Manchester. The SIXTIES. A city inhabited by rogues, villains, kind hearts and black souls.
Welcome to QUALITY ONCE UPON A TIME IN MANCHESTER
In 1963,
the Kray twins came to Manchester intent on taking over the bars and clubs, but within two hours were turned around and put back on a train to London. To this day what occurred during that fateful short period has remained a secret. Once Upon a Time In Manchester tells the astonishing tale, one that has remained hidden for so long. Laced with stories of high level corruption, friendship and ultimate betrayal. Where no one and nothing are what they seem.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE AND A GUN
In 1964,
only a few months on from the Kray twins sent packing, the drama continues with a bitter dispute over the ownership of Liverpool's Cavern club and The Beatles contract. This sparks conflict between the cities of Manchester and Liverpool. Add into the fire a Merseyside gangster Bobby Di Marco believing he is Al Capone, reborn, intent on taking over not just the Liverpool gangland, but Manchester also, then all hell threatens to explode and indeed does! All you need is Love and a gun.
THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBER
Manchester. 1965.
The legendary fifty-two-year old Detective, Chief Superintendent, Tommy Butler of The Flying Squad and Scotland Yard, steps warily off the train at Manchester's Piccadilly Railway station, and looks around him. Butler is the man given responsible for capturing the Great Train Robbers. Most have already been apprehended, but the mastermind of this outrageous crime which saw them escape with £2.6 million remains at large.
Bruce Reynolds is the most hunted man in Britain and Butler is under huge pressure from the Home Secretary to bring him to justice. He daren't fail. The train robbery of her majesty's postal service train from Glasgow to London, is being viewed amongst the hierarchy as a direct attack against the very pillars of the establishment. As if stolen from the Queen's purse itself. Heads are wanted on spikes. Extraordinary jail sentences are being handed out. It will not be justice, but revenge against those held responsible. For in 1965, Britain remains a nation where everyone, most importantly, the Working Class must know their place. It doesn't do to step above your station, never mind rob from them.
THE EIGHTH DAY
It's 1965,
and the son of Mafia legend Meyer Lansky, (Paul) is in Manchester, along with his bodyguard Bruno Gianelli. After Lansky assaults a young girl, who turns out to be the girlfriend of a local gangster, all hell breaks loose. This takes place alongside the infamous, hideous events in Ashton and Hyde, as Ian Brady and Myra Hindley are arrested. As the Lansky saga plays out, far more important events are occurring high on Saddleworth Moors-the hunt for the missing children's bodies continue. Help is needed, for the Moors are so vast. So, it happens that the call is made, ''All the King men'' and on the eighth day, normal villainy joins forces with the law, to take on an evil beyond words.
STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT
It's 1966,
Frank Sinatra arrives in Manchester for a special one-off performance, at the Palace theatre, under the protection of Ancoats', Salvatore Rea's family. What appears a straight forward charity concert is merely a cover, for all soon unravels, and the true reason for Sinatra's visit becomes known. Diamonds. As ever, twists and turns in this sixties Northern outpost. Characters dip in and out. George Best being chased around Manchester by an irate bookie/gangster, Lenny Foyle, after failing to do right by his daughter! Plus, a lovely, back story with Frank Sinatra and a retired Newton Heath Policeman.
