The Long Firm
London, early 1960s. Harry Starks is a dangerous mobster, a club owner who loves money, rent boys, and Judy Garland. He's an East End gangster who, in grandiose Kray Twins style tradition, is not only prone to streaks of madness, depression and a violent temper, but homosexuality. His penchant for Spanish Inquisition style justice has handed him the Fleet Street moniker of "Torture Gang Boss". He revels in a nether world of minor celebrities, fund raisers, boxing, showbiz, gambling clubs and philanthropy, for the sake of public image.
- 2004-2004
- 1 season
- Suspense, Drama
London, early 1960s. Harry Starks is a dangerous mobster, a club owner who loves money, rent boys, and Judy Garland. He's an East End gangster who, in grandiose Kray Twins style tradition, is not only prone to streaks of madness, depression and a violent temper, but homosexuality. His penchant for Spanish Inquisition style justice has handed him the Fleet Street moniker of "Torture Gang Boss". He revels in a nether world of minor celebrities, fund raisers, boxing, showbiz, gambling clubs and philanthropy, for the sake of public image.
Season 1 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 2004
Episode 1
Teddy's Story
50 mins
Racketeer Harry Starks sees Teddy Thursby, an impecunious peer of the realm with a predilection for young men, as a means of joining the Establishment, legitimising his business dealings, and obtaining real status and power. And when Teddy suggests an opportunity overseas, Harry is keen to invest.
Episode 2
Ruby's Story
50 mins
Ruby Ryder is just the sort of faded celebrity that Harry likes, so when he turns the club into an erotic revue, he employs her to choreograph the strip shows and liaise with the corrupt Inspector Mooney over the porn racket. Ruby's problems start when she takes a shine to Harry's latest plaything, Tommy.
Episode 3
Jimmy's Story
48 mins
When one of his former rent boys is found murdered, Inspector Mooney infers that Harry is responsible. With the help of low-life speed dealer Jimmy, Harry determines to find the truth but could it really be Harry that is to blame for the boy's death?
Episode 4
Lenny's Story
51 mins
In the final part of the dramatisation of Jake Arnott's acclaimed novel, Harry Starks is now in prison serving 25 years. When a naive young criminologist called Lenny meets Harry, he is enthralled by him but their ensuing friendship has repercussions for them both.