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:

Bonded by Blood

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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 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

Modern 1980's cars can be seen in some shots, particularly when Frances is running down the street and in the long shot when she and Reg are kissing in the back garden.

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Quotes

George Cornell: Well, well, well, all the pretty boys together, eh?
Steve: Piss off, Cornell.
George Cornell: How's your boyfriend, lately? Still in tears over his auntie?
Steve: You wanna watch your mouth.
George Cornell: You what?
Steve: I said, you wanna your mouth.
George Cornell: [grabbing him] Poofs don't warn anyone! You listening? You tell your fat poof friend he doesn't scare me! Oh, he's bringing over his Yankee friends from America, getting ideas a bit above his station, inn'he? Well, tell him he can own all he likes, but he's still tied to his mother's apron strings....
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Gorgo (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Walk Away"
Performed by Matt Monro (as Matt Munro)
Written by Udo Jürgens (as Udo Jergen) and Don Black
Published by Ardmore and Beechwood Ltd
Courtesy of EMI Records Ltd

User Reviews

Impressive.

This was an impressive movie: stylish, well played and atmospheric.

The greatest revelation was the talent of the Kemp Brothers (ex-Spandau Ballet) who were absolutely marvelous as the notorious Kray Twins. They portrayed the mixture of glamour, ruthlessness and family loyalty of these two brothers with much conviction.

The storyline seemed a little vague at times, and glossed over one or two episodes, but this was probably due to the compression of facts and didn't mar the feel of the movie as a whole. Quite frankly, it probably would have taken a mini-series to document all the things the real Twins were up to.

Billie Whitelaw was a standout as Violet Kray. Steven Berkoff over-acted as usual. Tom Bell was wonderful as always.

Not to be taken as absolute fact but is interestingly done and certainly gives an idea of the story behind these two well known villains.