Roger Daltrey's Star Turn in McVicar

The Unlikely Tale of John McVicar: From Criminal to Commentator

The name John McVicar might conjure images of daring escapes and a life lived on the wrong side of the law. His story, a remarkable trajectory from prolific criminal to respected journalist and author, was immortalised in the 1980 British drama film, 'McVicar'. The film, a gritty portrayal of a man who defied conventions and authorities, featured a star-making performance from none other than Roger Daltrey, the iconic lead singer of The Who, in the titular role.

A Life of Crime: The Early Years

John McVicar's criminal career began in his formative teenage years, marked by a series of shop break-ins and car thefts. By the age of 16, his illicit activities had escalated to the point where he was awaiting trial. In a bold move, he managed to escape from a remand home for young offenders in 1956, only to be sentenced to two years of Borstal training. Upon his release, McVicar didn't shy away from further criminal pursuits; instead, he graduated to the more serious offence of armed robbery. His audacious lifestyle continued, leading to his arrest in 1964 and a subsequent eight-year prison sentence. Even incarceration in HM Prison Parkhurst, a maximum-security facility at the time, failed to deter him. McVicar orchestrated another daring escape, this time involving a spurious trial for twelve inmates at Winchester Law Courts. The escape involved overpowering guards and making their way back to the Isle of Wight. While his fellow escapees were swiftly recaptured during an extensive police operation, McVicar remained at large. He reached out to underworld figure Joey Pyle in London, who drove to meet him in Portsmouth. Their attempt to evade a police roadblock on the A3 near Dorking ultimately failed, with Pyle being cornered. McVicar, however, managed to evade capture by jumping from the vehicle.

Escapes and Evasions: A Master of Disguise

During his time on the run, McVicar attempted to rob an armoured security van. This led to his recapture, further charges for additional offences, and a consecutive sentence of 15 years, added to the eight he was already serving. The UK Prison Service then transferred him to another high-security facility, HM Prison Durham. True to form, McVicar orchestrated yet another escape, remaining a fugitive for two years. During this period, he lived incognito in Blackheath, South London, with his girlfriend and young son. His escape from Durham earned him the notorious moniker "Public Enemy No. 1" by Scotland Yard. Eventually, he was apprehended and forced to serve the remainder of his extended 23-year prison sentence. He was eventually paroled in 1978, marking a significant turning point in his life.

From Prison to Postgrad: A Writer's Journey

Remarkably, while still imprisoned for his attempted armoured van robbery, McVicar embarked on an ambitious academic pursuit. He began studying for a postgraduate degree at the University of Leicester, which he successfully completed upon his release. Furthermore, McVicar secretly penned his autobiography, 'McVicar by Himself'. This introspective account of his life provided the foundation for the biographical film of the same name. He collaborated with Tom Clegg, who also directed the film, to co-script the screenplay. Roger Daltrey, renowned for his powerful vocals with The Who, took on the challenging role of portraying McVicar. The film also featured Adam Faith in a supporting role, marking it as his final film appearance before his passing in 2003.

The Film's Genesis and Daltrey's Vision

'McVicar' was produced by Bill Curbishley and Roy Baird and was released in 1980 by The Who Films, Ltd. The film garnered a nomination for Best Picture at MystFest, the International Mystery Film Festival of Cattolica, in 1981. According to McVicar's own foreword in the revised edition of his autobiography, Daltrey's fervent desire to establish himself as a romantic lead in the film industry significantly influenced the portrayal of McVicar's relationship with his then-wife, Sheila Wilshire. McVicar maintained that his relationship with Wilshire was more a matter of convenience after she had given birth to their son. Sheila Wilshire herself faced legal consequences, being arrested for harbouring a fugitive while McVicar was on the run after his escape from Durham Prison.

McVicar's Second Act: Journalism and Public Commentary

Following his release and the success of the film, McVicar transitioned into a career in journalism during the 1980s. His insightful articles were published in prominent publications such as The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Punch, the New Statesman, and Time Out. His unique perspective, forged through his experiences, made him a sought-after commentator on matters of crime and punishment. He was frequently called upon to share his views, particularly in the wake of significant events like the 1990 HM Prison Strangeways riots in Manchester. However, his journey was not without its challenges. In 1994, McVicar was forced to file for bankruptcy and endured a period of destitution lasting nine months.

Legal Battles and Legacy

In 1998, McVicar found himself on the other side of the legal system when he lost a libel action brought by the sprinter Linford Christie. The case stemmed from McVicar's assertion that Christie was a "steroid athlete." This legal setback highlighted the ongoing scrutiny and legal ramifications that could arise from his public statements.

'McVicar' Film Overview

The film 'McVicar' is a British drama that vividly depicts the life of John McVicar. The narrative is effectively split into two parts. The first half is set within Durham prison, focusing on the complex dynamics between prison officers and inmates, as well as McVicar's meticulous planning and eventual escape. The second half unfolds in London after his escape. Here, McVicar attempts to rebuild his relationships with his wife and young son. Driven by a desire to leave his life of crime behind, he contemplates funding a new beginning in Canada. However, circumstances force him back into illegal activities to finance his family's relocation. The Metropolitan Police relentlessly pursue him, and he is eventually recaptured due to a tip-off from an associate in the criminal underworld. Upon his return to prison, his sentence is extended. During this time, he dedicates himself to his studies, earning a BSc in sociology, before his eventual release.

Key Figures in the McVicar Film

The film 'McVicar' was directed by Tom Clegg and based on the non-fiction book 'McVicar by Himself', which John McVicar wrote to detail his experiences during his time in prison. The music for the film was composed by different artists, contributing to the authentic atmosphere of the narrative. While the prompt specifically asks about who starred and the music, the provided text focuses on the actors and the narrative. The music, though not explicitly detailed in terms of individual composers, would have played a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of the film.

Frequently Asked Questions about McVicar

Who starred in the film 'McVicar'?
Roger Daltrey, the lead singer of The Who, starred as John McVicar. Adam Faith also had a significant supporting role.

Who directed the film 'McVicar'?
Tom Clegg directed the film 'McVicar'.

What is the film 'McVicar' based on?
The film is based on the autobiography 'McVicar by Himself', written by John McVicar.

What was John McVicar's profession after prison?
After his release from prison, John McVicar became a journalist and author.

What was the outcome of the libel action against McVicar by Linford Christie?
John McVicar lost the libel action brought by Linford Christie.

What notable events did McVicar comment on as a journalist?
As a journalist, McVicar frequently commented on crime and punishment matters, including the 1990 HM Prison Strangeways riots.

What was McVicar's criminal career like?
McVicar's criminal career began in his teens with shop break-ins and car thefts, progressing to armed robbery. He was known for several daring prison escapes.

Did Roger Daltrey compose the music for 'McVicar'?
The provided text does not state that Roger Daltrey composed the music. He starred in the film. The music was composed by different artists to enhance the film's atmosphere.

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