Is Legend Based on a True Story? Legend Movie, Plot, Cast, and Where to Watch

Yes, “Legend” is based on a true story. This biographical crime thriller delves into the infamous lives of the Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, who terrorized London’s criminal underworld during the 1950s and 1960s.

Is Legend Based on a True Story?

Yes, Legend is based on a true story. Legend is a gripping biographical film based on the true story of Reginald “Reggie” Kray and his twin brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Kray, notorious English gangsters reigning over London’s underworld during the ’50s and ’60s. The movie chronicles their rise to power and subsequent downfall, leading to their imprisonment in 1969.

Narrated by Reggie’s deceased wife, Frances Shea, the film delves into heavy themes such as mental illness and murder, drawing from the Kray twins’ lives as detailed in John Pearson’s book, “The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins.” While the movie brilliantly portrays Tom Hardy’s chilling performances as both Reggie and Ronnie, some aspects deviate from reality.

The romance between Reggie and Frances is accurately depicted, with the proposal involving a daring climb up a drainpipe. However, the film falsely portrays Reggie physically assaulting Frances, a detail debunked by close friends who knew the brothers well. The portrayal of the Kray family matriarch, Violet, is also a point of contention, as the film allegedly dismisses her importance and misrepresents her interactions with Frances.

Additionally, Ronnie’s homosexuality is presented openly in the film, but in reality, he only disclosed this to a select few within “The Firm,” a tight-knit group of friends and family. The movie sets up Ronnie as a paranoid schizophrenic and Reggie as the “rational” twin, but in truth, both men were violent and unstable. The murders that lead to their imprisonment are accurately depicted, including Ronnie shooting George Cornell point-blank.

However, the motive for this murder remains unclear. Similarly, the film portrays the murder of Jack McVitie as a stabbing at a party, but in reality, it involved an elaborate double effort orchestrated by both brothers.

 Despite the allure of the Kray brothers’ glamorous lifestyle, rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, the reality of their lives was dark, twisted, and far from deserving the “legendary” status. Their story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the grim consequences of a life embroiled in crime and violence.

Legend True Story 

The crime film titled “Legend” hit the theaters, featuring the incredibly talented actor Tom Hardy portraying both the notorious twin gangsters, Reggie and Ronnie Kray. The movie is based on the gripping true crime book, “The Profession of Violence” by John Pearson. Even if you have no prior knowledge of these infamous figures from Swinging London’s criminal history, the film will captivate you and leave you a fan.

 As young boys growing up in 1940s England, Ronald, and Reginald Kray found themselves as wartime evacuees in Bethnal Green. They shared a home, had a beloved dog named Freda, an older brother named Charlie, and a sister who tragically passed away during infancy. 

The Kray twins had a penchant for trouble from an early age, accumulating a lengthy rap sheet even before they were old enough to buy a pint. Engaging in violence, gang activities, and evading the law became their after-school pastimes. Their audacious behavior even led to a confrontation with a police constable, resulting in a brief imprisonment at the notorious Tower of London. 

In the early 1950s, despite displaying promising boxing talents, the allure of a life of crime constantly drew the Krays back into their old ways. Forming their gang known as “The Firm,” Reggie and Ronnie embarked on their criminal journey. They acquired a rundown snooker club, established protection rackets, and built a reputation as the most dangerous men in London’s East End.

Robberies, hijackings, and firebombings were just part of their criminal repertoire. By the 1960s, they owned ritzy nightclubs, mingling with celebrities, politicians, and Hollywood stars like Barbara Windsor, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland. Their criminal activities were skillfully concealed behind legitimate businesses and charming personas. 

Despite their glamorous facade, trouble lurked beneath the surface. Ronnie’s diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia in 1959 haunted him in the years to come. After aiding Frank “The Mad Axeman” Mitchell’s escape from prison, the Krays struggled to control him, allegedly leading to his death. Ronnie engaged in a political-mixed orgy and had an affair with Tory peer Lord Boothby.

While known as “The Queen Mother” in London’s gay underworld, both twins had alleged bisexual tendencies. Reggie’s marriage to Frances Shea in 1965 was fraught with turmoil, including an alleged attempted rape of Frances’ brother. While Ronnie’s mental health issues were diagnosed, Reggie also exhibited instability, as seen in a disturbing incident where he frightened his wife with a bizarre act involving blood.

