who had previously appeared in the 1987 television drama Two of Us, intercut with footage of the band performing against a green-screen backdrop. In the video, Rush is portrayed as the song's "dear hero imprisoned" in his metaphorical jail of a bedroom with walls decorated with posters of male icons such as Elvis Presley, Jack Nicholson, and George Best. The video later appeared on the compilation Hulmerist, which comprises seven videos made by Broad for Morrissey songs. Critical reception NME initially gave the single a negative review, with Stuart Maconie saying the track was Panic' without the magnetism and the blinding self-confidence" and concluding "I would still chain myself to a disused railway line in Bacup for him, but the lad can do better"—in a review for Bona Drag one year later, however, Maconie expressed a change of heart, writing, "At the time of its release, I was rather mealy-mouthed about 'Playboys' so let me take this chance of saying I was wrong about this sterling tune full of stomping boot boy romanticism." "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" has seen critical acclaim in the years since its release. In a retrospective review, Ned Raggett of AllMusic was much more favorable writing "Morrissey's performance is grand and passionate". PopMatters was similarly complimentary, writing, Such things I do / Just to make myself / More attractive to you / Have I failed? he asks. No, clearly, no again and again." Rolling Stone described it as a "great nonalbum single." Other music writers have ranked the song as being among Morrissey's best. Spin named it Morrissey's seventh best solo song, writing, "Unusually wiggy guitar effects add to the unseemly drama." Clash included it in their unranked list of the seven best Morrissey solo singles, writing, "A love letter to London's notorious Kray twins, it's playful, hilarious and supremely confident. It rocks too, full of hip swinging swagger and glorious effervescence." According to Johnny Rogan, Johnny Marr was so impressed with the quality of the song that he sent Morrissey a postcard congratulating him. Marr explained in a 1991 interview, "I did send him a note telling him that 'Last of the Famous International Playboys' was really good, a good 'un, something I knew he'd be proud of." Track listings The etching on the British 7" and 12" reads, "ESCAPE FROM VALIUM/RETURN TO VALIUM." 7" vinyl "The Last of the Famous International