Big respect to everyone here and all your comments. They're all well noted. Link for the book below guys, would love yous to read it and let me know what you think. To buy Stephen's new book - www.amazon.co.uk/Extraordinary-Stephen-Gillen-Search-Living-ebook/dp/B0CY9W268Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YL53UCOLDI06&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KDpU6tre8-ZNG69c6AuKiVk_Lpbr3ochWXxm4JODs_g6Db954eCSNnNph3im6HhTjpn2iKWdztdtbgY1GrOwFcfdxVhqO9sHtBXMvDC6uAtk3KfNj_UtPljcYqg-H_X5O0gmf_k9i1bpxrJ9jMznpQ.DQSUCQNVFBRkQTXqMY9L4h-pzuv4p2IxcuOCiB9M-V0&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephen+gillen&qid=1712593811&sprefix=stephen+gillen+%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1
Awesome to see the perspective of someone who knew the twins, out of interest if you have the time what do you think of the omission of Charlie Kay from the movie, as there is no mention of him in the film. Much respect and love as well for giving as unbiased a view as possible
@@DoddseyyYeah is odd. I guess they figured an extra brother would throw off the twin thing. Plus the movie does a bad job of portraying them. Krays in reality were only big in South London and wanted to be as big as the Richardson's who were more in line with OC and business ventures all around the world. Movie was good for what it was though. Check out Charlie from 2000 with Luke Goss too
@@richardsyoutubechannel995 Why do you like amoral people who despite their talents used them to hurt and exploit people? Have you ever met a real gangster? These are not generally good people. Edification of them is pretty sick.
@@DaveTaste Everything is underrated AND "brilliant." If this knob said it was a CLASSIC then he'd hit the trifecta of overused termonology on TH-cam.
A few people from that era have said that they'd much rather fight Ronnie than Reggie, because Ron was a lot slower, and left himself open to counters, whereas Reggie had much more of a boxer's speed, accuracy and instincts. In any kind of negotiation though, they'd rather deal with Reg, because Ronnie was so prone to irrationality and sudden, extreme violence.
A terrifying double act, both bright men, it seems, Both handy in violent situations, but having to deal with them both in any context must have been very unsettling
@@rossdawson5575 Yeah, I heard a similar account, that they had a set-to at a club on a night out, which ended with their respective groups of friends breaking it up, and pulling them apart. But before they did, it was Cornell who was dominating. So although his crew were saying "C'mon Ronnie, leave it, he ain't worth it" etc., everyone there knew if they'd let it play out, George would have absolutely pummelled Ron. As you say, hence why Ronnie decided he 'had to go', and made his move when the rest of the Richardson mob were either in hospital, in hiding, or in the nick.
Wow what great input! Also after looking at these scenes it kinda seems like they were aware of that and Tom brought a unique way of fighting to each brother
My Dad had a workmate named Archie, a Glaseegian. He told the story of when he first left Glasgow in the early 60sto move down to London to find work aged just 18. He ended up staying in the East End and in his first week there he went in to a little greasy spoon caff one morning for breakfast. He noticed that there were only two other customers in the caff, two men who were dressed like City gents in fine, expensive looking suits. As Archie was eating, he noticed one of the men kept looking at him, really staring him out. Archie being a typical young wide boy Glaswegian grew increasingly annoyed by this and eventually his patience ran out and he snapped at the man "D'ye want a photie?!?" at which point the other gent at the table, who had been simply reading his paper and drinking his tea the whole time, looked up, folded up the paper got up and came right up to Archie, leaning RIGHT over him and said very softly yet VERY menacingly right into Archie's ear "Sonny, you're a very young lad, obviously not from around 'ere and you clearly have no idea who me and my brother are. Apologise to my brother and we'll say no more about it." Archie instantly did exactly as he was asked, left the rest of his breakfast and BOLTED! So that was the story of how my Dad's pal Archie met Ronnie and Reggie Kray!!!
Evidently, Archie was introduced to the wisdom of picking (and not!) your fights carefully. A cautionary tale indeed and one Archie may have been fortunate enough to live to tell. Cool story 😃
I had one of the Ibrahim brothers do the do you know who I am. My response was nope, do you know who I am? And he tells me and I say why should 8 belive you and walked off. He was a still surprised that I didn't care.
Everyone who came from the East End has a story. My Dad was from Custom House London and knew Frances Sheas brother so not the Krays but knew the fallout of her suicide. He weren’t a gangster, he was a docker. Then there are third hand stories ………I agree, look at the funerals, but everyone has stories.
Really enjoyed that , this guy seems very genuine, a lot of people who claim to have known the Kray's put them down and make out like they were a couple of jokers in a strange attempt to big themselves up , but this guy had no hidden agendas.
I recently watched the film again, and believe it is the best portayal of how it really was in the days, Tom Hardy plays both roles with an amazing portrayal of the differences between these men. I believe the violence portrayed, using fists and tools, is far more shocking to our eyes than using guns. Times were depressing, London partly destroyed and being rebuilt, chances for new businesses...and enough people taking their chances, wanting a piece of it. Thanks so much for this review that demonstrates how the times emerged from the rubble of war and destruction of a different era.
I didn’t think I’d watch all the way through because almost 30 minutes for a movie review seemed long but the time flew by. Very interesting and your personal knowledge provided so much extra detail. Thank you for a great clip
My late father was a friend of Charlie and as a child back then I didn't know who he was. He let me sit in his rolls Royce and was a nice old man. We lived in leicester then. Thank you for making this video it has helped me understand what was happening at the time.
