DB7

Winstone to play the Krays

Actor Ray Winstone is set to play both Kray twins in a new film about the gangland killers. Mdern cinema technology will allow Winstone to take on the roles of Ron and Reg.

The man who brought the Krays to justice, Detective Sergeant Leonard ‘Nipper’ Read, who lives in Nazeing, will be played by Bob Hoskins in the film.

Writer and director Ray Burdis says the movie will pull no punches about the Krays’ reign of terror in London’s East End during the 1950s and 1960s.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said: "I want to dispel the myth that the East End was a safer place when they were around. That’s a load of old cobblers."

Burdis was one of the producers of the 1990s film The Krays, which starred Gary and Martin Kemp from pop band Spandau Ballet.

“I was in direct communication with the Krays in prison and they wanted a 'St Krays’ kind of movie, although it didn’t show them in a completely goody-goody light," Burdis told the Daily Mail.

"This will be the film we should have made then."

Ron and Reg Kray were jailed in 1969 after being convicted of two murders. Ronnie died in 1995, Reg in 2000 and both are buried in Chingford Mount Cemetery. Their funerals brought massive crowds and media attention to the area.

Jim

RAY WINSTONE TO PLAY TWO VIOLENT PSYCHOS? WELL, THERE'S A SURPRISE! sleep

Good morning boys.

samkydd

The Krays are dead and buried. Their reign of terror was evil, and blighted many innocent families. The gangland mentality of inner cities in the UK today is still fueled by the continuing glorification of these psychopathic bully boy types in film and TV, like they're some sort of Robin Hood folk heroes.

It's also very old hat (Jack the Hat?), as boring a tale as any episode of The Bill or Eastenders, and if I see any more jolly Cockney "salt o' the earth, know what I mean? Apples and pears, skin and blister, going' up West, do what? Coh, streuth, gor blimey guv'nor!" villains on screen I'll scream!

I'm surprised they're using Ray Winstone, I would have thought Hugh Grant or Martin Clunes would "bring something new to the role". "I say you Maltese gang type chappies, we're taking over this here billiard hall so be off with you and be quick about it if you know what's good for you, or I'll shove this here sword right up where the jolly old sun doesn't shine, see!"

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"