Watch Ken Leishman: The Flying Bandit

Ken Leishman: The Flying Bandit is a riveting documentary film that chronicles the life of Ken Leishman, a notorious Canadian criminal who eluded the law for over two decades with a string of daring robberies and daring escapes. The film is directed and produced by Elva Leishman Balch, the daughter of Ken Leishman, and features interviews with family members, friends, law enforcement officials, and journalists who have covered Ken's life of crime.

The film begins with Ken Leishman's early years growing up in rural Manitoba, and his entry into a life of crime at a young age. He started off small, stealing from local stores and gas stations, but soon graduated to more serious crimes, including bank robberies, airplane hijackings, and prison escapes. Through archival footage and photographs, viewers get a glimpse into the thrilling and chaotic world of Ken Leishman, one of Canada's most wanted criminals.

One of the highlights of the film is the interviews with people who knew Ken personally, including his family members and former criminal associates. They provide insight into his personality, motivations, and mindset, giving viewers a more complex and nuanced portrait of this legendary criminal. The film also features interviews with law enforcement officials and journalists, who offer their perspectives on what made Ken Leishman so elusive and difficult to catch.

The film delves into the specifics of some of Ken's most audacious heists, such as the robbery of an armored truck in Winnipeg in 1966, which netted him over $250,000. Ken was infamous for his modus operandi, which involved using small airplanes to hop from one town to another, robbing banks along the way. He would then parachute out of the plane while in mid-air, changing his disguise and slipping away from the authorities undetected.

The film also explores Ken Leishman's personal life, including his marriages and children, and how his criminal activities affected those around him. It's a poignant and often heartbreaking look at the human cost of a life of crime, and how it can tear families apart.

Overall, Ken Leishman: The Flying Bandit is a fascinating portrait of one of Canada's most notorious criminals, and a gripping tale of a life lived on the edge. It's a must-watch for true crime fans, as well as anyone who wants to understand what motivates people to break the law, and how they manage to evade justice for so long. The film is well-paced, well-researched, and expertly produced, with a great soundtrack that captures the mood and energy of the era. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, and a compelling example of how truth can be stranger than fiction.

Ken Leishman: The Flying Bandit is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.0.