Set in New South Wales, Australia in the 1950’s, “Final Blow” is based on the true life story of a small time charismatic rogue criminal, Kevin John Simmonds.
Born in the depression years of the 1930’s his poverty stricken parents travelled from town to town by horse and cart looking for work. At a tender age of 3, Kevin witnesses the tragic drowning of his 16 month old sister which scared him througout his extraordinary criminal life. This was the start of a relationship breakdown with his Father who never forgave him, despite having a loving bond with his Mother.
At the age of 14 Kevin is sent to Juvenile Detention Centre for stealing his Father’s savings. While there, he learns many dishonest tricks which were to become the launch of his colourful criminal life. Soon after Kevin’s 21st birthday he enters the big league of crime. A passion for fitness and fast cars Kevin leaves a trail of safe-cracking bank robberies and hold ups, snatch and grab style shoplifting and car thefts behind.
Kevin is eventually caught after a long spectacular foot chase through the inner fringe suburbs of Sydney by an off duty Police Officer – an ex beach sprint champion. Kevin is sentenced to Long Bay Gaol for 15 years having violated 55 offences.
During his time in Long Bay Gaol, Kevin builds up a reputation amongst his prison mates. It’s here he meets Leslie Alan Newcombe and strikes up a friendship and tells him “money is only equal in importance to the enjoyment of what you’re doing.”
On 9th October, 1959, the prison alarm bells ring out and Kevin and Les escape. Les is caught after 2 weeks but for Kevin, he makes a mockery and outwits an entire State Police force for 37 days through infested and rugged terrane. His time on the run attracts huge media and public attention, especially by enraptured females of all ages by his heroic charm, cheekiness and his defiance to remain on the run and stay alive.
After Kevin’s capture he is sentenced to life, “intractable” Grafton prison by a Judge who disagrees with the manslaughter verdict handed down by the Jury.
Kevin is subjected to daily beatings for the first seven years of his incarceration and dies under suspicious circumstances which brings about a State Royal Commission that is noted as one of the worst in New South Wales penal history.
Great story mate, best of luck with it.
“In 1959, after escaping prison, a charismatic prisoner captures the heart of the Australian people when he attempts to outwit the entire state police force in his efforts to get away.”
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A lot of things happen both before this event and after, however, for the purpose of the logline, the lead characters’ escape, and the notoriety he received seems to be the heart of the story.
Hope this helped
Minor change: Maybe this is better maybe it isn’t.
“In 1959, after escaping prison, a charismatic prisoner captures the heart of the Australian people when makes a mockery of the entire state police force in his efforts to get away.”