The Krays (1990)

This fact-based movie follows the life of the twin crime-lords in London's 60's underworld.

Director:

Peter Medak

Writer:

Philip Ridley

Stars:

Billie Whitelaw, Tom Bell, Gary Kemp

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 4 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Billie Whitelaw	...	Violet Kray
Tom Bell	...	Jack 'The Hat' McVitie
Gary Kemp	...	Ronald Kray
Martin Kemp	...	Reggie Kray
Susan Fleetwood	...	Rose
Charlotte Cornwell	...	May
Kate Hardie	...	Frances
Avis Bunnage	...	Helen
Alfred Lynch	...	Charlie Kray
Gary Love	...	Steve
Steven Berkoff	...	George Cornell
Jimmy Jewel	...	Cannonball Lee
Barbara Ferris	...	Mrs. Lawson
Victor Spinetti	...	Mr. Lawson
John McEnery	...	Eddie Pellam

Storyline

The life of a pair of twins (Ronald and Reginald Kray) who were born in London in 1934 and when they grew up became gangsters selling protection.

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Plot Keywords:

twin | gangster | sword | boyfriend girlfriend relationship | grandfather grandson relationship | 

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Taglines:

When People are afraid of you, You can do anything. Remember that.

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Kray fivérek

Filming Locations:

Aldwych Underground Station, Aldwych, Holborn, London, England, UK

Box Office

Gross:

$2,060,847 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fugitive TV Productions, Fugitive Features, Parkfield Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The real Reggie Kray suggested that Patsy Kensit read for the role of his wife Frances, but she declined. The part was later played by Kate Hardie

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Goofs

In the slow-motion sequences of the fairground boxing scene, the filming lights illuminating the scene can be seen flickering very prominently, due to beating between the mains frequency of the lights and the very high frame rate used to achieve the slow motion. They should have used DC-powered lights!

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Quotes

[the Kray twins have been called up for National Service in the Army]
Drill Sergeant: You are not people any more. You are not human beings. You are part of a machine. You do not wear what you want to, think what you want to - you wear what we tell you, think what we tell you, eat when we tell you, sleep, shit and fuck when we tell you!
[a soldier giggles]
Drill Sergeant: Someone stick a feather up your arse, lad?
Soldier: Sarge?
Drill Sergeant: You're grinning like a bloody Cheshire cat!
[Ronnie and Reggie start walking away]
Drill Sergeant: And where do you little ...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Gorgo (1998)

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Soundtracks

"She's Not There"
Performed by The Zombies
Written by Rod Argent
Published by Marquis Music
Licensed by Marquis Enterprises

User Reviews

The Krays probably would have liked their film.

I watched the film in the context of a historical study into London and its underworld from the 18th to 20th centuries, so I apologise in advance if this review seems overly academic.

The Krays were a fascinating pair, and this film shows the continuing interest in their lives and crimes, which has continued past their deaths. The film accurately shows the individual quirks and fascinations of the brothers while remaining a drama, rather than a documentary (and there are quite a few about).

The enormous presence of the Krays in London history is proven by the Monty Python sketch on the Pirhana Brothers, Doug and Dinsdale - made a single year after the Krays were imprisoned. If you don't know it, it's worth a look-see.

Martin and Gary Kemp, seasoned performers themselves were chillingly well-cast as the twins, who used the media themselves to promote their place as "Diamond Geezers" in East End London. The Krays themselves served as advisors on the film, with the Kemps visiting them in prison to meet and learn about their role from them.

From what I've read about them, I think the Krays would have liked this film about them, especially that proper brothers - twins, in fact - were playing them.

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By the way, the copy of the film I borrowed had a special cover which had a pocket over the name "The Krays" with 'blood' (red fluid) in it. It suited the film and subject matter well - one up for the designers.