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The Krays (1990)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Philip Ridley (written by)
Release Date:
9 November 1990 (USA)
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Tagline:
When People are afraid of you, You can do anything. Remember that. more
Plot:
This fact-based movie follows the life of the twin crime-lords in London's 60's underworld. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Twins
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Gangster
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Crime Boss
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Homosexual
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London England
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Awards:
Nominated for BAFTA Film Award.
Another 4 wins
&
1 nomination
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NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
There are Vital Signs for Philip Ridley's Heartless
(From ioncinema. 6 July 2009)
The Reflecting Skin Director Philip Ridley Returns With Heartless
(From Twitch. 4 July 2009, 8:57 PM, PDT)
(From ioncinema. 6 July 2009)
The Reflecting Skin Director Philip Ridley Returns With Heartless
(From Twitch. 4 July 2009, 8:57 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
The Krays probably would have liked their film.
more (40 total)
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 |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
The Kray Twins (Europe: English title)
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Parents Guide:
Runtime:
119 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:16 |
Finland:K-18 |
France:-12 |
Norway:18 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:18 |
USA:R |
West Germany:18 |
Australia:M
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The East End of London had been extensively redeveloped since the Krays' heyday so the company filmed across the River Thames in Greenwich, especially in Caradoc Street.
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Goofs:
Factual errors: In the boxing scene at the fairground, the twins' are portrayed as young adults and that the fight between them transpires after Ronnie knocks out the prize fighter - this incident actually took place when they were both small boys. The ringmaster shouted to the crowd if anyone wanted to take on the show fighter and the young Ronnie Kray shouted that he'd fight him. Amid much laughter, the referee pointedly said he was a bit young - whereupon Reggie stepped up and challenged his brother. They fought gamely, and were both awarded half a crown for their efforts; this was also the bout that led to their later semi-professional careers as pugilists.
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Quotes:
[to Ronnie and Reggie, aged three]
Violet Kray: Who loves you, eh? That's right, Mummy loves you, you little monsters. Mummy loves you more than anything - more than all the cakes, more than all the jewellery, more than all the chocolate in the world.
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Violet Kray: Who loves you, eh? That's right, Mummy loves you, you little monsters. Mummy loves you more than anything - more than all the cakes, more than all the jewellery, more than all the chocolate in the world.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Gorgo (#10.9)" (1998)
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Soundtrack:
Bittersweet
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (40 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Krays (1990)| Recent Posts (updated daily) | User |
|---|---|
| Poor Jack | CyrilPastorek |
| They are not twins ffs!!! | euanbet2 |
| Feminist? | jordancul |
| dvd in the usa????? | penni4yrtht |
| When will this be released on DVD? | hotmrkt |
| The Krays.... | lolita2 |
Recommendations
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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.
- - -
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.