Starlight Hotel
During the Great Depression, Kate (Greer Robson) is a 13-year-old girl living on New Zealand's South Island. When her mother dies and her father is offered a job in Wellington on North Island, Kate is sent to live with an aunt. The girl runs away to find her father, hopping onto a boxcar and befriending a fellow fugitive, Patrick (Peter Phelps), an emotionally battle-scarred WWI veteran fleeing the authorities after injuring a repo man. Pretending to be father and daughter, Patrick and Kate use each other for cover as they make their way across New Zealand, sleeping under the stars and championing the rights of destitute farmers and homeless squatters whose fortunes have been wiped out by economic hardship.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the life of notorious London gangster Ronnie Kray, offering a rare glimpse into his world. Director Nick Broomfield interviews Kray in his prison cell, exploring his upbringing, his rise to power in the criminal underworld, and the events that led to his incarceration. The film contrasts Kray's perspective with that of his family and associates, presenting a complex portrait of a man shaped by his environment and choices.
Critical Reception
Starlight Hotel was recognized for its raw and unflinching look at a notorious figure, earning praise for its direct approach and the candidness of its subject. While not a mainstream blockbuster, it was noted by critics as a significant piece of documentary filmmaking that offered a disturbing yet compelling insight into the life of Ronnie Kray.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its candid and direct interview style with Ronnie Kray.
- Seen as a chilling and insightful examination of a notorious criminal's psyche.
- Appreciated for providing a rare, unfiltered look into the gangster underworld.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the documentary's unique access to Ronnie Kray and its effectiveness in portraying his personality and life story. Viewers found the film to be a disturbing yet fascinating character study.
Fun Fact
Director Nick Broomfield managed to gain access to Ronnie Kray in prison, leading to some of the most direct and personal interviews Kray ever gave on film.
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