April 2010 - Thanks again to Lee Mannering who has sent in scans from his 16mm film hire catalogues from the early 1950s.

Both opposite and below are fine examples of Mancunian films that were vailable to hire and as Lee writes, "these show that from 1940 all Mancunian films that were available to hire could also be supplied with original film trailers. This also included Honeymoon Hotel."

In terms of 'Honeymoon Hotel' Cuthbert writes -

'Honeymoon Hotel' was originally 'Under New Management' and as such was missing for years until a copy turned up in the library of the UCLA Film School where it had been deposited by Bert Tracey* on one of his visits to Hollywood to get work. Sadly, the copy at UCLA had degenerated and the final reel is lost but the rest of the film looks great.

*Bert Tracey directed 'Boots Boots' and appeared in 'It's A Grand Life' so John E must have had some faith in him over theyears. It was Bert who introduced John E to Stan Laurel who famously asked why John E wasn't making films anymore!

The cinema posters which are featured here courtesy of Philip and David Williams and Chroma Video are three examples of Butcher's artwork.

These films were distributed not only throughout 'the British Empire' but were also apparently were shown in Belgium and Spain.