You sir need to be in film or television, you would make a great actor, articulate in what you say and you have a striking look, as ive said before Robert De Niro springs to mind
It's understandable that the true brutality of 1960s east end gangland is watered down for film as most would find it too horrific if it were portrayed truly accurately. Personally I think Legend got the balance just about right making the film watchable but giving the audience an understanding of the kind of world they Kray's lived in. To my mind 8/10 is about right, it's a great film and got the balance of story telling and brutal reality about right.
The killing of Jack. Jack was angry at the twins because they never respected him, that was probably because he would drink a lot of alcohol and take drugs, then he would become very loud and aggressive, which annoyed the twins. The final point came when Jack entered a pub frequented by the twins with a shotgun, his drunken fueled intention was to shoot them but they were not there at that time. The twins had had enough of Jacks behavior and decided to give him a warning, just a warning. The plan was to pretend there was a party and invite him, they used a flat owned by a girl who was asked to leave for the night. A couple of the twins associates went to Jack and asked him if he'd like to attend a party which of course he accepted. When he arrived he was met by Reggie who told him that in no uncertain terms was he to continue with his behavior-Evidently Reggie punched him-At which point Jack began to leave the room, however being in a drunken state, and annoyed with the twins, he turned around and returned and began arguing with Reggie. At which point Reggie produced a gun and pointed it at Jack-At this point Reggie was psychologically and emotionally disturbed by the death of Francis-Reggie pulled the trigger but the gun failed to fire, Ronnie then produced a knife handed it to Reggie and the rest is history. Jack was never supposed to have died that night.
"Legend" was beautifully filmed. It's memorable, as much for the writing, scenery, camera work as it is for the great acting of Tom Hardy. And it's such an intriguing story.
I love hearing your stories and you telling us your input on how you think they were portrayed and just on the actual people themselves. I'd actually much rather hear these things from someone who actually knew these people. Thank you for sharing your experiences and input Stephen! "He's a fucking peeping Tom!" 😂 Charlie sounded like a funny guy
@@teijeveenstra7806 This guy didn’t even move to London until 1979, and the Krays had been locked up for 10 years by then. I’d say he didn’t know them personally at all, and he definitely didn’t know them while they were still operating.
The Kemp brothers visited the Krays in prison/Broadmoor. Gary Kemp also read up on paranoid schizophrenia so he can portray Ronnie Kray as close to real life as possible
Stephen your eloquence and knowledge has sucked me in. I grew up around violence and gangs, but we're talking mindless and far from organised, hence the growth of knife crime in London especially. The violence is never strategic or based on respect, but random. I spent most of my working life, working with young people at risk and trying to make my experiences make a difference. I don't hold gangsterism in some sparkly world, as I know where it starts and also the damage it does. But if you are working class whether black or white, it's always an outlet and factor in so many lives. Thanks for your insights.
Eddie Richardsons book was a hard but engaging read. He had his own opinions about the Brothers, however the real torture gang were the Richardsons. Charlie was basically the Down fall. Great content.
I remember seeing Charlie in a club I used to go to with my dad on sat afternoons when I was a kid . I’d go there and play pool with other kids , my dad used to drink in he’s company . The club was the Stubbs club Forest Gate/ Stratford.. was early 80s . Great memories.
Would love to see more about Charlie Kray because he was a smart interesting character, and hard-done by - by the police, the courts and by most kray biographers. I met him in about 1980 and was charmed immediately. Found him to be frank, generous, thoughtful, courteous and very intelligent. He was also very revealing and his role in events is bigger than most people seem to think (but mostly in a good way). He ended his days with a 12 year stretch that was a complete fit-up by the police. Even now it isn't too late to prosecute those officers for corruption and give Charlie's family compensation for those lost years. A good man.
I'm in the USA and had never heard of these guys, until I saw that movie. I liked it. Thank you for sharing your insight. I'm curious and interested in finding out more about your production company.
This sir has a great accent, the pleasure of hearing it from the man who knew Cray twins themselves is something out of this world. He should have his own bio depicted, I tell you🔥🔥
Really enjoyed this one. I particularly liked the little anecdote at the end. A good illustration of the bits of humour needed in a difficult situation such as incarceration.
It was pretty exciting hearing Parkhurst mentioned, my grandfather would have been one of your guards at the time you guys were in there together. Super interesting insight from you too, ive always grown up with stories about the Krays but never heard about Reggie getting sparked on the field! Great vid
Very thankful he made these videos to help people get a better picture of the real deal v media portrayal. I once idolized being a gangster and thankful people like this come along and remind people like me of where it leads really and the damage it does.
Great to see these people discussed in terms of the different sides of their characters, that people aren't one-sided and easily defined, which a lot of folks forget when condemning them.
Such a wonderfully beautiful and strikingly sad story. I felt for Francis as she was an infp personality type which is why her brother kept telling Reggie she was sensitive. As a sensitive type an infp also being attracted to the strong alpha with a beautiful soul is enivitable but sometimes the darkness of that man can strip the light of that woman. I love their beautiful tragic story and how even though in some ways Reggie was to blame for her death he still loved her ❤❤❤ we infps always believe we can tame or heal the scars of the beast in the man but sometimes it is beyond our control
Subscribed to your channel just on the strength of this video. I've read more books on the Krays era than I can remember, and hearing the things you speak about that I've read elsewhere, I know this video is bang on accurate. Nice work, sir. EDIT: Dunno if you've already done it, but a reaction video to the Kemp brothers film about the Krays would be good to see. I always thought it was a bit of a TV movie, wasn't done fantastically well, and Tom Hardy's movie and performance put it to shame.