The film “Legend” portrays Reggie as abusive towards his wife, but in reality, there is little proof of physical violence, as Frances insisted Reggie was never violent towards her during their marriage. Nevertheless, their marriage disintegrated rapidly, and Frances eventually took her own life in 1967. At the age of 35, the Kray twins were arrested for murder by Inspector Leonard “Nipper” Read.

They were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Maureen Flanagan, their loyal confidante and the sister they never had, provided them with comfort from the outside world, offering them Player’s cigarettes and pork pies. 

In prison, Ronnie had a relatively better experience, eventually being transferred to Broadmoor due to his mental disorder. Reggie, on the other hand, faced a more challenging situation, with frequent prison transfers and separation from his twin leading to depression and attempted suicide.

However, he adapted to prison life and even managed to run a lucrative bodyguard and protection business for Hollywood celebrities, with documents revealing that Frank Sinatra had hired bodyguards from their operation. In 1995, Ronnie passed away at the age of 61 due to a heart attack while serving his sentence. Reggie was briefly released on compassionate grounds in 2000 after being diagnosed with bladder cancer.

He spent his remaining days in a hotel suite before succumbing to his illness on October 1, 2000. Ten days later, he was laid to rest beside his brother at London’s Chingford Mount Cemetery. The legacy of the Kray twins remains a dark and enduring chapter in London’s criminal history.

Legend Movie

“Legend” is an enthralling biographical crime thriller released in 2015, skillfully crafted by the talented American director Brian Helgeland. The film draws its inspiration from John Pearson’s gripping book “The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins,” delving into the captivating narrative of the Kray brothers’ criminal journey and their inseparable bond.

It meticulously portrays their sinister activities that ultimately lead to their incarceration for life in 1969. This remarkable film marks Helgeland’s fifth directorial venture, showcasing his prowess in bringing powerful stories to the silver screen. The cast of “Legend” boasts an ensemble of outstanding actors, led by the versatile Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, David Thewlis, and Christopher Eccleston.

The supporting roles are brought to life by the talented Colin Morgan, Chazz Palminteri, Paul Bettany, Tara Fitzgerald, and Taron Egerton, with the renowned singer Duffy making a notable appearance as well. The stellar performances by the entire ensemble add depth and authenticity to this compelling crime thriller.

Where to Watch Legend?

At present, the movie “Legend” is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hungama Play, and VI movies and TV. This riveting biographical crime thriller, directed by Brian Helgeland and featuring the exceptional talent of Tom Hardy portraying both Ronald “Ronnie” Kray and Reginald “Reggie” Kray, has captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of the notorious twin English gangsters.

Their terrorizing reign over London during the 1950s and 1960s is vividly brought to life in this film, which delves deep into their criminal empire and the bond that united them. As you watch, you’ll be immersed in the gripping tale of Reggie Kray, a former boxer who rises to prominence in the criminal underworld.

His twin brother, Ron, who struggles with paranoid schizophrenia, leading to his confinement in a psychiatric hospital. The film showcases their quest to dominate London’s criminal landscape, engaging in brutal violence and intimidation to expand their empire.

Legend Plot

During the tumultuous 1960s, Reggie Kray, a former boxer with deep connections in London’s criminal underworld, takes center stage. Meanwhile, his twin brother Ron is confined to a psychiatric hospital, grappling with paranoid schizophrenia. Using his persuasive tactics, Reggie orchestrates Ron’s early release, paving the way for the dynamic duo to seize control of a substantial portion of London’s underworld.

Their ruthless approach includes infiltrating a local nightclub through extortion and brutal displays of violence. Reggie’s path crosses with Frances, the sister of his devoted driver, whom he eventually marries. While serving time for a prior criminal offense, Frances implores Reggie to abandon his life of crime, a vow he fails to honor, seduced by the allure of his illicit ventures.

During Reggie’s incarceration, Ron’s volatile mental state wreaks havoc on the nightclub, driving it to the brink of collapse. Upon Reggie’s release, the brothers engage in a fierce fistfight, attempting to reconcile their differences. Their criminal endeavors catch the attention of Angelo Bruno, representing the Philadelphia crime family and the American Mafia’s interests.

