The Krays (Methuen Screenplay) [Hardcover]

Philip Ridley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0413711307 | ISBN-13: 978-0413711304 | Publication Date: August 7, 1997

Winner of the 1990 Evening Standard Film Award for Best Film

Post-war East End London. Ronnie and Reggie Kray are school ground bullies brought up by a domineering mother and two devoted aunts. National Service and spells in prison expose the brutality that helps establish the twin brothers as the kings of 1960s gangland London.

Philip Ridley's original, uncut screenplay, almost as notorious as its subject matter is a stylised meditation on maternal love, childhood, violence and homoeroticism and takes its place as one of the masterpieces of contemporary cinema.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ridley…reveals himself most welcomely as a genuinely innovative film maker, untrammelled by conventions and with an individualistic imagination firing on all cylinders."—The Evening Standard

About the Author

Philip Ridley was born in the East End of London. His plays include The Pitchfork Disney, The Fastest Clock in the Universe, Ghost from a Perfect Place, Vincent River and Krindlekrax (2002)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Methuen Drama (August 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0413711307
• ISBN-13: 978-0413711304
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,755,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book...., August 2, 2001

By 

D. Feindel "bluebrit" (USA/England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Krays (Methuen Screenplay) (Hardcover)

...is definitely not a book for teenagers as the last reviewer recommended. The Krays were London's version of the mafia and the Krays ran the biggest 'gang' before they both went to prison for life after being convicted of murder. Ron and Reg were twins, born in London in 1933. They grew up with the 'perfect' mother and somewhat of a lay-a-bout father yet after meeting the wrong type of people, they turned to a life of crime and violence. This book is both informative and interesting. How much is true, I have no idea seeing as it wasn't written by an actual Kray. Everything in the book is second hand. From unknown sources. But it does make interesting reading and I've heard a movie of the book was made with Charlie Kray's okay (Ron and Reg's older brother.) So, I can only assume the book is close to the truth if it was endorsed by Charlie. But, I think the reader has to make their own mind up. This is a good book and I do recommend it but I personally think it's a book for adults. That's my opinion.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Script Improves Great Movie, July 16, 2002

By 

sebastian hope (Olympia WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Krays (Methuen Screenplay) (Hardcover)

Apparently, this screenplay was written over a long weekend. The author, Philip Ridley, says that he heard a movie was being made about London's infamous Kray brothers. He told the producers that he had a script and would bring it in following the holiday. He then went home and wrote this script based on stories he had heard growing up. I'm not sure how much I believe that story, but the movie is fantastic. The script is probably the best Philip Ridley has ever written, so maybe it benefited by the speed at which he wrote it. If you liked the movie, this book will definately make your admiration for Ridley's story go up. If you have not seen the movie, watch it first, then read this book.

The Krays is not your average gangster movie. It is less flashy, more down to earth. A working class Scorese film, possibly.

ps, Philip Ridley writes books for children. Those books are great for kids. This book is not one of those.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good book!, November 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Krays (Methuen Screenplay) (Hardcover)

This is a fabulous book for all Teenagers.You must read it!