87 Agreed.
Like to know what just happened.
Mondial 2026
Anyone else think Landless is modelled on Donald Trump. At least the hair is right.
i just now thought that. of course it's been 10 years since your comment and he is now president. ha.
Ha!
Landless = Lackland
@leostoltoy Worst American accent ever.
Idk I’m an American and I bought it!
Alpha comes in showing characteristic aggression. Alpha reject beta. Sigma clearly much smarter than alpha. Alpha aggressive because he's stupid. Sigma outwits the alpha. Alpha doesn't know who he's dealing with, tries to bully the sigma. Sigma impresses alpha with extreme ruthlessness. Alpha becomes secretly afraid of sigma. Alpha cannot comprehend the sigma not wanting to be in the spotlight. Finally, alpha respects sigma.
Delta foxtrot = Zulu
Reminds me of Donald Trump!