''Empire State'' is a 1987 British film about gang warfare over American investment in the East End of London, directed by Ron Peck.

Synopsis

In the late eighties, investment and redevelopment of the East End of London is well underway. Empire State, a sumptuous nightclub, attracts crowds. However, under the control of gangland boss Frank Wright (

Ray McAnally Ray McAnally (30 March 1926 – 15 June 1989) was an Irish actor. He was the recipient of three BAFTA Awards in the late 1980s: two BAFTA Film Awards for Best Supporting Actor (for ''The Mission'' in 1986 and ''My Left Foot'' in 1989), and a ...

) it is also a cover for gangland violence and drug dealing. As new investment capital flows into the city, a gangland turf war is underway, with the area's older generation of gangsters, led by Frank, being challenged by ambitious upstarts like Paul ( Ian Sears). When an American called Chuck (

Martin Landau Martin James Landau (; June 20, 1928 – July 15, 2017) was an American actor. His career began in the 1950s, with early film appearances including a supporting role in Alfred Hitchcock's '' North by Northwest'' (1959). His career breakthrough c ...

) arrives in the city intending to invest a substantial amount of capital in the Docklands redevelopment, everyone becomes interested. Caught in the midst of this turmoil are receptionists Marion and Tricia, out for a night on the town; call girl Susan and her increasingly insane lover Danny, drifter Pete,

rent boy Male prostitution is a form of sex work consisting of the act or practice of men providing sexual services in return for payment. Although clients can be of any gender, the vast majority are older males looking to fulfill their sexual needs. Ma ...

Johnny, and boxers intent on proving themselves in illegal bare-fist combat at the club. Journalist Richard delves into the internal workings of the club, trying to find out details about Empire State and the criminal activity that occurs there. After the climactic bare-knuckle boxing competition, Danny finds Marion at the night club with her night's companion, and opens fire on the club's entrance.

Cast

Cathryn Harrison Cathryn Mary Lee Harrison (25 May 1959 – October 2018) was an English actress. Early life Harrison was the daughter of the actor and singer Noel Harrison and Sara Lee Eberts, and the granddaughter of actor Sir Rex Harrison. Career Harr ...

– Marion * Jason Hoganson – Pete * Glen Murphy – Vincenzo *

Jamie Foreman Jamie Foreman (born 25 May 1958) is an English actor best known for his roles as Duke in ''Layer Cake'' (2004) and Bill Sikes in Roman Polanski Raymond Roman Thierry Polański (; born 18 August 1933) is a Polish and French filmmaker and a ...

– Danny * Emily Bolton – Susan * Ian Sears – Paul *

– Chuck *

Lorcan Cranitch Lorcan Cranitch (born 28 August 1959) is an Irish actor. Born in Dublin, Lorcan Cranitch became involved in drama while a student. In 1980 he moved to London, where he trained at RADA. Career His first major role on British television was as ...

– Richard *

– Frank * Lee Drysdale – Johnny * Jenny Bolt – Tricia * Jimmy Flint – Billy * John Levitt – Harry *

Ian McCurrach Ian McCurrach (born c. 1959) is a British actor, director, journalist and author. Ian trained at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and he is probably best known for his portrayal of the lead character of Pip in a Peter Coe production of Dickens' ...

– 'Metropolis' editor * Elizabeth Hickling – Cheryl *

Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...

– Darren *

Michelle Collins Michelle Danielle Collins (born 28 May 1962) is a British actress. She is known for her role as Cindy Beale in the BBC soap opera A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (r ...

– Emma

Response

The film was criticised at the time for its uneven pacing, rudimentary characterisation and acting skills of many of its cast. However, after the redevelopment of the Docklands area in the late eighties and early nineties, which had only begun when ''Empire State'' was filmed, architectural students have noted the contrast between the transitional status of derelict buildings and the imminent arrival of capital in the area to construct new apartments and corporate premises.Paul Newland: "Docklands: The Clearing of the Misery?" in P. Newland: The Cultural Construction of London's East End: Leiden: Brill: 2008

References

External links

* * 1987 films British crime thriller films 1980s British films Films set in London {{1980s-UK-film-stub