The episode begins with John Stonehouse (Matthew Macfadyen) looking around before waiting into the sea. The House of Commons observes a moment of silence for the late John Stonehouse.

Stonehouse cheers Harold Wilson (Kevin McNally) as he speaks at The House of Commons. Wilson asks who wants in. A civil servant (Celia Robertson) recommends RAF vet, John Stonehouse, the son of a scullery maid and post office engineer. Wilson suggests giving him aviation.

Barbara Stonehouse (Keeley Hawes) toasts aviation. Stonehouse says it wouldn’t be possible without her. She urges him to continue climbing. He tells his children, young Matthew Stonehouse (Dainton Anderson), Julia Stonehouse (Aoife Checkland), and Jane Stonehouse (Orla Hill), their mother is a “wonderful woman.”

Stonehouse tells young Matthew that he was a member of the “Woodcraft Folk” at his age. He sings him a song, “Morningside Ride” (The Seekers), that his mum used to sing.

Prague, Czechoslovakia – A Czech Government official (Brian Caspe) introduces Stonehouse to translator Irena Bala (Ieva Andrejevaite). After dinner, Stonehouse and Irena have sex. The next morning, he’s shown a video of him having sex with Irena.

Alexander Marek (Igor Grabuzov) invites Stonehouse to unofficially represent Czechoslovakia in Great Britain. Stonehouse asks if he asking him to spy for Czechoslovakia. Marek says he’ll meet him in London to collect the information. Stonehouse asks if he’ll be paid for spying.

Stonehouse hides a briefcase of cash in a top shelf before heading to the Embassy of Czechoslovakia. He tells Marek that the Vulcan was landing in heavy rain when it skidded out the tarmac. As the pilot aborted the landing, blasts from the jets damaged a gas station on the A38 highway north of Bristol. He claims it went unreported. Marek says the information needs to be of interest to the other party before giving him the codename, Twister.

Barbara walks in as Stonehouse stores another briefcase of cash. He claims it’s for her birthday. She reminds him that her birthday isn’t for two more months before leaving.

Stonehouse meets with the bank manager, Mr. P. Grainger (Robin Laing) to open an account under the name, John Thompson Stonehouse. Grainger points out that the name is missing a “P”.

Stonehouse establishes investment partnerships with several business owners. He acquires a new car from Bradburn & Wedge, Inc. Barbara opens a briefcase to find it empty when Stonehouse arrives home in the new car.

BAC partners with a French company, Sud Aviation to build 50 supersonic Concorde planes. BAC spokesperson (Jonathan Rodes) says the Anglo-French venture is expected to cost $1.2 billion. The Concorde will have the capability to travel from London to New York in 3-1/2 hours.

Stonehouse informs Marek of the Anglo-French venture. Marek says French media reported on it two nights ago. He suggests putting more effort into obtaining information before it becomes public.

Stonehouse hires Sheila Buckley (Emer Heatley) as his secretary. She warns him that her speech impediment can complicate telephone conversations. He assures her it won’t be an issue as it’s “charming.”

Stonehouse meets with Prime Minister Harold Wilson (Kevin McNally) and Head of Counterintelligence, Charles Elwell (Timothy Walker). Wilson says as Head of Security, he should know a member of Commons is working with the Czechoslovakian Secret Service. Elwell asks why he never spoke of being a member of the Anglo-Czech Friendship Society. Stonehouse tells him that his interest in Czech art, culture, and music runs deep. Wilson tells him the Queen was put off by Wedgie Benn’s suggestion to remove her head from the Royal mail stamp. He appoints Stonehouse as the new Postmaster General.

Barbara asks which companies he invested in. He suggests leaving the investments to him before reminding her of his economics degree. The Stonehouse family moves into their new home.

Stonehouse announces his plan to overhaul the Post Office to the members of Commons.

Harry Evans (Will Adamsdale) tells Stonehouse that rumors suggest Prime Minister Harold Wilson may be replaced by a younger candidate.

Stonehouse meets with bank manager Grainger to open another account in the name of Provident Executive Holdings.

Stonehouse informs Marek of his plan to renovate the Post Office to a two-tier system with next-day delivery. Marek says his notably large investment has a poor return. He warns him of the consequences of not providing them with relevant secret information. He’s given three options – cut off all future payments, share his bare-butt with the Daily Mirror, or both.

Stonehouse tells Sheila that she makes his concerns melt away. They walk toward her flat.

Prime Minister Wilson suggests calling the election now or regretting it later. He tells Stonehouse that he’s a “head-turner” unlike himself and most members of Commons. He says if he’d represent them on a televised show on election night, he may get a promotion related to foreign travels.

Stonehouse introduces Barbara to Sheila. Cliff Michelmore (Albert Willing) greets Margaret Thatcher (Devon Black).

Stonehouse discovers Wilson didn’t promote him to foreign travels. He tells Sheila that it’s over for him. She assures him that he’ll bounce back. He heads straight to the Embassy of Czechoslovakia but doesn’t get in.

