Her life must have been absolute hell if she was determined to end it rather than carry on. We'll never know what tormented her enough for that sad end especially so young and pretty.
Young and pretty doesn't discriminate against mental illness nor does wealth. If Frances mother wanted something unfortunately, her husband had the last word. They weren't divorced yet. That's why marriage is serious. The spouses are one and has all the say. Just like Frances husband had all say where she was concerned. She was still a kray so even if the family weren't happy, that was her legal name.
I preferred the original Krays film in the 1990s, it was much better acting, good film. To end her life like that was the only way out for her that's why she over dosed. She must've felt claustrophobic and unable to breath with all the pressure. Mental illness wasn't accepted in those days, anyone with a mental illness was classed as cuckoo, plus back then they wasn't the help back then like there is today because mental illness was brushed under the carpet. To have a mental illness and to be controlled like that on top must've been horrifying for her. They'll be alot went off behind closed doors that the media never got to know about. Francis was such a beautiful young girl with everything to live for. She looked very much like actress Natalie Wood.
It's a disgrace/shame that she is now surrounded by the family that drive her to take her life at such a young age. She should be laid to rest with her own family
Even in death, that monster wouldn't leave the poor girl alone. That is the real tragedy. So incredibly sad. I just hope her soul found peace, wherever it may be.
I am from the East End, born in '62, my dad was born in Stepney and knew so much about the Krays, so I absolutely loved listening to Francis Shay's story so beautifully told. ❤ Sleep peacefully dear Francis, you deserved so much better darling. ❤❤❤
My father-in-law boxed in the same gym as the Krays (he is 92 this year) - he didn't know them personally though - but the stories are fascinating and I always enjoy listening to them! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for watching the video - it's very appreciated! xx
I worked with Frances at Fox Photos in Farringdon Roadshe was one of the nicest charming people l ever knew. The film's failed to portray her for the lovely person she was. So sad.
She looked like the kind of girl you would be lucky to have as a friend, so nice and genuine. I saw the film with the Kemps in and an earlier version of it years ago, she came across as a quiet, shy young lass who did'nt like to be centre of attention and preferred to stay in the background, am I right? The Lord is protecting her now, hopefully she has found her inner peace in Heaven and reunited with family? Poor Kid, no age 23 is'nt to die, her life should have been just beginning and they stole it from her?
Rumours were that Reg didn’t even consummate the marriage. I’m guessing Francis didn’t want to be surrounded by the Kray family, even in death. It’s tragic she couldn’t be resting now with her own family. Francis really deserves her own movie. The book was lovely and speaks for her at last.
Yes! I’d read that - I think putting Gary in with Frances was a way of making sure she would never be moved too. I also agree she should be resting with her own family ❤️ and that it would be amazing to see a movie about her - I thought the book was so interesting and enlightening! Thank you so much for your comment! It’s very appreciated ❤️
@@jojobooboo actually I was wrong … "It was the coroner’s final report that stated that Frances had died a virgin, it is not sensationalism." (from "Kray Brothers: The Image Shattered" by Craig Cabell)
Should have listened to her mum they know best. She could read the krays and could see the outcome. God bless you as you were torn between love and family ❤
A thoughtful, very well presented, and kindly tribute to Fran Shea. A tragic life made all the worse by the incessant attention from Reg Kray. May she rest in paradise.
I was a bit shocked to find out that Kate Hardie in the Kemp brothers Kray movie was Bill Oddie's daughter. Frances was just a victim fished out of the dating pool in London but it was almost too late before she realised what a terrible mistake she made. Dead at 23, just horrendous.
Well you live and learn!!! I had no idea - I’m actually really surprised - thank you so much for that information!!!! That’s brilliant! I agree it was such a tragic situation - thank you so much for your comment - It’s very much appreciated - and thank you for watching ❤❤❤
@@kathleengordon5623 she was decent in movie Croupier which I really loved, same director who did Get Carter I think (the good one with Michael Caine in it).
