8 Historical Scandals Which NEED To Be Made Into Films

8. John Stonehouse: British Politician (Unsuccessfully) Fakes His Suicide

John Stonehouse was a British politician for the UK Labour and Co-Operative Party, working as an MP and junior minister throughout the 1950s and 1960s. However, in the late 1970s, it was revealed that Stonehouse had actually been working as a Czech spy during his time in British politics, selling governmental secrets, plans, and information.

While undoubtedly shocking and scandalous, the most interesting part of Stonehouse's life was his attempt to fake his own death/suicide in 1974. Arriving at a beach in Miami, Stonehouse undressed, left his clothes on the shore, and ostensibly disappeared into the choppy waters.

Multiple theories soon cropped up: was the former politician killed by a shark? Did he simply drown at sea? Or did Stonehouse deliberately set out to die in the waters that day?

The truth, however, was (somehow) far more intriguing: Stonehouse had faked his death and set off to Australia to live with his mistress (and former secretary), Sheila Buckley. Utilising a series of forged documents and fake identities, Stonehouse managed to evade capture until he was ultimately found in Australia.

Eventually, Stonehouse was arrested and spent five years in prison. This bewildering tale of adultery, forgery, and espionage would make for one gripping film!