Sophie Turner‘s upcoming crime drama JOAN on THE CW is generating a lot of attention, but is this grim tale based in fact? Yes! Even though JOAN contains certain dramatic elements, it is based on the true story of Joan Hannington, one of the most infamous jewel thieves in the UK during the 1980s. Richard Laxton and Anna Symon are the directors of the six-part documentary, which offers an intriguing and gloomy glimpse inside London’s criminal underbelly. However, how true to the original tale does this program stay?
WHO WAS JOAN HANNINGTON?
Born in 1957, Joan Hannington endured a difficult upbringing in East London. She experienced difficulties at a young age such as an abusive father and a turbulent marriage. She was sent on a risky path by these negative experiences and the tragic loss of her daughter to social services. Her entry into the realm of – gem theft was driven more by desperation than by glamour. As one of the most accomplished jewel thieves of her era, Hannington gained notoriety for her renowned act of — swallowing stolen gems to avoid discovery.
The series depicts Joan’s transformation from a mother trying to reclaim her kid to a formidable figure in the criminal underbelly of London, giving her the moniker “The Godmother.” Although JOAN gives viewers an exciting look into this turbulent existence, the character’s true motivation — Hannah’s need to be with her daughter again—remains at the center.
Author “Anna Symon” skillfully balanced dramatic storytelling with realism. The criminal’s ascent in the 1980s and her own tribulations are described in her own way in the world. Hannington’s 2002 autobiography ‘I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief ‘inspired her.
Hannington also worked with the writing to make sure that important details of her life were kept true to life. Nevertheless, certain information is changed for narrative purposes, such as her daughter’s name, which is changed from Debbie to Kelly in the program.
Even though, JOAN gives some sequences a theatrical flair, the program remains faithful to the core of Joan’s story—a complicated woman attempting to balance parenthood, crime, and survival. The narrative by Symon captures Joan’s journey from a struggling single mother to a master crook, highlighting both the glitzy and gritty aspects of her existence.
The formidable role of Joan Hannington is taken on by Sophie Turner, who is most renowned for her work on “Game of Thrones”. Turner discussed her relationship to the character in an interview, pointing out that Joan’s goals are closely related to her identity as a mother. Turner remarked, “Joan is a flawed woman who made tragic decisions, but every mother can relate to her fight for her child.” Because of this inner depth of feeling, Joan is a fascinating character both on and off screen. Her tenderness, especially in her relationship with her daughter, outweighs her illegal actions.
THE 1980S: THE REALITY OF CRIME
JOAN presents a more comprehensive picture of crime in 1980s England than just the story of a single lady. While prominent criminals such as the notorious Kray twins were more prevalent during this period, Joan Hannington made her own way in the world. She was one of the few female criminals to make it to the top in a world dominated by men. Joan’s relationship with her second husband, “Boisie”, contributed to the development of her notoriety and enabled her to pull off audacious gem heists valued at millions of pounds.
But Joan’s trip wasn’t without its consequences. She left crime behind after spending years in the criminal underworld and after Boisie passed away. Her subsequent life serves as an example of redemption — she avoided serious accusations and concentrated on raising her son Benny.
Even with JOAN’s artistic license — the story’s essential plot points are firmly grounded on actual occurrences. The piece doesn’t sugarcoat the darker, more poignant parts of Hannington’s experiences; instead, it presents an often-glamorous picture of her illicit life. Because of the criminality, peril, and personal tragedy that characterized Joan Hannington’s life, her narrative was a perfect fit for the big screen.
JOAN HANNINGTON SON: WHERE IS BENNY BOISIE JR. NOW?