You have lived the life and come through the other side and carved a successful career for yourself Stephen.I respect that,you have a new subscriber m8.
My boss grew up in the East end, and said that he was a collector growing up. I asked if he knew the Krays, and he would only say he seen them around and trained in the same gym. I figured that he collected for them, because who else would her work for, but he gets "dodgey" when I ask about them...
Thankyou for your candour, your clear and eloquent honesty and bringing such truths to light so many years later when it feels like much may be myth or…legend (yeah yeah). Sir you are an absolute treasure in this social technology age, a time when your genuine experiences relevant to this film can be put to video and endure beyond your (we can only hope) long years.
Thanks for this extremely interesting look at the film Legend, Stephen's input really good especially as he was basically there at the time and knew most of those involved. The film itself I could not wait to see and was definitely not disappointed, the actual tricks used to make one actor play two close parts was amazing and all compliments to the producers and of course the great Tom Hardy. Thanks so much for this glimpse into a great film, two interesting characters and for Stephen giving his very valued opinion.
He wasn’t there at the time at all. From what I’ve read, this guy was born in 1969, the same year the Krays went to prison, and didn’t move to London until 1979 (at 10 years old). He may have lived around the same area, but definitely not at the same time as the Kray twins
This was a really good review, I really enjoyed it. I'm a big TH fan, so of course I liked Legend. I also enjoyed the The Krays with the Kemp brothers. I found that film to be slightly darker than TH's version, but equally as good.
Nuanced reviewing from someone who knew them. Good stuff. By the way, you understand the ever loving crap out of film production and script writing. Enjoyed it. Thanks!
Watched Legend film, amazing story. Here in America we have our gangster films. This Kray film is an important addition to crime history. Movies are not going to be as complete as documentary interviews, thanks Stephen.
it's fascinating listening to someone who knew the krays first hand rather than listening to a documentary assuming what they were like just through media stories thank you for this Stephen
@@michaelharrison3602 Not even that, he was born in 1969 from what I’ve read, the same year the Krays got sentenced, and didn’t move to London until 1979
Thanks for making this video. The Kray twins really fascinate me. To hear someone with experience of that time is really captivating. For me at least. 👏👏🙏 Thank you.
Really like how even-handed Stephen is with respect to characters he knows and also their portrayal onscreen. No one’s all bad or all bad (*edit*: {obviously I meant “all bad or all good” but I’m old and my memory’s on a par with that of a goldfish so 🤷 mea culpa)}, and he gives his honest opinion of the effect of mental health on the twins.
At the time Legend was done there was a two part Krays movie that was also really good, I’d love to see another episode were he discusses that movie based on what he said about the Krays and Legend ;-)
I was lucky enough to meet Reg briefly in Lewes HMP..i reached out to him,and he sent me a couple of letters,very kind,very polite,his writing was like no one else`s,he offered to help me if i ever needed it..God bless Reg Kray🙏 x
@@saskia6750 They were the foremost perpetrators of organised crime in the East End of London, England, from the late 1950s to 1967. With their gang, known as the Firm, the Kray twins were involved in murder, armed robbery, arson, protection rackets, gambling and assaults. Lovely fellas they was
Liked that insite .love the film and obviously poetic License but your knowledge and what your saying makes the film as good as it was .through the interview I'm thinking this guy knows a bit more about the filming side .at the end you say what you do and it all tied in nicely .liked the honesty in what you were saying .Genuine great.
This guy is the real deal trust me. To understanding the way a top criminal gets given the grade of top well respected criminal he has to have done things other criminals dont have the bottle to do.
I grew up living in a pub and years later I found out that the Kray twins stored guns aswell as other things there but I know about the guns because I was told my mum was not happy with there being a gun under my bed Also my uncle got the signatures of some of their boys imagine if this guy was one of them
That clip where Ronnie Kray is leaving the pub @2:15 I was getting worried because he is going the wrong way. I thought this was a different cut of the film that I hadn't see and I was feeling pissed off. Then it twigged that it had to be mirrored, and sure enough the text on the pub wall is back to front. I must have watched that scene a dozen times. Tom Hardy is one of my all time favourite actors, and Legend is one of his very best films. As it happens I watched Stephen talk about Layer Cake before watching this video, and Daniel Craig is another of my all time favourite actors.
What i love about the bar fight was the reason that Ronnie left was because he thought they were going to have a gun fight so he brought his gun but once they revealed that they were using hand weapons instead, he had to go get his hammers from the car and was pissed off about having to do that.
Coming from a guy who was there, who saw it first hand etc, to give the film an eight is a testiment to Hardy and the production overall. Unless you was there like Stephen then you're not in a position to question his score or anything he had to say about the film..
My mother worked behind the bar of a pub in Leytonstone which the Krays looked and went on in 1968 to work at the Bunny club and although spoke only once about it said 'they were both ok' , my father and uncle's from Bow said the same. Shame how Londons turned out now in my opinion.
