On This Day

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels released

August 28th 1998

13:42 28 August 2024

'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' was released in UK cinemas on this day in 1998. Guy Ritchie's feature directorial debut stars an ensemble cast including Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Steven Macintosh, and Sting as well as Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones making their feature film debuts. The film is a skilful blend of crime drama and comedy and revolves around four East London lads and their frantic scramble to raise half a million pounds they owe a local mobster following a rigged card game.

'Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' was a hit with critics and audiences alike and launched Guy Ritchie's career as one of the most successful British directors of the last 25 years. A seven part television series followed in 2000.