

The Glory Boys
The Glory Boys is a three-part 1984 British political thriller miniseries produced by Yorkshire Television for ITV, starring Rod Steiger and Anthony Perkins. In London, visiting Israeli scientist David Sokarev is targeted for assassination by two different terrorist organisations: one Irish, one Arab. After working at cross-purposes for an extended length of time, the hired killers from both factions decide to join forces to carry out their murderous assignment.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in 1960s London, the film follows the lives of two brothers, Joey and Billy, who are caught up in the violent world of clubland and petty crime. Their ambition to rise above their working-class background leads them into increasingly dangerous situations, testing their loyalty to each other and their moral compass. The narrative charts their descent into a life of crime, fueled by a desire for success and recognition.
Critical Reception
The Glory Boys received a mixed to positive reception upon its release, with critics often praising its gritty portrayal of working-class life and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Ben Kingsley. Some reviews highlighted its authentic depiction of the era and its compelling, albeit bleak, narrative. However, a number of critics found the film's pacing to be uneven and its subject matter somewhat derivative of other crime dramas of the time.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic depiction of 1960s London and working-class struggles.
- Ben Kingsley's performance was frequently singled out for its intensity and depth.
- Some found the plot predictable and the film's tone overly grim.
Google audience: Audience reception information for 'The Glory Boys' is not widely available on Google. However, general sentiment from similar films of the era suggests appreciation for gritty realism and strong acting, though some may find the narrative bleak.
Fun Fact
The film was based on a novel of the same name by Peter Terson, who also wrote the screenplay.
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