Citizen Gangster

Edwin Boyd, a World War II veteran, struggles to support his family while working as a bus driver in Toronto. His mundane existence is filled with financial challenges and a longing for a more exciting life, creating a sense of desperation and disillusionment.

During his time in England during the war, Edwin Boyd meets Doreen, who becomes his source of hope and love. Their bond blossoms against the backdrop of conflict, leading to the establishment of a family once the war ends.

As Edwin and Doreen build their life together, they face the challenges of raising their two young children amidst financial instability. Edwin's dreams become overshadowed by the responsibilities of parenthood and his job, further fueling his dissatisfaction.

Boyd's aspirations of becoming a Hollywood star are consistently thwarted by his retired policeman father, who reminds him of the impracticality of his dreams. This constant discouragement weighs heavily on Boyd's psyche and contributes to his growing discontent.

In a moment of desperation, Edwin decides to take control of his life by robbing a bank. Armed with an old pistol and a disguise, Boyd's decision marks the beginning of a crime spree that will ultimately define his life in a detrimental way.

With the inception of Edwin's criminal activities, he recruits fellow veterans to form the Boyd Gang. This group, including Lenny Jackson, Ann Roberts, and Val Kozak, begins to execute a series of heists that garner significant media attention.

As the gang embarks on their criminal journey, tensions arise between Boyd and Lenny Jackson. Their shared war experiences create a bond, but differing visions for their future lead to conflicts that threaten the gang's unity.

Val Kozak becomes increasingly entangled in the gang's operations while experiencing personal turmoil. His affair with Mary Mitchell introduces further complications, revealing his deeper insecurities and a longing for a better life.

On the other side of the law, Detective Rhys diligently pursues the Boyd Gang. His commitment to his family mirrors his dedication to capturing the gang, which adds layers of tension to the story as he stays one step ahead.

As Edwin indulges further in criminal activities, his marriage with Doreen begins to deteriorate. The strain of his choices casts a shadow over their family, leaving Edwin to ponder the true cost of his ambitions.

As the Boyd Gang gains notoriety for their crimes, media coverage escalates, complicating their operations. Edwin's charisma attracts public attention, which only intensifies the pressure on the gang as they attempt to evade capture.

With each robbery, the consequences of their actions become increasingly apparent. Edwin realizes that his initial quest for manhood and financial stability has spiraled into a violent and chaotic world, threatening everything he holds dear.

Tensions reach a breaking point as the law closes in on the Boyd Gang. Edwin must confront the harsh realities of his life choices and the repercussions his actions may have on his family and comrades.

Throughout the chaos, Edwin reflects on his journey from a disillusioned veteran to a notorious criminal. The weight of his decisions leads him to question if his pursuit of dreams was worth the price paid by his loved ones.

In the aftermath of the gang's criminal activities, Edwin's life begins to unravel. His relationships are strained, and he confronts the disintegration of the family he fought to protect, making it clear that the dream can often turn into a nightmare.