A deal is struck, granting Reggie fifty percent of London’s underground gambling profits in exchange for the brothers’ protection. However, Ron’s unpredictable nature results in the public murder of George Cornell, a member of the rival Torture Gang, prompting Scotland Yard to launch a full investigation into the Krays.

As Reggie’s marriage with Frances disintegrates under the weight of his criminal entanglements, she turns to illegal prescription drugs to cope. In a fit of rage, Reggie beats and rapes her, leading to their separation. When he attempts to reconcile, a tragic turn of events unfolds, and Frances takes her own life through a drug overdose, leaving Reggie burdened with guilt.

The twins’ criminal activities persist, and Ron hires a petty criminal to eliminate Leslie Payne, Reggie’s trustworthy partner responsible for the legitimate side of their operations. However, the plan goes awry, and Payne cooperates with Detective Superintendent Leonard “Nipper” Read, head of the investigation, leading to Ron’s arrest for Cornell’s murder.

In a gruesome twist, Reggie brutally stabs the petty criminal during a party at Ron’s place. The movie concludes with a police squad storming Reggie’s flat to apprehend him for the murder. The closing captions reveal that both brothers were convicted of murder. They passed away five years apart, with Ron succumbing to a heart attack in 1995 and Reggie losing his battle with bladder cancer in 2000.

Legend Ending Explained

In the climactic ending of “Legend,” the film offers a resolution to the gripping and tumultuous journey of the notorious Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie. As the story reaches its climax, the once seemingly invincible criminal empire built by the Krays begins to crumble under the weight of their violent actions and increasing police scrutiny.

The film’s ending is marked by a series of pivotal events that shape the fate of the Kray brothers. With Scotland Yard’s relentless investigation led by Detective Superintendent Leonard “Nipper” Read closing in on them, the twins find themselves in increasingly dire straits. The noose tightens around their criminal activities, and their once glamorous and powerful facade starts to disintegrate.

Amidst this turmoil, Ronnie’s mental instability becomes more apparent than ever. His violent temper and erratic behavior lead to significant financial setbacks at the nightclub, jeopardizing their sources of income. As tensions escalate between the brothers, they have a violent and emotionally charged fistfight, reflecting the profound strain on their relationship.

Reggie, despite marrying Frances and her desperate plea for him to leave behind his criminal life, cannot resist the allure of crime. His unfulfilled promises to reform push Frances into a state of despair, and she seeks solace in illegal drug use, further straining their marriage. Tragically, Reggie’s temper erupts in a fit of rage, leading to him beating and raping Frances, which ultimately leads to the disintegration of their relationship.

When Reggie attempts to reconcile with her and plans a trip to Ibiza, Frances tragically takes her own life through a drug overdose, leaving Reggie haunted by guilt. As the Krays’ criminal activities continue, they are approached by Angelo Bruno, representing the Philadelphia crime family and the American Mafia.

Bruno offers them a lucrative deal to partner in a crime syndicate, but this newfound partnership exposes them to even greater scrutiny and danger. Ron’s actions also have severe consequences, as he publicly murders George Cornell, an associate of a rival gang, further drawing the attention of law enforcement.

Detective Superintendent Read, determined to bring the Krays to justice, intensifies the investigation, and eventually, Leslie Payne, Reggie’s business manager, turns against them, providing crucial evidence to the police. Reggie, upon discovering Payne’s betrayal, takes brutal action, brutally stabbing Jack “the Hat” McVitie, a petty criminal hired to kill Payne.

This violent act further seals their fate, leading to their arrest and conviction for murder. The final scene shows a dramatic police raid on Reggie’s flat, as law enforcement moves in to apprehend him for McVitie’s murder, symbolizing the end of the Krays’ reign of terror. The film’s closing captions offer a grim conclusion to their story, revealing that both brothers received criminal convictions for murder.

Ron passes away five years prior, succumbing to a heart attack in 1995, while Reggie’s life is cut short by bladder cancer in 2000. In summary, the ending of “Legend” paints a dark and tragic portrait of the Kray twins, once formidable figures who rose to power through violence and intimidation, only to face a harrowing downfall and eventual imprisonment. The film leaves audiences contemplating the devastating consequences of a life steeped in crime and violence.

Legend 2015 Cast

Legend Movie Trailer

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Source: HIS Education