Peaky Blinders – BBC2 drama

[Smith]

Just found out about the forthcoming Peaky Blinders series from BBC2:

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/peakyblinders/

Peaky Blinders is an epic, six-part gangster drama set in the lawless streets of post-war Birmingham on the cusp of the 1920s.

Britain in 1919 is a tumultuous mix of despair and hedonism, a nation cleaned out by the extravagances of the Great War. Returning soldiers, newly minted revolutionaries and criminal gangs all fight for survival in an industrial landscape gripped by economic upheaval.

Thomas Shelby and his family run the most feared and powerful local gang, the Peaky Blinders. Named for their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, they make money from illegal betting, protection and the black market.

But Tommy’s ambitions go beyond running the streets, and when a crate of guns goes missing from an arms factory, he recognises an opportunity to move up in the world. Crime pays, but business pays better.

As rival gangs, Communist revolutionaries and IRA Fenians descend on Small Heath in pursuit of the weapons, Winston Churchill dispatches a ruthless police chief from Belfast to impose order on an increasingly lawless city and recover the guns.

Peaky Blinders is a dazzling picture of England taken directly from the pages of our secret history. They will now burst into life in a vibrant evocation of a hedonistic age. The Shelbys will be a family to be reckoned with.

Peaky Blinders is a six-part drama series for BBC Two by Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions. It is created by Steven Knight, and written by Steven Knight, Stephen Russell and Toby Finlay. It is directed by Otto Bathurst and Tom Harper, and produced by Katie Swinden.

The cast is headed up by Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill, which is promising. Writing/directing crew is also solid, including a Ripper Street writer, and the writer of Eastern Promises.

First episode is Thursday 12th September at 9pm on BBC2.

While I can't find a full trailer, only pointless 13-second teasers, I did find this shot, which rather appeals:

[Arlequín]

It sounds interesting...

Being from the West Midlands myself, I wonder if there will be subtitles in English. 

[Smith]

I hope so! I'm from Derby myself, so it's good to see the Midlands getting some attention!

[jp1885]

Ooh I'd forgotten about this, thanks for reminding me! I've posted a thread on the VBCF as this is right up our alley

[FramFramson]

That fellow with the Lewis gun!

[thebinmann]

Just saw the first episode, a little slow but not bad. I think it could be useful for decor etc, a little like Ripper Street was... but I'm sure Sam Neil will add value

[Paleskin]

Enjoyed it,bit formulaic,never guessed the barmaid would turn out to be a rozzer!

[Lowtardog]

Recorded will watch later

Seems Autumn will be a good time for TV

Whitechapel,
Peaky Blinders
Watched Wipers last night quite good
Ripper Street is due back
A new Musketeers
Season 4 of Walking dead


Guilty Pleasures

Vera and Doc Martin 

[Mason]

Watched the first episode last night and have to say it is well worth a watch for the set alone.
The story may not be exactly new, but I like the setting and a bit of gangster type action is always welcome.
Chuck it in 1920's Britain and Bob is indeed your mothers brother!

Works for me.

That fellow with the Lewis gun!

Looks like my Sculpt #7 is not stretching it too far after all...

[jp1885]

Yeah it wasn't too bad - a bit of style over substance and the direction was a bit florid, but a good watch for us VBCW nuts 

[tradgardmastre]

I really enjoyed it esp the scenary. I think my vbcw figs ought to be a tad more monochrome...
Sam Neil did indeed add gravitas to the proceedings.
I will be watching next week.

[inkydave]

I enjoyed it. More positives than negs.

Visually impressive. Very high production values and a great cast. Lots of scope for a tabletop adaptation.

Here is a list of the 'factions' introduced already.

The peaky blinders, (local gangsters/racketeers)
A chinese tong
Italian Mafia
IRA
Communists/Bolsheviks
Local police, (corrupt or otherwise)
Sam Neil and his loyalist 'specials'

[smirnoff]

Agree with Inky Dave; very well put together bit of film.
Really enjoyed it and big scope for gaming....

[Doug ex-em4]

I completely missed the Italian Mafia. That explains why the bloke who knifed the cafe owner had to be "executed". I blame my wife for choosing that moment to bring me up to date on the latest phone call from an ofspring....

Doug

[inkydave]

I completely missed the Italian Mafia. That explains why the bloke who knifed the cafe owner had to be "executed". I blame my wife for choosing that moment to bring me up to date on the latest phone call from an ofspring....

Doug

It was implied rather than said out loud. Same with the Chinese. My own interpretation.
Both groups were called 'cutters', (knife wielding gangs) and the 'execution' was too avoid a 'war' with the Italians.

Ps   The Aunts accent was a bit wobbly but Sam Niel was spot on with his east Belfast.

Now no more spoilers