The Krays is a 1990 British drama film based on the lives and crimes of the English gangster twins Ronald and Reginald Kray, often referred to as The Krays and was the first cinematic production about the twins. The film was written by Philip Ridley and directed by Peter Medak. Charlie Kray acted as senior consultant during production and the twins received £255,000 for the film.
Plot[]
The film charts the lives of the Kray twins from childhood to adult life. The plot focuses on the relationship between the twins and their doting mother (Whitelaw). Ronald (Gary Kemp) is the dominant one, influencing his brother Reginald (Martin Kemp) to perform several acts of violence as they rise to power as the leaders of a powerful organised gang in 1960s London.
Historical Inaccuracies[]
- Ronnie Kray claimed his mother never used swear words unlike in the film.
- The escape and murder of Frank Mitchell actually occurred after the murder of George Cornell and before the murder of Jack McVitie, instead of before both murders as seen in the film.
- Ronnie Kray claimed George Cornell did not say anything to him in the moments leading up to his death, but he does in the film.
- The gun Reggie intended to kill McVitie with was not a revolver.
- The twins were not allowed to attend their mother's graveside, however, at the end of the film, they are seen doing so.
Main cast[]
- Billie Whitelaw as Violet Kray
- Tom Bell as Jack McVitie
- Gary Kemp as Ronnie Kray
- Martin Kemp as Reggie Kray
- Susan Fleetwood as Aunt Rose
- Charlotte Cornwell as Aunt May
- Kate Hardie as Frances Shea
- Avis Bunnage as Helen (Mary Lee)
- Alfred Lynch as Charles Kray
- Gary Love as Steve (Teddy Smith)
- Tom Bell as Jack McVitie
- Steven Berkoff as George Cornell
- Jimmy Jewel as Cannonball Lee
Awards[]
- Nominee Best Supporting Actress - BAFTA (Billie Whitelaw)
- Winner Best Film - Evening Standard British Film Awards (Peter Medak)
- Winner Most Promising Newcomer - Evening Standard British Film Awards (Philip Ridley)
- Winner Best Actress - International Fantasy Film Awards (Fantasporto) (Billie Whitelaw)
- Nominee Best Film - International Fantasy Film Awards (Fantasporto) (Peter Medak)
- Winner George Delerue Prize for Music - Ghent International Film Festival (Michael Kamen)
Soundtrack[]
The film soundtrack came out on the Parkfield music label and featured:
- Chris Rea – "Bitter Sweet"
- The Zombies – "She's Not There"
- Jimmy Jewel – "Balling the Jack"
- Matt Monro – "Walk Away"