For me Legend is the best film 📽️ about the Krays and i don't think it will ever be bettered Tom Hardy is a first class 🥇 actor very measured actor and if i am not mistaken studied the krays very closely respect to Tom Hardy 👊🙏🤝
Amazing 👏 I use to have you Steven on Facebook I'm no longer on there but your such a genuine bloke you have achieved alot of good things carry on the good work loved reading this thank you
Really interesting to watch this video and your perspective on this. Loved this film Tom Hardy is very talented and can easily switch different characters. Have happy new years man and hope 2023 treats you well.
I've never been involved with that kind of people, but I've encountered them in my earlier customer service work. They are genuinely not intimidating. nor are they interested in intimidating you if you're just a server doing your job or a random member of the public with no affiliations of that kind. As long as you stay out of their way and don't get involved, you're perfectly safe. So long as you mind your own business, they're not interested in you. Don't be a hero, what's going to happen is going to happen between gang members. If you try to be a hero, it's honourable of you, but it'll land you in a world of hurt. Just treat them like any other customer and you'll be just fine.
Fact. My dad used to own Ronnie and Reggie's local pub in London. And he always knew who the under cover police that went in because he said they stank and looked rough. Other stories he didn't tell us. But he definitely knew more than was letting on.
Big respect to everyone here and all your comments. They're all well noted. Link for the book below guys, would love yous to read it and let me know what you think.
To buy Stephen's new book - www.amazon.co.uk/Extraordinary-Stephen-Gillen-Search-Living-ebook/dp/B0CY9W268Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YL53UCOLDI06&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KDpU6tre8-ZNG69c6AuKiVk_Lpbr3ochWXxm4JODs_g6Db954eCSNnNph3im6HhTjpn2iKWdztdtbgY1GrOwFcfdxVhqO9sHtBXMvDC6uAtk3KfNj_UtPljcYqg-H_X5O0gmf_k9i1bpxrJ9jMznpQ.DQSUCQNVFBRkQTXqMY9L4h-pzuv4p2IxcuOCiB9M-V0&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephen+gillen&qid=1712593811&sprefix=stephen+gillen+%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1
Awesome to see the perspective of someone who knew the twins, out of interest if you have the time what do you think of the omission of Charlie Kay from the movie, as there is no mention of him in the film.
Much respect and love as well for giving as unbiased a view as possible
@@DoddseyyYeah is odd. I guess they figured an extra brother would throw off the twin thing. Plus the movie does a bad job of portraying them. Krays in reality were only big in South London and wanted to be as big as the Richardson's who were more in line with OC and business ventures all around the world. Movie was good for what it was though. Check out Charlie from 2000 with Luke Goss too
@@Doddseyythe best film was the 90s Kemp Film. They told it properly.
Hi mate great story I've always been interested in the krays. Do you think ronnie and reggie would be proud of tom hardys performance?
@@richardsyoutubechannel995 Why do you like amoral people who despite their talents used them to hurt and exploit people? Have you ever met a real gangster? These are not generally good people. Edification of them is pretty sick.
this film is highly underrated and is a brilliant showcase of Tom Hardy's acting!
Everything that ever happened is underrated
@@DaveTaste that kind of sounds like one of those ''you miss every shot you don't take''-type of statements lol
@@DaveTaste Everything is underrated AND "brilliant." If this knob said it was a CLASSIC then he'd hit the trifecta of overused termonology on TH-cam.
@@LumpyAdams some things are criminally underrated too.
The film's Downfall is how historically inaccurate it is.
A few people from that era have said that they'd much rather fight Ronnie than Reggie, because Ron was a lot slower, and left himself open to counters, whereas Reggie had much more of a boxer's speed, accuracy and instincts.
In any kind of negotiation though, they'd rather deal with Reg, because Ronnie was so prone to irrationality and sudden, extreme violence.
A terrifying double act, both bright men, it seems, Both handy in violent situations, but having to deal with them both in any context must have been very unsettling
@@RJ-wx3fh both as thick as shit. Tough. But thick
Ronnie allegedly took a beating off Cornell in a pub car park, which led to the revenge killing.
@@rossdawson5575
Yeah, I heard a similar account, that they had a set-to at a club on a night out, which ended with their respective groups of friends breaking it up, and pulling them apart.
But before they did, it was Cornell who was dominating.
So although his crew were saying "C'mon Ronnie, leave it, he ain't worth it" etc., everyone there knew if they'd let it play out, George would have absolutely pummelled Ron.
As you say, hence why Ronnie decided he 'had to go', and made his move when the rest of the Richardson mob were either in hospital, in hiding, or in the nick.
Wow what great input! Also after looking at these scenes it kinda seems like they were aware of that and Tom brought a unique way of fighting to each brother
My Dad had a workmate named Archie, a Glaseegian. He told the story of when he first left Glasgow in the early 60sto move down to London to find work aged just 18. He ended up staying in the East End and in his first week there he went in to a little greasy spoon caff one morning for breakfast. He noticed that there were only two other customers in the caff, two men who were dressed like City gents in fine, expensive looking suits. As Archie was eating, he noticed one of the men kept looking at him, really staring him out. Archie being a typical young wide boy Glaswegian grew increasingly annoyed by this and eventually his patience ran out and he snapped at the man "D'ye want a photie?!?" at which point the other gent at the table, who had been simply reading his paper and drinking his tea the whole time, looked up, folded up the paper got up and came right up to Archie, leaning RIGHT over him and said very softly yet VERY menacingly right into Archie's ear "Sonny, you're a very young lad, obviously not from around 'ere and you clearly have no idea who me and my brother are. Apologise to my brother and we'll say no more about it." Archie instantly did exactly as he was asked, left the rest of his breakfast and BOLTED! So that was the story of how my Dad's pal Archie met Ronnie and Reggie Kray!!!
