The Life and Times of Edwin Alonzo Boyd (1982 TV Movie) User Reviews

A documentary on a Canadian crime gang

[Canuck-11 · 7/10 · 8 July 1999]

I saw this documentary a few days ago and throughly enjoyed it. It stars Gordon Pinsent as the narrator and as Edwin Boyd. It is the story of a Canadian mob from its small beginnings to the eventual death of some of its main members in the Don jail, and ends with a follow up on many of the surviving characters. The story is true, but it couldn't be more perfect for a drama. The twisting plot and characters are carefully followed (many times with Pinsent as the narrator saying "Remember that name"). I would recommend this to anyone who would like to know more about the modern history of Toronto (and other parts of Canada) or anyone who likes mob stories - this is a great one.

Good film, Classic Canadiana.

[WatchdogSteve · 8/10 · 24 October 2007]

I found this film interesting. The historic perspective on Toronto ("Toronto The Good" back in those days) and the interesting true story of a heavy-handed cop's son becoming one of the country's most wanted criminals was entertaining. Also, I think anything Gordon Pinsent is in, is worth watching. Narrated by Pinsent, he also plays the lead role. It's a good story, if you come across it.

The prosthetic leg that Lennie Jackson concealed his hacksaw in, to break out of the Don Jail is to this day, on display in Toronto Police's lobby Museum at 40 College St (Yonge and College). Edwin Boyd was under suspicion for a double murder in High Park that was never solved.

Interesting, Boyd was a TTC Streetcar driver after returning from WW2 with 2 RCR as a Dispatch Rider, but the straight life just didn't pay.

Ironically, I bought a car off one of the players in this film. Domenic Tudino played Lennie Jackson in the film, he sold me a car in Streetsville in 1985. Small world.

Cheers, Steve Boyd