Obsession isn't love.I believe Francis realized this to late. I actually just saw this movie on Showtime,Tom Hardy did an amazing Job portraying both brothers. Considering the Depression she suffered and Lord knows what medication they put her on,having someone like Reggie in her life? She never had a chance. May she always rest in the arms of the Angels🌹
Great video, beautiful Frances should never be forgotten. To suffer from depression and be married to a Kray , that was never going to end well .Thank you B,B,B .
Thank you so much - I really appreciate you watching and your lovely comment ❤️ I completely agree Frances should always be remembered and yes - it was never going to end well - I think her mum Elsie realised it early on xx
Frances should have had her last wishes granted and her name changed back to Shea, she must have been in a terrible mental and emotional state and felt so alone. I feel for her mother too for losing her daughter at such a young age ...
I remember Father Hetherington well from my childhood. He was a lovely, kind, man and I like to think that he didn’t want Francis to marry into the Kray family for her own good.
Frances was very nearly out of his grip, with the pending annulment, but likely couldn't take the purposeful and continual delays a minute longer. The frustration must've felt like agony to this young girl. She went for the bad boy, which was a shame. There are too many sad stories in life that never got the chance to flip to happier ones. This video about Frances has proven to be the missing piece to past footage I have watched about the Krays.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment - I have read so much about the Krays over the years - I’ve always been interested in them - less so about their crimes and more about how they became cemented in celebrity culture - to the point of mixing with the aristocracy - fascinating! So when I read Jacky Hyams book - I found it absolutely riveting and have re-read it several times! I think Frances pre existing mental health issues were pushed to the limit during her relationship with Reggie - it’s incredibly sad xx
I would say that both the actresses that played her did a really good job, the screenplay was not very accurate in regards to Frances Shea in either movie, she was mostly portrayed as a very fragile nervous girl, but if she turned him down when he first ask her to marry him and then eventually left him I think that she was a lot braver than people think.
You do make a good point - an in that respect I’d say Emily Browning showed the brave side and Kate Hardie the more fragile side ❤️ probably if you could blend the two you’d get closer to the real Frances xx
I've watched three films on the Krays and Francis. ' The Krays " " Legend " and parts one and two of " The Rise of the Krays " and " The Fall of the Krays ". In my opinion the best portrayal of Francis is seen in the " Legend " film. The film also portrays the Krays best also. Its all before my time but the articles I've read about all involved are best seen in the " Legend " and your research and time and effort compliments Francis and what she's been through and even in the photos can see she's not happy. I didn't know she was surrounded by women in the Krays circle all time instead of her husband .They even brought her on holidays again without her husband. In those days no wonder she took herself out of this bad sad situation. Whatever she did to try make a life for herself her husband blocked. I hope she found the peace and happiness she craved and deserved. Thank you for bringing this video to us ❤
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for watching the video - it’s much appreciated! I don’t think I’ve seen the rise and fall of the Krays - I will look out for it! Thank you again for all your kind words - you’ve made my day! ❤️❤️❤️
I remember watching The Krays in the 90s as a teen and being terribly touched by Frances story, she was a delicate and tragic figure I felt. Random fact Kate Hardie is Bill Oddies daughter.
