History of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a 1998 British crime comedy about Eddy, a card sharp who loses a rigged game of three-card brag to crime boss Hatchet Harry. Owing £500,000, Eddy and his friends, Tom, Soap, and Bacon, plan to rob their neighbors, a small-time gang. The neighbors, in turn, plan to rob a drug dealer. The film follows the chaotic series of events as the two plots collide, involving stolen antique shotguns, a ruthless debt collector named Big Chris, and various other colorful characters, all intertwined in a series of double-crosses and mishaps. The film features an ensemble cast and is known for its fast-paced editing, dark humor, and intricate plot.

July 1998: Lenny McLean's Death

In July 1998, Lenny McLean passed away shortly before the release of the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. This was his final film appearance.

August 1998: UK Film Release

On August 28, 1998, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was released in the United Kingdom.

1998: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Release

In 1998, Guy Ritchie wrote and directed the crime comedy film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The movie revolves around a card shark who loses a substantial amount of money and enlists his friends to rob a gang to pay off his debts.

1998: British Academy Film Award Nomination

In 1998, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was nominated for a British Academy Film Award for the outstanding British Film of the Year.

1998: Distribution Rights Acquisition

In 1998, Summit Entertainment acquired worldwide distribution rights to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, excluding the UK, upon its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. PolyGram Filmed Entertainment acquired distribution rights for North America and later extended to include other regions.

1998: Soundtrack Release in the UK

In 1998, the soundtrack to the film was released in the United Kingdom by Island Records.

March 1999: US Film Release

On March 5, 1999, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was released in the United States.

1999: Brit Award Nomination

In 1999, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was nominated for a Brit Award for Soundtrack/Cast Recording.

1999: US Soundtrack Release

In 1999, Madonna's Maverick Records label released the soundtrack to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in the United States, omitting nine tracks from the UK release.

1999: Track Omission in US Release

In 1999, a track was omitted from the US release of the soundtrack.

July 11, 2000: Lock, Stock... Series Finale

On July 11, 2000, Lock, Stock... aired its final episode on Channel 4.

2000: Edgar Award Win for Guy Ritchie

In 2000, Guy Ritchie won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Motion Picture Screenplay for Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.