Ep 4. Tilly Devine - Madam Razor

Tilly Devine - Madam Razor is the fourth episode of the second season of Australian Crime Stories. The episode delves into the life of Matilda "Tilly" Devine, one of the most notorious criminals and a prominent figure in the underworld of Sydney during the 1920s and 1930s.

The episode begins with a brief introduction of Tilly Devine's early years and her move to Australia from London at a young age. It then delves into how Tilly first became involved in crime and prostitution, forming a connection with a notorious pimp, Frank Green, who was later murdered.

Tilly's involvement in the Razor Gang Wars, which shook the streets of Sydney in the 1920s, is explored in detail in the episode. The Razor Gang Wars were a series of violent turf battles between two rival gangs - the Darlinghurst Push, led by Tilly Devine; and the Surry Hills Push, led by rival criminal and gang leader, Kate Leigh. The fights between the two gangs were brutal, and razor blades, hence the name Razor Gang Wars, were used as weapons leading to the death of many.

The episode also highlights Tilly's use of violence, intimidation, and bribery to keep control of her criminal empire, with a focus on her relationship with the police and politicians of the time. The episode reveals Tilly's political connections and how she used them to get out of trouble on numerous occasions.

But Tilly's criminal activities soon got the attention of the authorities, and she was arrested on several occasions over the years, including for running brothels. The episode takes a deep dive into the court proceedings and trials against Tilly, showcasing the tactics used by her lawyers to defend her and the evidence brought to the court proceedings.

Tilly's later years and her death are also explored in the episode. Tilly passed away in 1970, but her legacy has lived on, and her story has become folklore in Sydney's criminal history.

Overall, Tilly Devine - Madam Razor is a gripping episode of Australian Crime Stories that sheds light on the history of one of Australia's most notorious criminals and the legacy she left behind. The episode uses a mix of interviews, archival footage, and reenactments to bring Tilly's story to life in vivid detail, showing how her criminal activities affected the people of Sydney and the wider Australian community.