I have read the book Frances Kray - The Tragic Bride can highly recommend.. I can remember reading an article from Frances Niece view of the situation she said that Frances had tried numourous times of taking her own life previously before having met Reggie Kray & that in today's society her state of mind would have been possibly diagnosed as Bipolar if this is the case & meeting Reggie being involved in his world, his controlling manner I think would have been a bad combination her fragile state mentally & physically not knowing who to turn to for help as it would have been taboo to talk about back in those days you were just expected to get on with things from the outside to others she probably looked like the girl who had everything when the reality was she was silently screaming inside in anguish The poor girl never stood a chance but to take the only route that she did as a way out may her beautiful soul be at peace x
Thank you so much for this interesting and thoughtful comment! I absolutely agree with you - especially on the book - it’s such a good read! Yes I think Frances was very vulnerable even before meeting Reggie - after meeting him it was just altogether the perfect storm - so many if onlys and what ifs! ❤️
Her niece was only 4 when she died,and can barely remember her. She would never have known the torment she went through. She also thinks highly of the krays. So doesnt want to think bad about them. Frances tried to kill herself when she was 13,then met Reggie when she was 15. Very young and impressionable
I guess that Frances would have been spoken about a lot in the family and her niece would have grown up with their knowledge as it were - I agree with you Frances must have been in total despair - such a said situation - thank you so much for your comment and for watching ❤️❤️❤️
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre the pleasure is in watching and learning. I’m always very grateful for those RU-vidrs such as yourself who take the time and trouble to produce content. You’re one of just two for whom I’ve pressed the notification bell. Thank you. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.
Her mother was so against the wedding she wore all black . Sadly she would wear it again for her daughters funeral. It’s said the marriage was never consummated and that Reggie was like Ronnie Gay allegedly Perhaps the poor girl realised and that added to her distress.
Ive read that book the tragic bride,thought it was well researched. Reggie who by the way was bisexual like his brother,became obsessed with Frances. She was young innocent pure,and pliable. It was different when he took her holidays,and they had separate rooms,but marrying him was a different matter. She then realised how obsessive and controlling he could be. He took a flat underneath his brother who hated her,and left her there at night to go drinking upstairs at his brothers parties and orgies. Their honeymoon was a disaster,he still left her in the hotel room to go out drinking at night,when drunk he was verbally abusive towards her. She definitely wanted out,but Reggie Krays was very manipulative and controlling,and he didnt want everyone to know the marriage had failed,she felt trapped her depression got worse,she had spent 3 months in Hackney hospital in 1966. Where she became friendly with another patient there. Who said she was nice,always immaculately dressed. She told him she wanted a divorce,they went out on dates together as friends. She also received ECT treatment there. The drugs she got didnt do her nerves any good. She was being pursued by an obsessive man,and she felt the only way out was suicide. She left a diary of the torment she went through,basically she is another victim of the krays,and the way he controlled every aspect of her funeral,disregarding her parents. Who only tried to protect her showed you how controlling he could be,when they split up he began dating another pretty girl christine coombe,she was a stronger type,and definitely got away from the krays. She wrote to reggie in prison,but has never written a book about them. She has stayed out of the spotlight.
Thank you so much for your comment! That’s so interesting about Christine thank you for that! I found the book so incredibly interesting - I have pretty much every book written by or about the Krays and Tragic Bride by Jacky Hyams she’s a lot of new light for me on the subject ❤❤❤
Frances story was so sad and the enlightenment of how some people pay such a high price for loving wrong or bad people, hoping they might change. She was beautiful, intelligent and happy, until she's got involved with Krays. If she has never met Krays, she would probably have a happy and long life instead of her life been cut short.....R.I.P angel..
Sadly Frances had tried to end her life twice before she met Reg . The family had a history of mental illness. Either way I don’t think her time on this planet would of been long
She did have some serious issues I agree - I think some of the treatments she had were pretty unpleasant - although I wonder as someone else said in a previous post - if Ron had stayed in prison and it had been just her and Reg - who was very much interested in being a businessman (even if he’d been somewhat dodgy) would that have made a difference to Frances? ❤️
Thank you for your most interesting documentary. I knew about the Krays and their criminal world however I was unaware of Francis. The gravestone is just stunning, beautifully carved. Unfortunately it comes with a high price of a tragic ending. RIP Francis. Australia
You’re very welcome! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for watching ❤️🌹 the story of Frances is so sad - and yes I agree - a very high price to pay ❤️
Kate Hardies portrail of Frances in The Kraus film was brilliant. I really like that film. Next year my husband and I are going on a coach trip to take in some of the Kraus old haunts ending with a visit to their graves so I found this extremely interesting. Thank you 😁
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I’m glad you found the narration and research engaging. It’s important to remember the human side of historical figures and their families, and your sentiment is much appreciated. Thank you for watching and for your respect. xxxx
Thank you so much for uploading. Very sad story. It may seem glamorous to a young girl initially to have a tough protective gangster as a boyfriend but the magic soon disappears. Her mind was undoubtedly troubled but being married to Reggie Kray couldn't have helped. He probably sort of loved her but it didn't seem to be in the way a normal man with a healthy attitude towards women loves. That beautiful girl was all too often left shut up alone while he went out. That's no life. The loneliness must have been awful for her.
