Manchester's importance cannot be overstated. It is one of the great cities of the North West of England, and has a long history in which it was always a central to the UK's economy and culture. It was, after all, the first industrialised city, and is still a centre for business, media and art. It has also played an integral role in the film industry, with some very prestigious works being filmed there.
Manchester's place in cinema began right at the beginning of film itself. Even as early as 1928 films were being shot there, the first being Two Little Drummer Boys, which is the second Frank Randle film, and was directed by John E Blakeley. And throughout the remaining history of cinema, great filmmakers have chosen Manchester as the place to film their work, right up until just last year.
The 60s saw many great films use Manchester as their backdrop. The 1961 A Taste of Honey, by Tony Richardson, for example, is still a well loved film, and was filmed in many places across Manchester. Then there is Hell is a City, which stars Stanley Baxter who is a police man whose aim is to clean up the streets of Manchester. This is another much loved film with a distinctively Mancunian setting.
Nowadays films are rarely shot entirely on site, but some of the great block busters of the last few years have at least had some scenes shot in Manchester. One example is Captain America, in which the super soldier chases a villain through the streets of Manchester. Also, Alfie, sees Jude Law roaming the 'Northern Quarter', which is used to imitate a New York setting.
One film that solidifies Manchester's place as integral, both to the film industry, and the music industry, is Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People. This film is a comedic adaptation of Anthony H Wilson, the part owner of Factory Records, and his influence in helping create the "Madchester" scene of the late 80s, early 90s.
Manchester's place in cinema began right at the beginning of film itself. Even as early as 1928 films were being shot there, the first being Two Little Drummer Boys, which is the second Frank Randle film, and was directed by John E Blakeley. And throughout the remaining history of cinema, great filmmakers have chosen Manchester as the place to film their work, right up until just last year.
The 60s saw many great films use Manchester as their backdrop. The 1961 A Taste of Honey, by Tony Richardson, for example, is still a well loved film, and was filmed in many places across Manchester. Then there is Hell is a City, which stars Stanley Baxter who is a police man whose aim is to clean up the streets of Manchester. This is another much loved film with a distinctively Mancunian setting.
Nowadays films are rarely shot entirely on site, but some of the great block busters of the last few years have at least had some scenes shot in Manchester. One example is Captain America, in which the super soldier chases a villain through the streets of Manchester. Also, Alfie, sees Jude Law roaming the 'Northern Quarter', which is used to imitate a New York setting.
One film that solidifies Manchester's place as integral, both to the film industry, and the music industry, is Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People. This film is a comedic adaptation of Anthony H Wilson, the part owner of Factory Records, and his influence in helping create the "Madchester" scene of the late 80s, early 90s.
