You can be a famous poisoner or a successful poisoner, but not both, and the same seems to apply to Great Train Robbers.

The quote by Clive Anderson, "You can be a famous poisoner or a successful poisoner, but not both, and the same seems to apply to Great Train Robbers," uses dark humor to highlight the tension between infamy and success in criminal endeavors. Anderson suggests that achieving fame in notorious acts like poisoning or train robbery often comes at the cost of actual success, implying that those who become widely known for their crimes usually do so because they failed in their illicit goals.

The distinction between being famous and being successful is key here. A successful poisoner or criminal might operate in secrecy, avoiding detection and therefore not gaining public notoriety. Conversely, a famous poisoner becomes well-known precisely because their crime was discovered, which often means they were caught or failed. Anderson extends this idea humorously to Great Train Robbers, implying that their fame is tied to their capture or infamy rather than unchallenged success.

This quote likely originates from Anderson’s work as a comedian and television presenter, known for his witty and sometimes ironic commentary. It reflects his knack for pointing out the contradictions and absurdities in how society views criminals and celebrity.

In summary, Anderson’s quote cleverly exposes the paradox of criminal fame: true success often means staying under the radar, while fame frequently signals failure. It uses humor to challenge the glamorization of criminals by showing that notoriety often comes with significant costs.