Hi Helen - that’s my thoughts too - such a sad story 😢 I can understand how and why Frances fell for Reggie and although she would have soon realised it was a rather unusual situation at that initial point I don’t think she could have predicted how far it would go and how dangerous it would get - she was so young ❤❤❤ Thank you so much for your comment and for watching xxxx
Hello shar once again you haven't disappointed a very sad ending for Frances unfortunately I don't think Reggie kray would have allowed her to leave him. This poor girl must have been terrified to think that's the only way out.
Thank you so much! I do agree with you Cliff - I think he had no intention of letting her go - and quite possibly Frances realised that - I do think Reggie was totally obsessed with Frances and it was important for Reggie to have control. ❤️
You handled the story with your typical kindness and sensitivity, which the poor girl and her family deserved. What most struck me was how uncomfortable Frances looked in all those photographs. I hope she at least had some moments of happiness in that doomed relationship, but there doesn't seem to be much evidence of it. It's a very sad story of course, but Frances looks a particularly sad person. Regarding the cinema depictions of her life, I think more recent films tend to portray women as much stronger characters than in the past, even when they're completely out of their depth in an abusive and/or controlling relationship such as this. So we can't rely on films for historical accuracy, especially when much of the emphasis is placed on glamour and seduction. Personally I think Emily Browning did a far better job as an actress, but she was given a more prominent role in the film and so perhaps a greater opportunity to shine. Anyway, the legend lives on.
Thank you so much as always Micheal! An interesting kind and insightful comment ❤ I agree Frances often looked out of her depth in social situations that she was photographed in - I can’t imagine how I would of handled a situation like that at my current (old) age let alone at 15/16 or 23 even! It’s quite amazing how differently Frances was portrayed in the two films - interestingly to my knowledge and I could be wrong I admit - so if anyone knows differently I’d be interested to hear - Reggie object to the portrayal of his mother violet in the Kemp brothers version but not to the portrayal of Frances. I know that the Kemp brothers met the twins - visiting them in prison - would of been interesting to have been a fly on the wall as they say - during those discussions! Thank you again for your comment and for watching ❤❤❤
This was really an extraordinary episode i cried i didn't know the acctress very well but all i know is that she was a really good actress and was loved by all xx
Thank you for remembering Frances she was so young when she died very sad, I only saw one of the films the older one it was very good. You are so good at telling the stories!. 💜
Everyone knew what the Krays were like,cruel bastards,they never hid it, Always puzzles me why any girl would want them as a boyfriend never mind a husband, no one told me to be warey of bad boys ,I just was, their cruelty never appealed to me. I married a very quiet fellow, loved his mum got on with everyone, best husband in the World, why would anyone choose a bad boy surely events 14 anyone would have that much sense. My dad was a very quiet good humoured man, so perhaps had him as a role model
so sad. Thank you for this video, I had never heard of this story. I bet she would have still been with us if that gangster had not bullied her into staying in his life. It seems she felt she had no choice but give up. Very heartbreaking.
She certainly showed the vulnerable and fragile side of Frances - it’s been a long time since I’ve watched the 1990 version - I think I might re watch soon!