Being a Glesga boy myself I'd Love mer input such as I Love our legend's wherever wee Glasgow troops venture
JstSayin WhatWeeSeeSeeksUs❤
He was a smart lad, that Archie.
Evidently, Archie was introduced to the wisdom of picking (and not!) your fights carefully. A cautionary tale indeed and one Archie may have been fortunate enough to live to tell. Cool story 😃
@@MikeGervasi The whispering twin was no doughnut that morning either!
I had one of the Ibrahim brothers do the do you know who I am. My response was nope, do you know who I am? And he tells me and I say why should 8 belive you and walked off. He was a still surprised that I didn't care.
Paranoid schizophrenic walks into a bar my favourite joke
A paranoid schizophrenic walks into a bar, I'm walking the hell out.
Really? That's your favourite joke?? It's not even a joke.
I am often amazed by how many ‘Old friends’ the Krays had.
This one was born 2 years after they went to prison for life.
@@archbishoporlok273😂😂
@@archbishoporlok273 Yeah unless this guy is in his 80's the math aint mathing...
He said he met them in prison
Everyone who came from the East End has a story. My Dad was from Custom House London and knew Frances Sheas brother so not the Krays but knew the fallout of her suicide. He weren’t a gangster, he was a docker. Then there are third hand stories ………I agree, look at the funerals, but everyone has stories.
Really enjoyed that , this guy seems very genuine, a lot of people who claim to have known the Kray's put them down and make out like they were a couple of jokers in a strange attempt to big themselves up , but this guy had no hidden agendas.
I remember seeing Reg on TV in the 90s. He seemed quite calm and reserved as he got older.
Cheers
I recently watched the film again, and believe it is the best portayal of how it really was in the days, Tom Hardy plays both roles with an amazing portrayal of the differences between these men. I believe the violence portrayed, using fists and tools, is far more shocking to our eyes than using guns. Times were depressing, London partly destroyed and being rebuilt, chances for new businesses...and enough people taking their chances, wanting a piece of it. Thanks so much for this review that demonstrates how the times emerged from the rubble of war and destruction of a different era.
I always loved the bar fight scene , so many great lines
I didn’t think I’d watch all the way through because almost 30 minutes for a movie review seemed long but the time flew by. Very interesting and your personal knowledge provided so much extra detail. Thank you for a great clip
Then there is me, no idea what this movie is about and watched the whole review.
My late father was a friend of Charlie and as a child back then I didn't know who he was. He let me sit in his rolls Royce and was a nice old man. We lived in leicester then. Thank you for making this video it has helped me understand what was happening at the time.
You sir need to be in film or television, you would make a great actor, articulate in what you say and you have a striking look, as ive said before Robert De Niro springs to mind
Was thinking the same.
some don't get lucky breaks come from drug drink brutalised familys on the streets at 12/13 crime is all they have
Scotland Yard
Everyone don't want to be in fucking film or television
wow, I was thinking the same thing. If I made movies I would seek him out
It's understandable that the true brutality of 1960s east end gangland is watered down for film as most would find it too horrific if it were portrayed truly accurately. Personally I think Legend got the balance just about right making the film watchable but giving the audience an understanding of the kind of world they Kray's lived in. To my mind 8/10 is about right, it's a great film and got the balance of story telling and brutal reality about right.
The killing of Jack. Jack was angry at the twins because they never respected him, that was probably because he would drink a lot of alcohol and take drugs, then he would become very loud and aggressive, which annoyed the twins. The final point came when Jack entered a pub frequented by the twins with a shotgun, his drunken fueled intention was to shoot them but they were not there at that time.
The twins had had enough of Jacks behavior and decided to give him a warning, just a warning. The plan was to pretend there was a party and invite him, they used a flat owned by a girl who was asked to leave for the night. A couple of the twins associates went to Jack and asked him if he'd like to attend a party which of course he accepted. When he arrived he was met by Reggie who told him that in no uncertain terms was he to continue with his behavior-Evidently Reggie punched him-At which point Jack began to leave the room, however being in a drunken state, and annoyed with the twins, he turned around and returned and began arguing with Reggie. At which point Reggie produced a gun and pointed it at Jack-At this point Reggie was psychologically and emotionally disturbed by the death of Francis-Reggie pulled the trigger but the gun failed to fire, Ronnie then produced a knife handed it to Reggie and the rest is history.
Jack was never supposed to have died that night.
"Legend" was beautifully filmed. It's memorable, as much for the writing, scenery, camera work as it is for the great acting of Tom Hardy. And it's such an intriguing story.
Funnily enough me and my mrs ReWatched 'Legend' earlier on today..
Great film, Tom Hardy was amazing portraying BOTH brothers absolutely mind blowing
I love hearing your stories and you telling us your input on how you think they were portrayed and just on the actual people themselves. I'd actually much rather hear these things from someone who actually knew these people. Thank you for sharing your experiences and input Stephen!
"He's a fucking peeping Tom!" 😂 Charlie sounded like a funny guy
I agree. But he didn’t know them very well. They were born in 1933, and this dude is not 90. If he is 70, he was 17 when the krays went to prison
@@teijeveenstra7806 exactly, I guess anyone who was born can make a video with hand me down stories from their grandad
Most are dead... but there's a guy called John hiebner who knew them both... he looked after reg in his late years in prison....
