mancunian film festival
From The Winter ‘96 Vellum
The Film Festival was opened by Gerald Kaufman MP and Coun. Kath Robinson and a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the Welcome Inn. Mike Blakeley, the grandson of John was also at the celebrations. Members of the George Formby Society present at these celebrations included the President Dennis Taylor, the Vice President Dickie Speake, Chairman Dennis Mitchell and members from the Sale and North Wales branches. There were also several members from the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle. A super performance was given by Keith Clifford in his role as the great Northern comedian, Frank Randle.
In the Autumn of 1996, a special event was held at the Welcome Inn. This pub was
situated just half a mile from Dickenson Road where in 1947 John E. Blakeley started
making feature films breaking the tradition that all cinema film studios had to be
based in London. Perhaps the rising economic costs in the capital were a factor in
bringing the studio to Rusholme.
Blakeley made numerous films in the Mancunian Studios, quite a few featuring
legendary Lancashire comedian Frank Randle together with Diana Dors. Other well-
known northern stars whom Blakeley captured on film were Tessie O’Shea, Josef
Locke, Jimmy Clitheroe, Sandy Powell, Norman Evans and Jimmy James. It is said
that of all the low-budget films turned out at Mancunian Studios, they all made a
profit!
The pub closed in December 2009 and today is a dental practice. A Blue Plaque was
spoken of being unveiled on the day in 1996 but sadly I did not capture the event on
video. I wonder if it is still on the dental premises?
PP - 08/2024
From The Winter ‘96 Vellum
The Film Festival was opened by Gerald Kaufman MP and Coun. Kath Robinson and a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the Welcome Inn. Mike Blakeley, the grandson of John was also at the celebrations. Members of the George Formby Society present at these celebrations included the President Dennis Taylor, the Vice President Dickie Speake, Chairman Dennis Mitchell and members from the Sale and North Wales branches. There were also several members from the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle. A super performance was given by Keith Clifford in his role as the great Northern comedian, Frank Randle.
In the Autumn of 1996, a special event was held at the Welcome Inn.
This pub was situated just half a mile from Dickenson Road where in
1947 John E. Blakeley started making feature films breaking the
tradition that all cinema film studios had to be based in London.
Perhaps the rising economic costs in the capital were a factor in
bringing the studio to Rusholme.
Blakeley made numerous films in the Mancunian Studios, quite a few
featuring legendary Lancashire comedian Frank Randle together with
Diana Dors. Other well-known northern stars whom Blakeley
captured on film were Tessie O’Shea, Josef Locke, Jimmy Clitheroe,
Sandy Powell, Norman Evans and Jimmy James. It is said that of all
the low-budget films turned out at Mancunian Studios, they all made
a profit!
The pub closed in December 2009 and today is a dental practice. A
Blue Plaque was spoken of being unveiled on the day in 1996 but
sadly I did not capture the event on video. I wonder if it is still on the
dental premises?
PP - 08/2024
nancunian film festival
Rapturous applause was received
from the small but enthusiastic
audience for the thirty minute concerts
put on by the members of the George
Formby Society, each one suitably
ending in a 'thrash'.
Dennis Taylor
