A Tale of Two Thieves

Filmmaker Chris Long's documentary revisits the Great Train Robbery of 1963, when nearly £3 million pounds was stolen from a Royal Mail train running between Glasgow and London. Now-octogenarian Gordon Goody—a member of the original heist gang of 15—tells the story of the theft, finally identifying the long-unknown “inside man” who had knowledge of the train's cargo and schedule. Much of the film traces Goody's life of crime prior to the Great Train Robbery—an eclectic series of thefts that included cracking bank vaults, scooping up pay packets, business breaking-and-entering, and much else. Goody goes into detail about his career highlights and discusses the two years he spent in prison (including being flogged) before his later conviction for the 1963 robbery (for which he received 30 years). Goody also talks about Ronnie Biggs, the one gang member who escaped prison and lived as a semi-celebrity in Brazil for many years (Goody says that Biggs lied about specific details, complicating Goody's defense). Goody is eventually presented with evidence concerning the identity of the “inside man” (uncovered by the filmmakers), but he strains to remember, frustrated with the ravages of time on his memory that make it near-impossible for him to close the door on this defining experience in his life. Likely to appeal to true crime aficionados, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)