@@teijeveenstra7806 This guy didn’t even move to London until 1979, and the Krays had been locked up for 10 years by then. I’d say he didn’t know them personally at all, and he definitely didn’t know them while they were still operating.
The Kemp brothers visited the Krays in prison/Broadmoor. Gary Kemp also read up on paranoid schizophrenia so he can portray Ronnie Kray as close to real life as possible
Man...I am speechless. You have so much insider information it's amazing. You've earned my subscription
Love the way this dude speaks and explains things
Stephen your eloquence and knowledge has sucked me in. I grew up around violence and gangs, but we're talking mindless and far from organised, hence the growth of knife crime in London especially. The violence is never strategic or based on respect, but random. I spent most of my working life, working with young people at risk and trying to make my experiences make a difference. I don't hold gangsterism in some sparkly world, as I know where it starts and also the damage it does. But if you are working class whether black or white, it's always an outlet and factor in so many lives. Thanks for your insights.
Eddie Richardsons book was a hard but engaging read. He had his own opinions about the Brothers, however the real torture gang were the Richardsons. Charlie was basically the Down fall. Great content.
They were never known as the torture gang before the trial
Can you please give me the title of Eddie Richard's book? I'd love to get my hands on a copy.
@@alonenjersey Eddie Richardson the last word my life as a gang land boss. That’s the book your after.
@@stevenwilson5737 Thank you very much good sir. Have a good weekend.😊
Thr "gimme that" after Ronnie gets his nose broken sends me everytime
Always cracks me up that scene does 😂😂😂
Tom Hardy in Peaky Blinders. Superb.
Good actor when the parts are well written!
A shade o.t.t. in my opinion
@@VincentofFulham but that's what's so good about it !!
I remember seeing Charlie in a club I used to go to with my dad on sat afternoons when I was a kid . I’d go there and play pool with other kids , my dad used to drink in he’s company . The club was the Stubbs club Forest Gate/ Stratford.. was early 80s . Great memories.
This was a fantastic video! The editing is great and the stories are super captivating and interesting. Big fan 😊
One of the best movies ever OMG Tom Hardy!!!
The only bad part of the film was telling it through the eyes of Frances rather than another character such as Charlie or Violet.
Agreed👍
Yes
Would love to see more about Charlie Kray because he was a smart interesting character, and hard-done by - by the police, the courts and by most kray biographers. I met him in about 1980 and was charmed immediately. Found him to be frank, generous, thoughtful, courteous and very intelligent. He was also very revealing and his role in events is bigger than most people seem to think (but mostly in a good way). He ended his days with a 12 year stretch that was a complete fit-up by the police. Even now it isn't too late to prosecute those officers for corruption and give Charlie's family compensation for those lost years. A good man.
him and his brothers were nonces he was nothing as what you just called him mate
Another nonce just like his brothers.
@@jjjjj858knew him did ya?
My understanding about Charlie was he was given the role of running the twins' legitimate businesses, such as the nightclubs they owned.
@@mbrady2329 When I met him he was working as a site agent. Legitimate hard working guy.
I'm in the USA and had never heard of these guys, until I saw that movie. I liked it. Thank you for sharing your insight. I'm curious and interested in finding out more about your production company.
Glad you enjoyed it. My production company roarmediacreative.com
This sir has a great accent, the pleasure of hearing it from the man who knew Cray twins themselves is something out of this world. He should have his own bio depicted, I tell you🔥🔥
He was too young to know the Krays. Get a calculator.
Really enjoyed this one. I particularly liked the little anecdote at the end. A good illustration of the bits of humour needed in a difficult situation such as incarceration.
Hi Steven it's trev dec singer songwriter here just to say hello and this one is brilliant God bless Declan xxx keep up the good work
It was pretty exciting hearing Parkhurst mentioned, my grandfather would have been one of your guards at the time you guys were in there together. Super interesting insight from you too, ive always grown up with stories about the Krays but never heard about Reggie getting sparked on the field!
Great vid
Very thankful he made these videos to help people get a better picture of the real deal v media portrayal.
I once idolized being a gangster and thankful people like this come along and remind people like me of where it leads really and the damage it does.
Being street wise is all you have to be.
Great to see these people discussed in terms of the different sides of their characters, that people aren't one-sided and easily defined, which a lot of folks forget when condemning them.
That was amazing! Hearing a reaction from someone who knew them, who can relate and explain through personal experience. Legendary reaction to Legend
TOTALLY!! There's nothing like hearing it from someone who actually knows! 👍
Can y’all explain how he knew them? When he was a kid when they went to jail?
@@Ishbikes exactly. he talks about being around in the 60's, but he`s 51 lol
He never met them! Lying crims remain lying crims
Such a wonderfully beautiful and strikingly sad story. I felt for Francis as she was an infp personality type which is why her brother kept telling Reggie she was sensitive. As a sensitive type an infp also being attracted to the strong alpha with a beautiful soul is enivitable but sometimes the darkness of that man can strip the light of that woman. I love their beautiful tragic story and how even though in some ways Reggie was to blame for her death he still loved her ❤❤❤ we infps always believe we can tame or heal the scars of the beast in the man but sometimes it is beyond our control
Subscribed to your channel just on the strength of this video. I've read more books on the Krays era than I can remember, and hearing the things you speak about that I've read elsewhere, I know this video is bang on accurate. Nice work, sir.
