RETURN to the full-length Films output of Mancunian Productions
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RETURN to the full-length Films output of Mancunian Productions |
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John E Blakeley’s film career proper begins with –
*** Cameo Operas ***
Cameo Operas can best be described as ‘silent musicals’. Two reel adaptions of ‘light’ opera classics. Adapted scores were provided for audience participation and, where cinemas could afford it, singers and musicians would provide the accompaniment. The series consisted of twelve ‘operas’, all made in 1927. They were all produced by John E Blakeley for Song Films Ltd and were all directed by HB Parkinson, except La Traviata which was directed by AE Coleby. Only one, La Traviata has survived and the NFTA (National Film & TV Archive) in March 2007 provided Mike Blakeley with a copy. The Cameo Operas were released in the following order:
| The Bohemian Girl Featuring: Herbert Langley, Kathlyn Hilliard |
| Lily of Killarney Featuring: Herbert Langley, Kathlyn Hilliard |
| Rigoletto Featuring: Herbert Langley, Mme Karina, AB Imerson |
| Maritana Featuring: Herbert Langley, Kathlyn Hilliard |
| Faust Featuring: Herbert Langley, AB Imerson, Margot Lees |
| Carmen Featuring: Herbert Langley, Zeda Pascha |
| La Traviata - SEE BELOW FOR IMAGES AND LOCATION INFORMATION Featuring: Anthony Ireland, Peggy Carlisle, Booth Conway |
| Daughter of the Regiment Featuring: Kitty Barling, Oscar Sosander, Algernon Hicks |
| Martha Featuring: Grizelda Harvey, Algernon Hicks, Gerald Rawlinson |
| Il Travatore Cast unknown |
| Wagner’s
Ring Cast unknown |
| Samson & Delilah Featuring William Anderson |
*** Song Scenas
*** |
| These three movies followed the same basic format as the Cameo Operas. Music and singers were provided. The first one was a narrative based movie, the second was basically a travelogue with musical accompaniment. Very little is known about the third except that the songs were from the First World War - |
| Laughter & Tears Production Company – Song Films Ltd - 1928 Producer - John E Blakeley Director - HB Parkinson Cast - Pearl Hay Status – Lost |
| Ireland (Then and Now) Status – Lost |
| Musical Memories Synopsis – A young girl and her father travel around the countryside in a horse drawn caravan. The girl accidently falls from the caravan and is injured. She is given treatment at a nearby convent. One of the nun’s recognizes the girl as her long lost daughter who disappeared with her husband in a storm at sea years before. There are laughter and tears as the family is reunited. Status - Lost |
Above and below La Traviata (1927) stills Opposite Chiswick House nowadays.
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LA TRAVIATA LOCATION INFORMATION Before sound, John E Blakeley made a series of silent movies and in March 2007 Mike Blakeley obtained a copy of the only surviving film - 'La Traviata'. With thanks to the Williams brothers, we can say that the location shooting on La Traviata almost certainly was done at Chiswick House, London. As they have advised us, "The house at the time of filming was being used as a Mental Home and today it is in the hands of English Heritage and visitors are welcome." "There may seem to be some discrepancies if the film is watched and compared to the house today - but it has gone through some alteration over the years including the demolition of a wing in 1952". As Philip and David qualify, "if you compare photos of it I'm sure you will agree that it is Chiswick House. Also, Blakeley and his film crew in those days would not have strayed far from the studios of west London especially with equipment being primitive and so heavy and of course there was the all important cost to be considered ..." Thanks again Philip and David and for the photographs too! |
Updated:
15.11.2007
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