You are here:

Once Upon a Time in London

Name: Once Upon a Time in London
Director: Simon Rumley
Released: 2019
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

2019

Director

Simon Rumley

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This crime drama adheres closely to the traditional historical context of mid-century masculine power dynamics. The narrative structure strictly follows the social constraints of 1950s London, focusing on the rise and fall of male-led criminal empires. Because the film centers on established patriarchal hierarchies and Anglo-Saxon gangland history, it lacks complexity in representing diverse identities beyond the period's standard criminal archetypes.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Once Upon a Time in London have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters identifying as LGBTQ+. It emphasizes the hyper-masculine environment of 1950s London's criminal underworld.

How does Once Upon a Time in London portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male criminal empires and traditional masculine hierarchies. Women play roles within the social fabric, but the primary control remains male-dominated.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Once Upon a Time in London?

Limited

The narrative focuses on the Anglo-Saxon criminal elements of post-war London. There is no indication of significant racial diversity or blending.

How does Once Upon a Time in London represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques state authority by centering on notorious gangsters. It explores the pursuit of individual power within a rigid historical social hierarchy.

Does Once Upon a Time in London include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Offers a gritty, historically grounded exploration of mid-century organized crime and the mechanics of power.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and diverse racial backgrounds.
Relies on traditional patriarchal structures with minimal female control.
Does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Billy Hill and Jack 'Spot' Comer were among the most notorious criminals in London up until the 1950s. Dramatising the violent reign of two of London's most notorious gangsters, Billy Hill (Leo Gregory) and Jack 'Spot' Comer (Terry Stone), ONCE UPON A TIME IN LONDON charts the legendary rise and fall of a nationwide criminal empire that lasted until the mid-fifties and which paved the way for the notorious Kray Twins and The Richardsons. This is the story of their rise and fall.

How are these scores produced? →