EDIT: Dunno if you've already done it, but a reaction video to the Kemp brothers film about the Krays would be good to see. I always thought it was a bit of a TV movie, wasn't done fantastically well, and Tom Hardy's movie and performance put it to shame.
This is brilliant! I could watch Mr Gillen all day
You have lived the life and come through the other side and carved a successful career for yourself Stephen.I respect that,you have a new subscriber m8.
My boss grew up in the East end, and said that he was a collector growing up. I asked if he knew the Krays, and he would only say he seen them around and trained in the same gym. I figured that he collected for them, because who else would her work for, but he gets "dodgey" when I ask about them...
Ya boss is old school 👍
Thankyou for your candour, your clear and eloquent honesty and bringing such truths to light so many years later when it feels like much may be myth or…legend (yeah yeah). Sir you are an absolute treasure in this social technology age, a time when your genuine experiences relevant to this film can be put to video and endure beyond your (we can only hope) long years.
Thank you look at stephengillen.com would to have you part of my VIP group
i'd give it a 9 for the movie. i agree on how much blood it had too, it was exemplary
Thanks for the likes 😊
Thanks for this extremely interesting look at the film Legend, Stephen's input really good especially as he was basically there at the time and knew most of those involved.
The film itself I could not wait to see and was definitely not disappointed, the actual tricks used to make one actor play two close parts was amazing and all compliments to the producers and of course the great Tom Hardy.
Thanks so much for this glimpse into a great film, two interesting characters and for Stephen giving his very valued opinion.
I worked on the VFX for this film, doing the face replacements and split screens for Tom. Good times! 😀
@@mrfixit426 Well done on this, great work and amazing film!
@@derekstocker6661 Thanks so much!
@@mrfixit426 More than welcome, keep up the great work!
He wasn’t there at the time at all. From what I’ve read, this guy was born in 1969, the same year the Krays went to prison, and didn’t move to London until 1979 (at 10 years old). He may have lived around the same area, but definitely not at the same time as the Kray twins
This was a really good review, I really enjoyed it. I'm a big TH fan, so of course I liked Legend.
I also enjoyed the The Krays with the Kemp brothers. I found that film to be slightly darker than TH's version, but equally as good.
Nuanced reviewing from someone who knew them. Good stuff.
By the way, you understand the ever loving crap out of film production and script writing.
Enjoyed it. Thanks!
Just found this today-absolutely outstanding firsthand account, cultural analysis, and film critique. Thank you!
What a great personality sir ,I could listen for hours ,from west London ❤🇬🇧
I think this has been my favourite segment you’ve done Mr. G. Great commentary! Great stories. Felt very front row seating. Well done.👍
Nice of you to mention Mr. Pyle. R.I.P. I have to say hello, love and respect to my brother Mitch Pyle from Boyce and Billy Bronco .
I worked at York hall 87-89, good night out in Bethnal Green especially on a Sunday night.
Tom and Emily are so cute together. They really should do a romance movie together. Their chemistry is fire
Thank you for your invaluable insight, Mr. Gillen - We're all appreciative for your time. YOU'RE actually the fucking Legend, mate.
Watched Legend film, amazing story. Here in America we have our gangster films. This Kray film is an important addition to crime history. Movies are not going to be as complete as documentary interviews, thanks Stephen.
it's fascinating listening to someone who knew the krays first hand rather than listening to a documentary assuming what they were like just through media stories thank you for this Stephen
He didn't know the Krays first hand he was ten when they went down
Do the maths. Gangsters that knew the Krays are pensioners now.
@@michaelharrison3602 Not even that, he was born in 1969 from what I’ve read, the same year the Krays got sentenced, and didn’t move to London until 1979
Jack the hats potrail in the krays with the kemps is my favourite version ..
Thanks for making this video. The Kray twins really fascinate me. To hear someone with experience of that time is really captivating. For me at least. 👏👏🙏 Thank you.
Really like how even-handed Stephen is with respect to characters he knows and also their portrayal onscreen. No one’s all bad or all bad (*edit*: {obviously I meant “all bad or all good” but I’m old and my memory’s on a par with that of a goldfish so 🤷 mea culpa)}, and he gives his honest opinion of the effect of mental health on the twins.
Just about everybody knew the Kray Twins..... even the ones not even born at the time of the reign
Prison stories me thinks.
At the time Legend was done there was a two part Krays movie that was also really good, I’d love to see another episode were he discusses that movie based on what he said about the Krays and Legend ;-)
This film was very generous to The Krays having Tom Hardy play them.
I was lucky enough to meet Reg briefly in Lewes HMP..i reached out to him,and he sent me a couple of letters,very kind,very polite,his writing was like no one else`s,he offered to help me if i ever needed it..God bless Reg Kray🙏 x
Yeh chopped me uncle derecks ear off .and beat up me uncle jeoff. but they bought me dear old ma a cooker. lovely fellas they was
@Sharon Reg offered to help my friend whose dad was dying of cancer.....i know his heart was in the right place 🙏 God Bless Reg Kray !! x
@@saskia6750 yeh murderers are so nice
@@saskia6750 They were the foremost perpetrators of organised crime in the East End of London, England, from the late 1950s to 1967. With their gang, known as the Firm, the Kray twins were involved in murder, armed robbery, arson, protection rackets, gambling and assaults. Lovely fellas they was
@@hotpotat0es you have your opinion,i have mine.deal with it...........and stay forgotten !!!🤣
My dad new both off the crays in prison and told me so much about them
Even to say thier names was a bad decision but to know them personally must of been intense
Great review Stephen 👍 someone who actually knew them 👏
But how old is this guy to have been friends with the Kray twins? He looks very good for his age.