Stonehouse asks Grainger for a loan. Grainger points out that his investments aren’t performing well. His loan request is denied. He pleads with the school for some time to pay his children’s tuition. Barbara demands he fix it.

The Assistant Bank Manager (Tom Letts) meets with Stonehouse because Grainger’s out of town. Stonehouse asks to transfer 10,000 pounds from the Worldwide Consultancy Solutions Group account to the Provident Executive Holdings account. The assistant manager points out that he’s asking to transfer the money from a business account to his personal account.

Stonehouse and Sheila watch “The Day of the Jackal.” She informs him of death records and birth records being two separate departments that never communicate or cross-check.

September 1974 – Harry Evans informs Stonehouse that the newspaper is going to run a story about the inconsistencies in his investment ventures. Stonehouse denies any wrongdoing.

Stonehouse opens the newspaper to find his story, “Questions for Stonehouse To Answer.” Barbara listens as he speaks with a police officer on the phone. He describes the fraud allegations as “preposterous.” He claims to have pressing parliamentary matters to tend to out of town. Barbara asks what’s going on. He calmly assures her it’s nothing for than security issues with the Commons.

While campaigning for Wilson at a hospital, Stonehouse reads Joseph Carey’s chart. He offers Mrs. Carey (Catherine Skinner) his condolences. After speaking with a mourner (Linda Armstrong), he heads upstairs to the study. He slips a paper into his pocket as Mrs. Carey approaches. He claims to have gotten lost while looking for the bathroom. She points him in the right direction. Before he goes, he tells her that he’d like some information for Joe’s obituary in the constituency newsletter. She tells him Joseph’s birthdate and birthplace. They never traveled abroad.

Stonehouse tells the Desk Clerk (Sam Lockwood) that he needs Joseph Carey’s birth certificate. He copies Joseph’s signature. He has a passport for Joseph Carey with his photo. He tells his family that he’s going to Miami for a few days. Young Matthew reminds him of his upcoming rugby competition. Stonehouse assures him that he’ll be back by then.

Miami – Stonehouse removes his clothes before diving into the sea. He returns to retrieve a different outfit. A man finds his neatly folded outfit and passport on the beach.

Stonehouse hands his passport to a United Allied Airlines official (Tracey Vanessa Brown). She wishes him a good flight as the episode comes to an end.

 

Stonehouse Synopsis

British Prime Minister Harold Wilson nominates Stonehouse for Minister of Aviation. While visiting Czechoslovakia, Stonehouse has sex with Irena Bala. Alexander Marek utilizes the sex video to blackmail Stonehouse into becoming the paid Czechoslovakia spy, Twister.

Stonehouse continues to collect cash from the Czechoslovakia Secret Service while giving them nothing of significance in return. He deposits the money in a new personal bank account. He invests in multiple businesses and buys a new car.

Marek’s patience is running thin as he’s yet to receive any information from Stonehouse. In the meantime, Stonehouse hires the beautiful Sheila Buckley as his secretary.

Head of Counterintelligence Charles Elwell tells Stonehouse that a member of Commons is sharing secret information with the Czechoslovakia Secret Service. Elwell questions his Anglo-Czech Friendship Society membership. Stonehouse claims to have a deep interest in Czech culture and art. He is then appointed by Wilson to be the new Postmaster General.

Marek cuts ties with Stonehouse. It doesn’t take long before his finances become dire. He’s receiving threatening calls from debtors. By this point, he has several business and personal bank accounts. Grainger denies his loan request. He visits the bank while Grainger is away to request a 10,000-pound money transfer from a business account to a personal account. It appears the assistant manager of the bank approves the transfer.

Stonehouse and Sheila are intimately involved. After watching “The Day of the Jackal,” he gets the idea to create a new identity. Shelia tells him that death records and birth records are two separate departments. He steals the identity of a recently deceased man named Joseph Carey. He receives a passport in Joseph’s name with his photo.

Stonehouse fakes his own death by drowning. He leaves his clothes on a Miami beach and heads to the airport.

Stonehouse Cast

• John Stonehouse (Matthew Macfadyen)
• Prime Minister Harold Wilson (Kevin McNally)
• Betty Boothroyd (Dorothy Atkinson)
• Jane Stonehouse (Orla Hill)
• Barbara Stonehouse (Keeley Hawes)
• Julia Stonehouse (Aoife Checkland)
• Matthew Stonehouse (Dainton Anderson, Archie Barnes)
• Margaret Thatcher (Devon Black)
• Charles Elwell (Timothy Walker)
• Sheila Buckley (Emer Heatley)
• Alexander Marek (Igor Grabuzov)
• Harry Evans (Will Adamsdale)

Where Was Stonehouse Filmed

Filming took place in Birmingham, Coventry, and the Midlands.

Stonehouse Review

Matthew Macfadyen’s performance is stupendous as always. The story flows beautifully while the pace is on target.  The cinematography is average at best. The focus and exposure are amateurish.

Since I’m not familiar with the fine details of the John Stonehouse story, I won’t comment on accuracy. The episode deserves a 6.5. Get more Stonehouse recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking on the link. Advertise your brand on our platform, learn how by contacting our support.