In the smoky haze of 1919 Birmingham, Thomas Shelby, the enigmatic leader of the Peaky Blinders, often appears with a cigarette dangling from his lips. What exactly is he smoking? In the very first episode, Tommy Shelby is smoking hand-rolled cigarettes made primarily of Turkish tobacco, often mixed with other cheaper tobaccos like Virginia to reduce cost and provide a specific flavor profile.
Deciphering the Smoke: A Tobacco Expert’s Analysis
The type of cigarette smoked by Tommy Shelby in Episode 1, and consistently throughout the series, is a key component of his character and the show’s overall aesthetic. It reflects the period, his social standing, and even his psychological state. While the show doesn’t explicitly state the exact blend, contextual clues and historical tobacco trends allow us to make an educated assessment.
The cigarettes appear to be hand-rolled, as opposed to manufactured, ready-made cigarettes which were becoming increasingly popular at the time but were still often seen as a mark of wealth or sophistication compared to the self-rolled variety favored by working-class men like Tommy. These hand-rolled cigarettes would have typically been made using loose tobacco and rolling papers.
The dominant tobacco used in such hand-rolled cigarettes during that era was Turkish tobacco. This aromatic tobacco, often referred to as Oriental tobacco, was valued for its delicate flavor and burning characteristics. It was commonly used both on its own and as a blending component to add complexity to other tobaccos. Given the Shelbys’ relatively modest (though increasingly lucrative) position within Birmingham’s criminal underworld, it’s likely that while Tommy might favor Turkish tobacco, he would likely be smoking a blend with other, less expensive tobaccos like Virginia or Burley which would make the expensive Turkish tobacco last longer and alter the flavor.
Further evidence lies in the visual cues present in the show. The pale, golden hue of the tobacco flakes visible during close-up shots aligns more closely with the appearance of Virginia and Turkish tobacco, as opposed to the darker, richer shades associated with stronger, less commonly used tobaccos like Latakia. The smoke produced also seems relatively light and wispy, suggesting a less dense and less heavily flavored tobacco blend.
Ultimately, Tommy Shelby’s cigarette is more than just a prop. It is a symbol of his world, his struggles, and his constant need to strategize and survive in the tumultuous landscape of post-war Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tommy Shelby’s Smoking Habits
What kind of rolling papers would Tommy Shelby have used?
Tommy Shelby would most likely have used thin, bleached or unbleached rolling papers made from materials like flax, hemp, or rice. The type of paper would have been readily available in tobacconists at the time. The thickness of the paper affects the burn rate and taste; thinner papers allow more of the tobacco’s flavor to come through. Unbleached papers, being less processed, were a more common, affordable option.
Were pipe smoking and cigarettes equally popular in 1919?
While pipe smoking was a common pastime, particularly among the older generation, cigarettes were rapidly gaining popularity in 1919, especially among younger men. The convenience and portability of cigarettes made them increasingly attractive, especially in a busy and rapidly industrializing city like Birmingham.
Did the tobacco contain any additives or flavorings?
It’s unlikely that Tommy Shelby’s hand-rolled cigarettes contained significant artificial additives or flavorings. Natural tobaccos were the norm during that period, and while some manufacturers might have used subtle flavor enhancers, the focus was primarily on the quality and blend of the tobaccos themselves. Any scent in the cigarette would be purely derived from the tobacco and rolling paper itself, and what the tobacco had been cured and stored with.
How did smoking influence the portrayal of Tommy Shelby’s character?
Smoking is integral to the portrayal of Tommy Shelby. It serves multiple purposes: conveying stress and anxiety, projecting an image of cool composure and power, and acting as a focal point during moments of strategic contemplation. The act of rolling and smoking a cigarette provides him with a physical action to occupy his hands and mind, mirroring his meticulous approach to planning and problem-solving.
Was smoking as ubiquitous in reality as it is depicted in Peaky Blinders?
The level of smoking depicted in Peaky Blinders accurately reflects the pervasiveness of smoking in the early 20th century. Smoking was incredibly common across all social classes, and there was little awareness of the health risks associated with it. Public spaces were filled with cigarette smoke, and it was considered a normal part of everyday life.
Where would Tommy Shelby have bought his tobacco and rolling papers?
Tommy Shelby would have purchased his tobacco and rolling papers from a local tobacconist. These specialized shops were common in urban areas and stocked a wide variety of tobaccos, pipes, papers, and smoking accessories. Bartering may also have been an option, given the economic conditions of the time, but he’d likely have built a relationship with one specific tobacconist.
Are there health warnings associated with the type of tobacco used in those cigarettes?
Today, health warnings are mandatory on all tobacco products. However, in 1919, there was virtually no awareness of the health risks associated with smoking. People were unaware of the link between smoking and lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses. Health warnings were absent from tobacco packaging and advertising.
How does the cost of Tommy Shelby’s cigarettes compare to other goods at the time?
While Turkish tobacco was a premium product, blending it with cheaper tobaccos and rolling his own cigarettes would have made smoking a relatively affordable habit for Tommy Shelby. Compared to more expensive luxuries, it was an accessible indulgence, although the cost would still have represented a significant portion of the average working-class family’s budget.
How does smoking contrast with the temperance movement of the time?
The temperance movement, advocating for abstinence from alcohol, was gaining momentum during the early 20th century. The prevalence of smoking, despite the rise of temperance, highlights a cultural divide. While some moral reformers condemned both alcohol and tobacco, smoking was generally viewed as a less socially destructive habit, particularly among men. The consumption of alcohol, with its impact on domestic violence and public order, often attracted more focused scrutiny.
What is the symbolic significance of the smoke in the show’s visuals?
The smoke in Peaky Blinders serves as a powerful visual metaphor. It creates an atmosphere of mystery, intrigue, and moral ambiguity. It also represents the haze of violence and uncertainty that surrounds the Shelby family. The swirling smoke mirrors the complex and often opaque nature of their dealings and the unpredictable consequences of their actions.
Does the show accurately portray the cultural attitudes towards smoking in 1919?
Peaky Blinders generally provides an accurate portrayal of the cultural attitudes toward smoking in 1919. The show reflects the widespread acceptance of smoking as a normal and even fashionable habit, with little awareness of the potential health risks. The characters’ casual smoking habits and the pervasive presence of cigarette smoke in public spaces are consistent with historical accounts and visual records of the period.
How did World War I influence smoking habits?
World War I significantly increased smoking rates. Cigarettes were included in soldiers’ rations and became a symbol of camaraderie and a coping mechanism for the horrors of war. Returning veterans often maintained their smoking habits, contributing to the overall rise in smoking prevalence in the post-war period. It was seen as a sign of resilience, and it was common among both men and women, despite the cost and health risks.