Bindon

by John C Bindon & Wensley Clarkson

John Bindon is a modern legend. A fine screen presence and a powerful figure in London's underworld, his film-star looks, charm and talent brought him worldwide exposure. His story reads like the plot of a movie which Big John himself might have landed a part in. Usually typecast in tough-guy roles, his on-screen persona was chillingly close to the real-life one. Big John's nickname came from his status as a legendary sexual performer, so it was no surprise that his encounters with stunning women, most famously Princess Margaret, led to numerous high profile relationships. But most of all, Big John was a warm-hearted, complex man, utterly devoted to those who have him respect and always prepared to be the last line of defence to those closest to him. He emerged from a poor, working class London childhood and fraternised with the Krays and the Richardsons, but eventually turned his back on crime to play major parts in films such as Mick Jagger's Performance, "The Who's Quadrophenia" and Michael Caine's "Get Carter". This is the a truly moving book, as powerful as The Guv'nor, about a man who was many different things to many people, but never anything but himself.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ian Mapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange book to review..... the writing is clunky, sensational and rather repetitive. The subject fascinating and one that endures.

So Bindon was a thug, petty gangster (well up to the point he killed that man) and west London drinker who found his way into the movies. And its got to be said into some absolute classics. Lucky cow. Performance. Get Carter and strangely not mentioned in the book, Quadrophenia. Have a google of him hugging Phil Daniels to get a size of the man.

But not the asset he was most famous for, as this book must repeat about 100 times. He had a dong big enough to hang 5 half pint pots onto. There is a youtube song of people celebrating this through song. In Shoreditch. They are not normal there.

This legendary appendage bought him to the attention of many women from all walks of life, including models, Christine Keeler and Princess Margret who we all know liked a drink. Only explanation for a lady that scalds both feet whilst having a bath. No one jumps into a hot bath, two footed, when sober.

The main love of his life was a baronesses daughter, Vicky Hodge, who also happens to be the auntie of Jodie Kidd (again, not explained in the book).

Its a fascinating life though and I loved the way the story told of old London in the sixties. Brought back the society of afternoon pub closures, illegal drinking dens, old school cons/blags, cops and robbers. Like an episode of the Sweeney.

You've also got to love the way that Vicki Hodge had a career of simply manipulating the media. She went on to have an affair with Prince Andrew herself (allegedly).

Of course the book paints Bindon as a "working class" hero - Ronnie and Reggie wouldn't hurt a fly, loved his mom etc. I had a search on Twitter for him. A lot of comments of him being a thug and bully, who's entourage were a menace, showing little respect and terrorising the regulars in the pubs they drank in.

I had the kindle version - which had a nice map of the West London locations (only viewable on Kindle Android App and not on the device, where it is too small) and none of the photos that I see are mentioned in the paper version of the book. Which is a shame.

[D BARRASS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating subject carries the book. Kindle edition doesn't have the photos so I had to google for them.

[Shell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made me so angry, i did not think i would stick with it.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

The truth and nothing but the truth

This book certainly gives a strong flavour of the sixties and seventies criminal activity read it through in one sitting.