Gangster No. 1

The film opens with an unnamed British veteran gangster attending a boxing match with his friends. During the match, he receives surprising news about Freddie Mays, another infamous gangster, who is set to be released from prison after 30 long years.

Following the announcement of Mays' release, the story transitions to the 1960s, showcasing the rise of the young gangster to prominence in the criminal underworld. During this flashback, he captures the attention of Freddie Mays, who recognizes the gangster's potential as an enforcer.

Eager to impress Mays, the young gangster displays his violent tendencies, which earn him Mays' admiration. As he becomes more involved in the gang, his obsession with Mays' lavish lifestyle grows, marked by Mays' stylish appearance and luxurious living conditions.

The gangster learns about a plot orchestrated by rival Lennie Taylor to murder Freddie Mays. Instead of warning Mays, he makes the fateful decision to let the attack take place, eliminating the only person who knew of the plot in order to protect his own interests.

In a horrific scene, Taylor's gang executes a brutal attack on Mays, resulting in a violent shooting and stabbing. Tragically, in the assault, Karen, Mays' fiancée, is also killed, marking a turning point in the gangster's life and escalating the violence in the story.

In response to the horrific attack on Mays, the gangster seeks vengeance against Lennie Taylor. He confronts Taylor at his flat, shooting him in the leg before torturing him to his death, further entrenching himself in the violent underbelly of crime.

The following day, the gangster finds out that Freddie Mays survived the attack but has been wrongfully imprisoned for orchestrating Taylor's murder. This unjust imprisonment allows the gangster to rise to power as he takes control of the gang.

With Mays behind bars, the gangster expands his operations and builds a formidable organization within the criminal landscape. His journey includes bank heists, casino openings, and race-fixing, ultimately growing his gang to over 300 members during his reign.

The story returns to the present day, where the aged gangster finds himself back at the boxing event. He learns that Karen has survived the tragic events and is now set to marry a changed Freddie Mays, who has recently been released from prison.

In an attempt to confront his past, the gangster invites Mays to his flat, where he has taken over. He offers Mays money and his flat, but Mays, now desiring a quiet life with Karen, refuses the gangster's offers as he reflects on his lost ambitions.

In a climactic moment, the gangster threatens Mays with a gun, revealing the depth of his desperation and regret. However, instead of taking his life, he surprising hands the gun over to Mays, confessing his role in Mays' suffering and Taylor's demise.

Mays, instead of retaliating against the gangster, walks away from their confrontation, choosing to leave the past behind. This act leaves the gangster to reflect on the emptiness and futility of his violent life choices as he grapples with guilt.

Feeling lost and without purpose following Mays' departure, the gangster becomes increasingly unstable, losing his grip on reality. In a haunting finale, he chooses to end his life by stepping off a building, marking a tragic conclusion to his tumultuous journey.

As he takes that final step, the gangster utters his last words: 'I'm number one.' This statement reflects his flawed worldview and his misguided belief in his own importance, leaving the audience with a profound sense of loss and regret.