Blackpool Convention report 1985 (2)

The 1985 Convention – the first one organised by Derann – was reported on by John Wright in the February 1986 issue of Making Better Movies magazine.

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BY ALL ACCOUNTS – including those of the organisers – the Ninth Northern Film Collectors Convention in Blackpool was a smashing success. John Wright, who was the guest speaker at the official dinner, brings us this report:

‘The event started characteristically on Friday night with food and films. Our appetites had been tantalisingly stimulated with a meal which included Blondell Frappé, Potage de Roberta-Carousel and Busby Berkeley Chantilly which gently led on to the première on super 8 of That’s Dancing.

‘Personally, I liked about two thirds of this movie, finding the golden oldies appealing and Michael Jackson appalling. But what a treat to see Ray Bolger’s beautifully choreographed number which some idiots decided to cut from The Wizard of Oz. You don’t have to buy the whole film to get this as Derann are selling it in parts but to get Bolger, you’ll also have to take Beryshnikov – ballet and all.

‘Sunday saw the start of the Convention proper with all the stops pulled out to give the buffs a galaxy of films, fun, competitions, an open forum and the famous auction. The highlight among the films shows was undoubtedly the final one presented by the ubiquitous Keith Wilton. His Spectacular, using Brainstorm, Poltergeist, Capricorn One and others in ‘Scope and stereo was terrific.

‘Peter Simmons, who heads the Elmo Division at Hanimex, on whose projectors the shows depended, couldn’t believe his eyes or ears. When we had dinner together in the evening he was still talking about Wilton’s showmanship. Peter himself, manning the Elmo stand, had brisk enquiries all day and we can only hope this enthusiasm will stimulate an already sympathetic Peter to convince his powers-that-be that super 8 is still alive and kicking.

‘As for the trade stands, well I’ve never seen so many movies on sale even in the big package boom of the late Seventies. City Heat is already here, admittedly with optical track, but how difficult is that to transfer to magnetic on an Elmo? Rambo is demolishing the home scene and James Bond is back with A View to a Kill. Superman II will be flying in and our Gracie will Sing as We Go. Tony Shapps has some cracking rarities like wartime Bonds appeals by famous faces, including Tyrone Power, Cary Grant, Shirley Temple and James Stewart.

‘The Cliffs Hotel on the Queens Parade at Blackpool is far superior to the previous venue and the ballroom just right for the shows with a bar linking it neatly to the exhibitors hall. The food was great, deserving far more than the hotel’s two star rating, and of course the organisation and projection were incredible.

‘At the dinner, I was pleased to be sitting between Les Sydall, who started the Convention, and Derek Simmonds who has just picked up the baton from Bill Davison. As many will remember, Bill organised and faithfully reported the event for many years; he was truly missed this time around.

‘I’ve left Gone with the Wind until last. I saw it first during the war at the Empire, Leicester Square and many time since but never dreamed that I would see it on home gauge film with all its richness of colour and sharpness intact. It’s pricey, but remember it projects big and it will keep. What’s more, I believe Derek will soon be bringing us the sequel: Sink the Bismuth!

‘All enquiries about equipment, films and other goodies shown at the Convention as well as the fixture for next year should be made to Dave Worrall at Derann Film Services, Dudley, West Midlands. Telephone Dudley 233191.’

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In the same issue of Making Better Movies, Derek Simmonds of Derann contributed the following to the letters pages:

Sunshine in Blackpool

As the sun sinks slowly into the sea, once again we leave breezy Blackpool and the ninth Northern Film Collectors Convention. For once those famous lines ring true because the sun really did shine on this year’s convention. To say it was a success is putting it mildly; in fact, ‘winner’ was the word of the day.

Another word of the day must have been ‘unbelievable’ – used by most collectors to describe the ‘Scope stereo show, compiled and presented by Keith Wilton and his team. It could easily have put many cinema presentations to shame.

Here are a few facts that may be of interest: Dealer attendance – four more than last year. Customer attendance – 127 more than last year. Films entered for auction – 279.

The ‘Bring and Buy’ stand and the Saturday evening dinner were both innovations at Blackpool and both were voted completely sucessful. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement and we are already planning a few changes for next year. For example, I feel the convention should start at 9.30a.m. and close a little later, say 7p.m. The auction should be brought forward and there should be more time between films in order that the cinema can be cleared.

Now we would like your views. To us they are important, so please let us have them, but if you want a reply, please enclosed an SAE.

DEREK SIMMONDS
Derann Audio Visual