Mancunian Films
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mancunian Films was a motion picture production company based in Manchester, England that gave birth to the Mancunian Film Studios in 1947.
Founded by John E. Blakeley, the company originally produced films in London but escalating costs and a desire to cater for the robust tastes of northern industrial audiences led to the establishment of the studios in Dickenson Road, Rusholme.
Starting with Cup-tie Honeymoon (1948) starring Sandy Powell, over the next six years the films went on to feature northern favourites George Formby, Frank Randle, Josef Locke, Diana Dors and Jimmy Clitheroe. The studio, though it often worked on a shoestring, was successful and profitable but Blakely decided to retire when he reached 65.
Mancunian Films continued under Blakeley's son Tom for many years, providing facilities for Hammer Horror and making a number of B-movies. The cinematographic expertise developed in Manchester formed the foundations of Granada Television. The studio was sold to the BBC in 1954 making it the first regional BBC TV studio outside London, and demolished in 1974 when operations were transferred to Oxford Road. The studio's archives were lost in a fire in 1980.
Mike Blakeley, cameraman and grandson of John E Blakeley, is presently working with CP Lee of the University of Salford in promoting the detailed history of the Mancunian Film Studio via Cuthbert Club film screenings and facts about Mancunian Films and its actors.
[edit] Bibliography
- Williams, Philip Martin & David L. (2001) New Edition(2006) Hooray for Jollywood - The Life of John E. Blakeley & The Mancunian Film Corporation ISBN 9780951801291
- Montgomery, J. (1969) Comedy Films, 1894-1954 ISBN 0-04-791018-6
