The Plot Against Harold Wilson (2006)

This compelling drama/documentary details the events leading up to, and surrounding the resignation of Harold Wilson as Prime Minister in 1976.

Director:

Paul Dwyer

Stars:

James Bolam, Elizabeth McKechnie, Peter Hamilton Dyer

Cast

Cast overview:
James Bolam	...	Harold Wilson
Elizabeth McKechnie	...	Marcia Falkender
Peter Hamilton Dyer	...	Roger Courtiour
David Bark-Jones	...	Barrie Penrose
John Hurt	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

Dramatised documentary which explores the reasons behind the sudden resignation on 16 March 1976 of British prime minister Harold Wilson. It is based on secret discussions that he had at the time with two journalists in which he alleges that the British intelligence services had made his position as prime minister untenable and that Britain was on the brink of a military coup, with Lord Mountbatten, the Queen's cousin, lined up to head an interim government after Wilson had been deposed.

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Plot Keywords:

character name in title

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Genres:

Documentary | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 2006 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

An excellent insight into a turbulent time

This was a great and intriguing drama documentary from BBC2 to mark Wilson's anniversary. It featured great insights from the people involved, principally the two journalists Wilson asked to look into the conspiracy he believed was against him, and vivid reenactments from the cast headed by James Bolam as the former PM. A rich and fascinating look into our country in turmoil and the paranoia of poisonous spooks such as James Jesus Angleton and Peter 'spycatcher' Wright, coupled with Mountbatten's planned coup against government and the Jeremy Thrope affair. Joh Hurt delivered a marvellous, hushed narration too. The type of programme the BBC excels in.