The death of Paul Ferris, aged 62, has brought renewed interest in his life and times. The ex-gangster, who came to the public's attention when he was cleared of the murder of Arthur Thompson Jnr - son of crime godfather Arthur Thompson Snr - was immortalised on the screen in film The Wee Man.
Film charts rise from troubled childhood
The film charted the story of his rise from a troubled childhood in Glasgow to becoming one of the city's most known gangland figures. The Wee Man was released in 2013 and stars Martin Compston as Ferris and follows his tough life growing up in Blackhill during the 1970s and 80s.
The film begins with Ferris's childhood, showing him as a young boy bullied by local youths and growing up in an area where poverty, violence and crime were part of everyday life. As he gets older, he decides to fight back against those who have made his life difficult, setting him on a path that eventually leads him into Glasgow's criminal underworld.
Supporting cast and viewer praise
A major figure in the story is Arthur Thompson Snr, played by Patrick Bergin. Thompson was one of Glasgow's most notorious crime bosses, and Ferris eventually became involved with his organisation as an enforcer. From there, the film follows Ferris as his reputation grows and he becomes increasingly involved in the violent world around him. It also looks at the people closest to him and the effect his lifestyle has on his family and relationships.
Martin Compston takes the lead role and gives a memorable performance as Ferris. The actor, who would go on to become best known for Line of Duty and The Rig, plays the character from his younger years through to his involvement in the Glasgow underworld. The film has an impressive supporting cast too, with John Hannah, Denis Lawson, Stephen McCole and Rita Tushingham among those appearing alongside Compston. Gregory's Girl star Clare Grogan, Two Doors Down's Joy McAvoy, Laura McMonagle, Andrew Marley and Alastair Thomson Mills also feature in the film.
Viewers have hailed the film as "brilliant", with one review reading: "A brilliant movie, beautiful to watch in it's way, a damn near perfect film in its true to life portrayal of the Glaswegian underworld." Additionally Compston's portrayal of Ferris has been praised by viewers, with his performance being described as "compelling." Meanwhile another reviewer called it a "rough, tough crime tale" and said that the character study was "flawless."
Renewed attention after death
One of the biggest events surrounding the real-life Ferris came in 1991, when Arthur Thompson Jr was murdered. Ferris was charged with the killing, leading to what was then the longest running trial in Scottish criminal history. He was eventually acquitted. The case became another major part of Ferris's reputation and cemented his place in Glasgow's criminal history.
The Wee Man was released more than a decade ago. But with Paul Ferris now gone, the film is likely to attract renewed attention from those wanting to learn more about the man behind the headlines. The Wee Man is available to stream on Prime Video and Tubi for free.
