8.048 minSeason 1 • Episode 3
LatestWith Harold Wilson's fate undetermined, John Stonehouse and Sheila go on trial to face the consequences.
Drama following the life and times of disgraced Labour politician John Stonehouse, a high-flying minister under Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s government vanished from the beach of a large luxury hotel in Florida in November 1974, leaving a neatly folded pile of clothes as he swam into the sea, intent on faking his own death.
Acting
Macfadyen somehow makes Stonehouse pitiable and punchable simultaneously.
Costume
Mustaches wide enough to hide decades of political shame.
Writing
Preston's script treats absurdity as tragedy — devastatingly funny.
Creator
John Preston
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Stonehouse was found in Australia after bank staff recognized him from a newspaper photo — his disguise was literally just 'growing a beard.'
This scandal nearly brought down Wilson's government; MI5 had suspected Stonehouse of being a Czech spy, which made his disappearance briefly look like something far darker than simple fraud.
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