He's 50, he must of been in his 20's and reggie was in his 60's when they in prison together
I enjoyed this .One of the pubs they used in the film is near to where I live and only a 10 minute walk to where George Cornell is buried
Liked that insite .love the film and obviously poetic License but your knowledge and what your saying makes the film as good as it was .through the interview I'm thinking this guy knows a bit more about the filming side .at the end you say what you do and it all tied in nicely .liked the honesty in what you were saying .Genuine great.
Thank you, Stephen. That was very engaging and authentic. Great content.
I thought this was Variety or something. Just noticed its your personal TH-cam. Thats cool! Keep On Keepin On!
This guy is the real deal trust me. To understanding the way a top criminal gets given the grade of top well respected criminal he has to have done things other criminals dont have the bottle to do.
Or they could all just get jobs and earn their money like everyone else. Rather than steel other peoples property
Bottle or lack of humanity?
Dude is a pure bullshit artist .
But he's fooled all of ye
@@stephenedwards382boring fella
Great stuff again mate :),I remember seeing a comedy series called Brass Eye in the 90`s when Frankie Fraser made a brief appearance
I grew up living in a pub and years later I found out that the Kray twins stored guns aswell as other things there but I know about the guns because I was told my mum was not happy with there being a gun under my bed
Also my uncle got the signatures of some of their boys imagine if this guy was one of them
Nice to see the movie was an accurate depiction Great job sir
That clip where Ronnie Kray is leaving the pub @2:15 I was getting worried because he is going the wrong way. I thought this was a different cut of the film that I hadn't see and I was feeling pissed off. Then it twigged that it had to be mirrored, and sure enough the text on the pub wall is back to front. I must have watched that scene a dozen times. Tom Hardy is one of my all time favourite actors, and Legend is one of his very best films. As it happens I watched Stephen talk about Layer Cake before watching this video, and Daniel Craig is another of my all time favourite actors.
If they made a film about the krays after they got sentenced , their early days in jail... that would be a tremendous film...
Tom Hardy made me a fan with this film. He was brilliant x2
Enjoyin this one. Thanks Stephen
What i love about the bar fight was the reason that Ronnie left was because he thought they were going to have a gun fight so he brought his gun
but once they revealed that they were using hand weapons instead, he had to go get his hammers from the car and was pissed off about having to do that.
Didnt have a gun on him... It was a rouse to leave and return with weapons
@@kayrichardson1321Yep.
Stephen I could sit in any theatre in a paid seat and listen to you. For gods sake go on tour🇬🇧
Coming from a guy who was there, who saw it first hand etc, to give the film an eight is a testiment to Hardy and the production overall. Unless you was there like Stephen then you're not in a position to question his score or anything he had to say about the film..
My mother worked behind the bar of a pub in Leytonstone which the Krays looked and went on in 1968 to work at the Bunny club and although spoke only once about it said 'they were both ok' , my father and uncle's from Bow said the same.
Shame how Londons turned out now in my opinion.
17:54
"Ronnie Ronnie, ronnieeeee..."
Hilarious
like a TL;DR for their story lol.
For me Legend is the best film 📽️ about the Krays and i don't think it will ever be bettered Tom Hardy is a first class 🥇 actor very measured actor and if i am not mistaken studied the krays very closely respect to Tom Hardy 👊🙏🤝
Very interesting .. Great stuff. Thanks for posting this!
Great video really enjoyed and thanks for that, stay well.
Amazing 👏 I use to have you Steven on Facebook I'm no longer on there but your such a genuine bloke you have achieved alot of good things carry on the good work loved reading this thank you
Insightful as always. Would you review rise of the foot soldiers?
Really interesting to watch this video and your perspective on this. Loved this film Tom Hardy is very talented and can easily switch different characters. Have happy new years man and hope 2023 treats you well.
The original Krays film with the Kemp brothers is the best one
Watched this movie so many times and it never gets boring
Was kinda shocked hearing you mention E Pellicci - great caf that's still going! Top area, so much history and character
I could see in that fight scene in the beginning that Reggie had more control when it came to how he fought. Ronnie was definitely unhinged.
A really great review of the movie Stephen. Well done.
I really enjoy this channel. Stephen gives very balanced and considerate opinions and answers.
Some great gems of wisdom handed out in this vid. Great review.
I've never been involved with that kind of people, but I've encountered them in my earlier customer service work. They are genuinely not intimidating. nor are they interested in intimidating you if you're just a server doing your job or a random member of the public with no affiliations of that kind. As long as you stay out of their way and don't get involved, you're perfectly safe. So long as you mind your own business, they're not interested in you. Don't be a hero, what's going to happen is going to happen between gang members. If you try to be a hero, it's honourable of you, but it'll land you in a world of hurt. Just treat them like any other customer and you'll be just fine.
Fact. My dad used to own Ronnie and Reggie's local pub in London. And he always knew who the under cover police that went in because he said they stank and looked rough. Other stories he didn't tell us. But he definitely knew more than was letting on.
very articulate analysis, which isn't typical from the POV of an ex gangster.