Thomas Shelby and his crew are back in action! The sequel, “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man,” premieres on Netflix on March 20. This nearly two-hour film picks up where the original series left off, focusing on the wolf-eyed crime boss played by Cillian Murphy.
The original series debuted in 2013 and followed the Shelby family through tough times after World War I, ending with a cliffhanger in 2022. The new film takes place during World War II, featuring Shelby facing the Nazis, as screenwriter Steven Knight explains.
While the storyline is fictional, it pulls from the real-life Peaky Blinders—an infamous gang known for their sharp attire and sharper tactics. Knight was inspired by his father’s memories of elegantly dressed gangsters, often depicted as ruthless. He explained that imagery fueled the story: “smoke, booze, and immaculately dressed men” in Birmingham.
The real Peaky Blinders operated in Birmingham in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This time was marked by rapid urban growth mixed with high unemployment and poverty. As historian Carl Chinn points out, desperation often leads people down dark paths. The gang was made up of young men, often in their teens or early twenties, who were both stylish and dangerous.
One popular myth is that the gang sewed razor blades into their caps to injure rivals. Experts argue this is unlikely. Chinn states that razor blades were luxury items and hard to get, especially for working-class criminals. More realistically, their name likely originated from their caps, worn low to hide their faces from victims, and “blinder,” which described their flashy appearances.
They wore cravats, bell-bottom trousers, tailored jackets, and silk scarves—creating a distinct and deliberate style. This choice not only separated them from other gangs but also showcased wealth and defied the police, who could spot them but struggled to control them. The gang’s power came from fear and bribery, giving them a grip on Birmingham’s social and political landscape.
The series romanticizes the gang as working-class heroes, but historians argue they were often cruel. As historian David Cross told BBC News, they targeted anyone who seemed weak, seizing whatever they could.
The term “Peaky Blinders” first appeared in print after an altercation in 1890. Over time, their criminal activities evolved from petty theft to more serious crimes like smuggling and fraud. Contrarily, the show depicts them starting after World War I, a significant timeline shift.
By the end of the real gang’s reign, a rival gang—not law enforcement—brought their stylish but violent dominance to a close. Even today, the Peaky Blinders remain a source of style and intrigue.
As for “The Immortal Man,” it’s not the final chapter. Knight expressed a desire to keep exploring this world, sharing stories as long as there’s demand for them.
This ongoing interest reflects a broader societal engagement with history, crime, and style. As of 2023, crime dramas dominate streaming platforms, perhaps due to their mix of excitement and moral complexity. With renewed interest in the Peaky Blinders, the discussion around real-world influences—like social conditions and fashion—is more relevant than ever.
For more insights into the history behind the series, you can explore reputable sources such as History Extra.
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