Steven Knight, known for creating the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders, has brought history to life once again with his new Hulu/Disney+ drama, A Thousand Blows. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1880s East London, the show intertwines the lives of historical figures, such as boxer Hezekiah Moscow, female gang leader Mary Carr, and boxer Henry "Sugar" Goodson. The narrative sheds light on the little-known story of the Forty Elephants, the first all-female shoplifting gang, and their remarkable exploits.
A Thousand Blows introduces viewers to the fearless Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty, whose character is based on the real-life leader of the Forty Elephants. According to Knight, he wanted to explore the stories of working-class women who often went unnoticed. "I wanted for a long time to do the story of the Forty Elephants, which is a true story of a gang of female-only criminals... working-class history...that is just remarkable, astonishing, and needed to be told," Knight revealed during the show's premiere at the London Film Festival.
The Forty Elephants emerged as the most successful organized crime syndicate for shoplifting, operating from the 1870s to the 1950s. Known for their creativity and coordination, they targeted high-end stores and swiped everything from clothing to jewelry. "The Forty Thieves is the most successful shoplifting gang ever seen in Britain," noted historian and author Lucy Worsley. They have become powerful emblematic figures within women’s history, highlighting how they carved their own space at the bottom of Victorian society.
Mary Carr, often referred to as the 'Queen of the Elephants,' led her gang with determination and strategic brilliance. Born around 1862, Carr faced adversity early on, spending time in penitentiaries for various petty crimes. "One of the most dangerous women in the metropolis," as described by contemporary authorities, she was known for her ability to recruit and train young women within the confines of Victorian society, introducing them to methods of thievery and escape from drudgery.
The show not only focuses on Carr but also explores the boxing ambitions of Hezekiah Moscow, played by Malachi Kirby. Arriving from Jamaica with dreams of stardom, he finds himself wrapped up within London's illicit boxing world, crossing paths with the notorious Sugar Goodson, brought to life by Stephen Graham. The series encapsulates the era's brutal realities, drawing attention to the underground fight scenes and the risks taken by those involved. During one moment, Nick Murphy, the show's director, poignantly remarked, "Like Mary says, 'One slip, London will kill you.' That's it. There's no social security. There's no backup." It emphasizes the tough choices faced by the characters.
A Thousand Blows doesn’t hesitate to showcase Carr's lethal combination of clever distraction and bold action. The series recreates her daring tactics, such as the infamous opening scene where she pretends to go through childbirth to execute pickpocketing onlookers. This reflects their real-life methods, where members took high risks to achieve financial independence—a rare opportunity for women at the time. Erin Doherty shared her admiration for Carr, saying, "This was the only opportunity they were being offered, so they were going to do it to the best of their ability." Her performance breathes life and complexity to this long-neglected aspect of history.
The chemistry among the cast adds depth to the historical drama. The Forty Elephants are not just criminals; they bond through shared struggles, illustrating the precarious balance of loyalty and ambition. Their organized structure is shown with rigorous guidelines and expectations to elude capture. The show takes care to portray their unique community dynamics, which resonate even today.
One of the most intriguing elements of A Thousand Blows is its potential for continuation. Given the real history of the Forty Elephants extends well beyond Carr's story, discussions around future seasons are already taking shape. Knight commented, "Season two is already shot, and I'm very eager to continue telling the story... The truth and reality are much more interesting than anything you can invent." This eagerness sets up the possibility of exploring the novel dynamics and subsequent queens of the gang, including Alice Diamond, who became notorious decades later.
A Thousand Blows premieres on February 21, 2025. It holds great promise for historical storytelling and dramatic engagement, connecting audiences to the captivating tales of women who defied societal norms. The juxtaposition of boxing and thievery portrays the rich yet overlooked narrative of working-class struggles, empowerment, and survival within Victorian London.