A fantastic video and a eye opener It's so sad and a shame she had to be buried with the kray family She must have had a hell of a life Rest in peace frances
Beautifully presented, great respect put forward by yourself, such a sad loss to a young woman caught up in a shocking if not fascinating part of history, such a problem her parents didn't get their wish excellent,
Thank you for your unbiased, educational and thoughtful video. Frances was a very troubled young lady and I feel she was pushed over the edge by both Reggie and Ronnie, and its no secret that Ronnie despised her and felt she was becoming between the brothers. RIP my beauty. Dave SHEA
Hi Dave - thank you so much for your kind comment - I think like many people I have always found the story of Frances so incredibly sad - she was so young with so many possibilities ahead of her - and I’m sure for her family there were a million ‘if only’ moments - I’m assuming by your surname that you may be related to Frances - I can only imagine how devastating and painful it was for her parents, brother and family ❤️
Thank you, what a lovely tribute. Frances would have been about the same age as myself if she had lived. Such a waste. I remember the days of the Krays, they ruled London.
So tragic poor Fran she was so beautiful and trapped in a loveless marriage. R.I.P Fran God bless you. I hope you are now happy with your family. You will never be forgotten and always loved 🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖🇬🇧🌹❤️
I absolutely agree with you! I actually put off watching Legend for ages after it was released because I thought the whole idea of Tom Hardy playing both parts could never work - HOW WRONG I WAS!!!! He was superb! It's one of my favourite re-watch films and that says a lot, because normally I'm strictly a vintage film fan! I rarely watch anything thats not 40s,50,60s or 70s! xxxx
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Eloquently said. If I may suggest: Watch the short RU-vid video / Legend montage, set to the Skyfall music by Adele. Tom Hardy would have made the perfect James Bond, too. The man is an exceptional talent - a superb actor.
Another excellent video, Thank You. I've only seen the Kemp brothers film. I think I'll watch the Tom Hardy one this evening. Poor Frances. She must've lived on her nerves 💔 Rest in peace ❤️
Oh my GOODNESS!!! You must watch Legend and let me know what you think! I loved the Kemp brothers version but Legend was amazing - my friend and I have watched it a squillion times and can feed each other the lines while watching 🤭 it’s two very different portrayals of Frances! ❤️
I think the actress in the Tom Hardy film gave the better performance, subtler and a better portrayal of her mental state. I think Francis was caught between a rock and a hard place, her mother was obviously opinionated and controlling, initially Francis may not have realised she had married a man with a similar character. At the end she must have felt there was no alternative if she wanted to escape the pressure from both sides, she took her life to free herself.
Thank you so much for your comment! Initially when Legend came out I didn’t watch it - I loved the Kemp brothers version and they also met the twins so I felt it was a good portrayal - and I couldn’t imagine one person playing both parts - but eventually I gave in and watched it - oh WOW!!! I couldn’t believe how brilliant it was! It’s interesting what you’ve said about Frances’s mother - though I think her mother perhaps was a little bit more savvy about the Krays reputation and was worried about her daughter but perhaps not dealing with the situation in the best way xxxx
Nice video. I learned about the Kray brothers in Ireland, my friends were twin brothers and everyone called them the Krays. One gave me a book, eventually I looked them up. At first it was all about Ronnie being so sick in the head. Legend was amazing, I will look into the other movie too. Are we sure it was suicide? I am sad her wishes weren't granted.
