THE BLACK DONNELLYS
THE COMPLETE SERIES

FAMILY ABOVE ALL

“The Black Donnellys’ blend of melodrama, low humour, and as much violence as the producers can get past standards and practices yields a freewheeling, boozy energy that’s awfully hard to resist.” – TIME OUT


Gunning its way onto DVD on 28th January 2008 courtesy of Universal-Playback is The Black Donnellys - Complete Series. From Academy Award® winning* producers Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco (Crash) this gritty new crime drama tells the tale of four Irish-American brothers involved in the criminal underworld in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City.

When an Italian mobster is kidnapped and callously murdered, people want answers. Standing on the brink of an all out turf war, revenge attacks result in the deaths of two senior members of both the Irish and Italian mafia. With the neighbourhood now free for the taking, there are people keen to seize the opportunity.

Tommy Donnelly (Jonathan Tucker – Texas Chainsaw Massacre) is the second son of the Donnelly clan. Raised on the mean streets of New York, Tommy is the brains of the outfit. Ultimately he longs to live on the straight-and-narrow. In love with the beautiful Jenny Reilly (Olivia Wilde – Alpha Dog, The O.C.), a childhood friend of the Donnelly brothers, he will do whatever it takes to protect those he holds dear. However, strong family bonds tend to get him into trouble, especially when he is defending his volatile junkie brother Jimmy (Thomas Guiry - Mystic River), the eldest Donnelly who’s overly reckless with both his words and his actions.
Kevin Donnelly (Billy Lush – Huff) is the quiet and loyal third-born brother. As an inveterate gambler, Kevin is convinced he was born lucky, but he bets on everything and always loses.
Sean Donnelly (Michael Stahl-David) is the youngest of the brothers. Always eager to help his brothers take care of business he is a charming heartthrob who tends to steal their girlfriends.

On their rise to the top the Donnellys face some stiff competition. With his boss now laying six feet under Nicky Cottero (Kirk Acevedo – Oz, Band of Brothers) is on the verge of running things for the Italian-Americans and with the once Irish run area of the city lacking a leader he wants to make it his.
Meanwhile Derek "Dokey" Farrell (Peter Greene – Pulp Fiction) is the new head of the Irish family now that his brother is dead. He desperately wants to know the identity of his brother’s murderer, and trusts no-one. With the help of his hatchet he has only one goal, to find out the truth.

Narrated by wannabe gangster Joey ‘Ice Cream’ (Keith Nobbs – Phone Booth) this resolute series bears witness to the Donnelly brothers' growth from boys to mobsters, as their new life affects their relationships with friends, family and lovers.

Currently airing on ITV2 as part of their XXX Thursday’s and out to own on DVD 28th January 2008, this fantastic series is a must have for fans of the gangster movie genre and great US dramas.

‘Academy Award®’ is the registered trademark and servicemark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

- Ends -

www.universal-playback.com

Notes to editor: *Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco, Winners: 2006, Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Crash.

Release date: Monday 28th January 2008
Running time: 8 hrs 35 minutes approx
Format: 3 Disc DVD
CERT: 15
Price: £24.99 RRP
Cat No: 8253471
Aspect Ratio: 1.78.1
Audio: 5.1
Copyright Line: Film © 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved

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