The opening of the Mancunian Studios (1947) L-R:
George Formby
Frank Randle
Betty Jumel
John E Blakeley
Sandy Powell
Welcome to Itsahotun - the Mancunian Film Studio's Official site dedicated to John E Blakeley, Frank Randle and all the performers and people associated with the output of the Mancunian Film Company. The site is researched and collated by Dr CP Lee (University of Salford). Itsahotun is also home to the Cuthbert Club whose members generated the funds for the Frank Randle Blue Plaque installed on Blackpool's North Pier in 2007 and who meet there each year on the nearest Saturday to the 7th July as a tribute to the comic genius of Frank Randle.
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The opening of the Mancunian Studios (1947) L-R: George Formby Frank Randle Betty Jumel John E Blakeley Sandy Powell |
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HOTUN FILM CLIPS ON YOUTUBE | |
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77 2008 Saturday 5th July 2008 - Full story (click here) FRANK RANDLE'S BLUE PLAQUE - Cuthbert Club AND archives (click here) Previous Front-Page NEWS (Arthur Mertz Snr and Hewitt Universal Lighting |
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Frank Randle Remembrance Day THE DAY OF THE BLUEL PLAQUE UNVEILING is known as 777 (owing to that date being the 50th anniversary of Frank's death on 07/07/57). 77 2009 will be on 4th July 2009 We look forward to seeing a grand turnout again - we are hoping to hold a screening of Holidays With Pay on the Pier at the next 777 Remembered on Saturday 4th July 2009 - so please put this date in your diaries NOW!!!
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FRANK RANDLE'S BLUE PLAQUE - 777 explained! THE DAY OF THE UNVEILING is known as 777 (owing to the date being the 50th anniversary of Frank's death on 07/07/57). The Frank Randle plaque on the wall of the North Pier Theatre is an inspiration to all comics and a triumph for British Comedy heritage. It was conceptualised by the Cuthbert Club, whose members succeeded in achieving its design, manufacture and installation in honour of the comic genius of Frank Randle, the man who Gracie Fields described as, "the greatest character comedian that ever lived". A great time was had by all on 777. Everyone was thrilled to see Jackie "Cinders" Herrick, long-time friend of Frank's - below is a 'snap' of Jackie reminiscing about Frank with Audrey Lupton Lane (left) who, with her partner Arthur Lane were producers, promoters and directors of theatrical productions. Other luminaries at the event included Michael Leader (from Eastenders), Marion Konyot (who worked with Frank Randle), Cyril Critchlow (RIP 2008), Slim Ingram and Steve King ... and hundreds more! |
Frank's blue plaque is a favourite for everyone to pose next to - here are the biggest posers of all - Mr & Mrs Cuthbert with Phil & David Williams!!!! |
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Cuthbert Club members Trevor Hoyle and CP Lee |
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click for more BLACKPOOL PLAQUE UNVEILING 777 IMAGES AND MEMORIES
The Frank Randle blue plaque unveiling ceremony - courtesy Nick Jackson |
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--------------------------------- SUBMISSIONS ALWAYS WELCOME FOR INCLUSION IN THIS WEBSITE Please contact - Dr CP Lee, University of Salford, Adelphi Campus, Manchester, M3 6EQ
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--------------------------------- Golden Films Ltd - Do you know anybody who worked for this Company? Did you obtain any Mancunian Films from Golden Films of 60-66 Wardour Street, London, W1 ? --------------------------------- ITSAHOTUN - established 2005 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS * With grateful thanks to Mike Blakeley, North West Film Archive (NWFA) at MMU, PM & DL Williams (authors of Hooray For Jollywood and Wired To The Moon), and Aidan O'Rourke photographer of Manchester backdrop in Jollywood. PLEASE NOTE - While every attempt has been made to trace the copyright holders of images used on this website, we apologise if your credit does not appear. Please advise and we will be pleased to correct said omission and insert the usual acknowledgement to those concerned. |
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Last update 07-Jul-2008
James Blakeley and his son James E, with Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy at the Midland Hotel, Manchester (2 August 1932). It was at this meeting that the Blakeleys were persuaded to go into sound production. 