I have to say they are really interesting to read about! I have rather a lot of books written by people that knew them and their own books too - Reggie in particular liked writing - and of course Fred Dinenage collaborated with them as did John Pearson - Legend is brilliant and I would definitely recommend the Kemp brothers film. As far as Frances is concerned I believe so because she left behind a lot of notes and various bits of writing ❤️ thank you for watching the video x
Thank you for this video.francis never stood a chance.even if she had made it to annul the marriage because her marriage to Reggie was never consummated.she would never of been allowed to live a normal life.reggie would of made sure of that.may her soul rest in peace 💐🙏🌹🌷. peace and love 💛
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre I one million percent agree with you totally.its such a tremendous shame.he wasn't as loving towards her as he tried to pretend he was.he put that beautiful lady through hell and back.she was super vulnerable to start with he literally finished her off by breaking whatever spirit she had left! Peace and love 💛
Hi Shar, Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I love how you put so much time and effort into researching, writing, editing, filming, and presenting your work. I always look forward to watching your video; they are always superb. Regarding the Kray films and the portrayal of Fran Shea, I think the Tom Hardy version was more authentic than the 1990 version. Thanks again for all the effort you put in. You are a wonderful filmmaker, and also a very beautiful person, in all respects.
You’ve absolutely made my day! Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I It makes it all worthwhile! I really can’t thank you enough! I do love the Tom Hardy version - it’s always a ‘go to’ film for my friend and I when we get together! Partly because we both live the glamour of the clothes and the decor! There is a lot of attention to detail in the film. Thank you again!!!! ❤️🌹
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre You are very welcome, beautiful lady. I've read all the books that have been written about the Krays, and I was very disappointed in the 1990s film version. I found it to be rather on the corny side, and I wasn't impressed by the acting either. I totally agree with you; there is far more attention to detail in the Hardy film. Yes, weren't the clothes wonderful in those days? Being a fella who doesn't work in an office, I wish I could have an excuse to wear flash suits and ties every day of the week. A suit can make even 'non-Hardy' types look a little bit easier on the eye. Please keep making your wonderful videos, Shar. You're doing a fabulous job by entertaining, educating, and informing. 😘🌹🌹🌹
If I remember correctly, I saw an interview with one of the Kray firm, I think it was with Fred Dinage but I’m not sure. In it, the gang member said that he was convinced that Ronnie made her take the overdose somehow to get rid of her without implicating himself as to actually murdering her. Given her mental health history it would easily be put down to self inflicted and not largely unexpected. She was young and impressionable and frightened of the twins, especially Ronnie, so there could be an element of truth in it. Only she and Ronnie know the truth
Yes I’ve read/heard something similar - I do know Frances had made similar attempts in the past and she did leave a number of notes x Thank you so much for watching x
It's so tragic it almost ridiculous. She was absolutely helpless and powerless. Couldn't escape or just get help to save herself... trapped with no way out, doomed, depressed and too weak to fight and wait it out. She must have lost all hope and strength to survive in order to control her life. The twins were neither clever nor intelligent and powerful enough if she only held out and had some kind of support or looked for it. They ended up in prison some years later and she'd be free of them had she lived. However, if she took the pills because she couldn't cope and couldn't see the way out there was nothing anyone could do. Not to mention that some suggest she was forced by the other twin to take them as he was jealous and insane. In other words, she was murdered and didn't get away before it was too late or couldn't so it and had nowhere to go. Maybe she was doomed from the start or maybe it just happened later on and she couldn't get away then. Tragic victim of a couple of psychotic bullies who should have never walked this earth... RIP
As a new subscriber Im really enjoying your channel. I have seen both movies and personally think the first one was a better portray of Frances. I actually share the same birthday with here. How sad and heartbreaking for her to be so distraught she took her own life… then she has them all around her in the graveyard. Sad. Thank you though for a fantastic presentation.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for subscribing - it's very appreciated! i completely agree with you, such a sad situation xx I have to say my heart breaks for what her mother went through, and she worked so hard to try and have Frances moved and re-buried x
I have to absolutely agree! It is such a sad story - Legend is brilliant - my favourite although I do think Kate Hardie gives a stunning performance in the 1990 film ❤️ got to say Emily’s costumes were superb!
I remember watching the film Legend in the cinema, and I got the impression that the courtship of Frances was portrayed as innocent possibly naieve you could say. What a tragedy for the Shea family, and had Frances lived you have the feeling it wasn't going to end well. I wonder if he went ahead with the relationship and later marriage, because of the difficulty he had accepting his ambiguous sexuality, and may have felt he had something to prove, just a theory. Thanks again Shar, with best wishes from South Wales. 👍
It’s a really difficult one - I think he did love her in his own way but it was complicated - I believe Reggie slept with quite a few women - so it’s all a bit confusing - it’s definitely possible he married Frances because he felt he had something to prove like you say as it was very different times - but either way I have to say endlessly fascinating! Thank you so much for your comment and for watching ❤️❤️❤️
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Until I watched your video I had no idea that Reggie’s sexuality was questionable! I know that Ronnie was gay but I thought Reggie was as straight as they come! But then who really knows the truth about it all? Nobody other than the Krays themselves I guess & they obviously took their secrets to their graves so we will never know the truth. I’m sure there’s a lot of other things about them we will never know either which is probably a good thing! Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it 👍
Yeah i think it was to dispel the obvious rumours that MUST have been flying around about his "pacadolous" as it were. But if he had "a thing" for her brother it might have also been so he could be around him at the same time
@@rainblaze. ... Do you mean 'peccadillo's'. I always thought Reggie was 100% straight too, but then again I've known a lot of 'straight' men who really aren't. Neither of the films hinted at this either.
@@Tidybitz Here in the uk it was pretty well known at the time of his realise from prison he had a boy friend by his bed side. It was sometime ago though but i also can vaguely remember he even admitted to this. But yeah he was at the very lest bisexual. Given they were identical twins so were to all i tents and purpose the same person genetically. Its really not that surprising As for the peccadilos thing . I am dyslexic and rely on spell check to pick those kinda things up. So unless you can recognise the difference between two words that sort of spelt the same way, like cheque and check for example, you are kind of fcked in your choice. Thanks for your reply
Another great video 👍🙂 Crikey, it's difficult to find any positives, regarding the short and tragic life of Frances Elsie Shea (Kray) Despite all of their fake glamour, the Kray twins seemed to have the knack to casually corrupt anything & everything around them. I haven't watched the Kemp brother's movie about the Krays but Tom Hardy's portrayal was brilliant but as is in the case of other recent gangster movies, 'Good Fellahs,' etc it's not easy looking beyond the nice suits, fast cars, loads of money and close family ties, to realise these men are evil. Frances seemed sucked in and like quick sand, the harder she struggled, the deeper she sank. And even in her lonely death, she's still in their grasp. Her beautiful head stone, seems to me, mocking her. Frances and her own family, unable to have their wishes followed. Trumped by a convicted murderer, whose human rights carried more weight? Death isn't always a release. Loose ends often remain frayed and tangled.
So sad, she was just a child but could see the insurmountable horrors ahead of her, with her marriage and long seated battle with her demons. Thanks for this impeccably researched and beautifully presented gem 🙏🏻 I will continue this journey through your captivating, albeit moving documentaries with an emphasis on the Crays now tonight. I am also very interested to discover Barbara Windsor’s role in this fascinating era, the low-down. As always, we lay the flowers together 💐X
Such a kind and loving gesture to leave flowers at all the final resting places that you visit of our favourite stars of stage, film and tv. Poor young Frances never stood a chance did she, surrounded by them in life and death, sharing a grave with one relative of the Kray's I'd never heard of. Just hope she went to Heaven away from them all?
Thank you so much for your appreciation for the gesture of leaving flowers at the final resting places - my grandmother was a florist and I grew up being taught that you should take flowers when you visit a grave. Frances Kray's story is indeed poignant, and your sentiment reflects the tragic circumstances she faced. While her life may have been overshadowed by the notoriety of others, one can only hope for peace and solace for her in the afterlife. Thank you for your kind comment and for watching the video - it's very appreciated xxxx
I enjoyed the video completely. I don't know much about the Krays, but you filled in all the gaps plus portraying the life of Francis ( l hope l have spelt her name properly). I feel so drawn to the glamorous life of the top people in the fifties. I think Francis was too young to take her life , perhaps she was suffering too much. I love the flowers you placed carefully at her grave. Thank you so very much. This has been a fantastic video full of facts. Best wishes .
Thank you so very much! Female version of Frances is with an ‘e’ I get confused sometimes too! I also feel the same about the Fifties! It’s why I love doing these videos - I get so absorbed in the era - it’s like time travel - I really enjoy it! Thank you for your kind comment and for watching - very much appreciated! ❤️
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Forgive me for replying but l cant resist. I would give anything to have lived in that era. Red lipstick, compacts and meals in beautiful restaurants with table cloths and silverware. Thank you for your kindness regarding my spelling. Frances is a lovely name. I have so many recordings of fifties films...even the trains had steam coming from them. Thank you with all my heart. I love your channel. It's my favourite.....🥀💗
@@T5-635good morning!!! Your replies are most welcome - kind interesting and thoughtful replies are always a pleasure to receive! ❤ I’ve always loved the past - history was my favourite subject at school and the more recent past ie the 40s, 50s & 60s fascinates me - from the politics and social culture to the clothes, hairstyles, makeup and music! I love vintage events such as Goodwood Revival - all those amazing cars! As for spellings - I often have to double check - you can’t know everything xxxx also I can’t remember the last time I watched a modern film - it could have been Legend 🤭 so when I do watch them they’re normally about the past! 😂❤❤❤
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Much respect to you. You are a lovely lady. I kept thinking about the way they used to close their handbags in the fifties films. I love the film A Taste of Honey. I have been in an old Bentley car. The dashboard was beautiful wood and the seats real leather. I love Hattie Jaques. I do wish there was such a thing as a time machine. Wishing you the very best. Honoustly l am glad l found your channel. Class with real life. Thank you so so much. 🥀🥀💗
🤭 thank you soooo much - Im working on the next one almost as I type 🤭 it’s as different as it’s possible to get - Im madly excited about this person! I hope you will be too - a real blast from the past! ❤️❤️❤️
As usual very well put together shar. this one is close to my heart, like i said before for some reason this this really drew me in like a magnet and i read everything i could about Francis and her background, i often pop down to chingford to see a friend of mine and always put some roses on her grave, its really heartbreaking she was such a beauty, her eyes hypnotised you, i can see why reg fell deeply in love with her, but you cant throw somebody from her background into his world it doesn't work, she was never gangsters moll material, but to be fair reg did pay for a lot of expensive treatment for her in private clinics, maybe if they been left alone to get on with there lives it would never have happened, who knows, but i dont think Ron would have allowed that, i just wondered if she had not committed suicide and reg and Ron would have been sent down for life a year later whether she would have done it. ?!! Regards exhuming her remains that was never going to happen because Reg would have opened up a can of worms on people in very high places. One of them being Lord boothby. she was like a caged bird there was no way she could have met anybody else Reg would have made sure they were fish food, So sad, what an awful place she must of been in. Lets hope she is in a better place with her family around her again. X
Hi James ❤️ thank you so much for your lovely comment - I completely understand how you feel about Frances - her eyes do draw you in - they are stunningly and perfectly beautiful ❤️ she seemingly had so much going for her but sadly meeting Reggie was not helpful - even though as you say he tried and he paid for treatment etc - and I agree - had he been a regular ‘businessman’ as the newspapers referred to him at time - things may have been different - but to put a 15/16 year old into that lifestyle I guess it’s sink or swim - the fact that Ron disliked her so much would have been proper scary too! I’m so pleased that you take flowers - I believe that’s something she asked for - red roses being her favourite 🌹 I also agree that unlike Dolly and Charlie - Reg wouldn’t have tolerated Frances being with anyone else and she was certainly trapped 😢 Thank you for watching xxxx
