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Dickenson Road Studios was originally constructed as a Primitive Methodist Chapel in 1862.
Answer: False
Explanation: The building was originally constructed as a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in 1862, not a Primitive Methodist Chapel.
The architectural firm responsible for designing the Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church was William Haley & Son.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church was indeed designed by the Manchester architectural firm William Haley & Son.
The Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church ceased to be a place of worship in 1932, coinciding with the merger of several Methodist churches.
Answer: False
Explanation: The church ceased worship in 1937, although the merger of Methodist churches did occur in 1932.
The original Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church featured an apse with three stained-glass windows at its eastern end.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church was characterized by an apse at its eastern end, featuring three stained-glass windows.
The building that became Dickenson Road Studios was originally a:
Answer: Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Explanation: The building that later became Dickenson Road Studios was originally constructed as a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in 1862.
What was the cost of building the original Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1862?
Answer: £4,000
Explanation: The original Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church was built in 1862 at a cost of £4,000.
Which feature was NOT part of the original Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church's structural design?
Answer: A central dome with a skylight.
Explanation: The original Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church featured a gable-fronted design, a nave and transepts, and an apse with stained-glass windows, but not a central dome with a skylight.
In what year was the Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church built?
Answer: 1862
Explanation: The Dickenson Road Wesleyan Methodist Church was constructed in 1862.
John E. Blakeley purchased the disused church in 1947 and invested £70,000 to convert it into a two-stage film studio.
Answer: True
Explanation: John E. Blakeley acquired the disused church in 1947 and invested £70,000 to transform it into a two-stage film studio.
Mancunian Films, established by John E. Blakeley, was the second British film studio to operate outside of south-east England.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mancunian Films, established in 1947, was the first British film studio to operate outside of the south-east England region.
Mancunian Films primarily received financial backing from private investors, not government entities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mancunian Films received financial support from the National Film Finance Corporation (NFFC), a government-backed entity providing grants to independent British studios.
George Formby's career was significantly boosted by John E. Blakeley's earlier film productions.
Answer: True
Explanation: John E. Blakeley's earlier film productions, under Blakeley's Productions Ltd, were instrumental in launching the career of George Formby.
External filming for *Cup-tie Honeymoon* took place at Old Trafford football stadium.
Answer: False
Explanation: External filming for *Cup-tie Honeymoon* was conducted at Maine Road football stadium.
After John E. Blakeley's retirement, his son Tom Blakeley continued to manage Mancunian Films, which also provided facilities for Hammer Horror films.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following John E. Blakeley's retirement, his son Tom Blakeley managed Mancunian Films, which subsequently provided facilities for productions such as Hammer Horror films.
Dickenson Road Studios was primarily known for producing serious dramas and documentaries during its time as a film studio.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mancunian Films, operating from Dickenson Road Studios, was popularly known as 'the Hollywood of the North' or 'Jollywood' due to its focus on comedy films, not serious dramas.
John E. Blakeley retired from Mancunian Films after the BBC acquired the studios.
Answer: False
Explanation: John E. Blakeley retired from Mancunian Films upon reaching the age of 65, which occurred before the BBC acquired the studios in 1954.
Who was the British film producer that purchased and converted the disused church into a film studio in 1947?
Answer: John E. Blakeley
Explanation: British film producer John E. Blakeley purchased the disused church in 1947 and converted it into a two-stage film studio.
John E. Blakeley's film production company that established Dickenson Road Studios was known as:
Answer: Mancunian Films
Explanation: John E. Blakeley's film production company that established Dickenson Road Studios was Mancunian Films, a relaunch of his earlier business.
What unique distinction did Dickenson Road Studios achieve upon its establishment as a film studio in 1947?
Answer: It was the first British film studio to operate outside of the south-east England region.
Explanation: Upon its establishment in 1947, Dickenson Road Studios became the first British film studio to operate outside of the south-east England region.
Mancunian Films secured financial backing from which organization?
Answer: The National Film Finance Corporation (NFFC)
Explanation: Mancunian Films received financial support from the National Film Finance Corporation (NFFC), which provided grants to independent British studios.
Which prominent variety entertainer's career was significantly launched by John E. Blakeley's earlier film productions?
Answer: George Formby
Explanation: John E. Blakeley's earlier film productions played a role in launching the career of the variety entertainer George Formby.
Location filming for *Cup-tie Honeymoon* was carried out at which football stadium?
Answer: Maine Road
Explanation: External filming for the movie *Cup-tie Honeymoon* was conducted at the Maine Road football stadium.
After John E. Blakeley's retirement, Mancunian Films was managed by:
Answer: Tom Blakeley
Explanation: Following John E. Blakeley's retirement, Mancunian Films continued under the management of his son, Tom Blakeley.
Which of these individuals was NOT among the Mancunian screen stars present at the official opening of Dickenson Road Studios in 1947?
Answer: Pat Phoenix
Explanation: Pat Phoenix, while a future *Coronation Street* actor, was not listed among the Mancunian screen stars present at the official opening of Dickenson Road Studios in 1947.
Which Hammer Horror film was among those that utilized the facilities at Mancunian Films after John E. Blakeley's retirement?
Answer: *Hell Is a City*
Explanation: After John E. Blakeley's retirement, Mancunian Films provided facilities for other productions, including the Hammer Horror film *Hell Is a City* (1960).
The BBC acquired Dickenson Road Studios in 1964, the same year *Top of the Pops* began broadcasting from there.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC acquired Dickenson Road Studios in 1954, a decade before *Top of the Pops* began broadcasting from the facility in 1964.
Dickenson Road Studios became the first regional BBC Television studio located outside of London upon its acquisition.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon its acquisition by the BBC in 1954, Dickenson Road Studios indeed became the first regional BBC Television studio situated outside of London.
A key technical advantage of Dickenson Road Studios as a BBC facility was its state-of-the-art recording equipment.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dickenson Road Studios notably lacked recording facilities, requiring all television pictures to be transmitted to London for recording.
BBC television drama in the North, featuring early works by writers like Alan Plater, was primarily produced at Dickenson Road Studios.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dickenson Road Studios served as the main production hub for BBC television drama in the North, including early works by writers such as Alan Plater.
The BBC acquired Dickenson Road Studios in what year?
Answer: 1954
Explanation: The BBC acquired Dickenson Road Studios from Mancunian Films in 1954.
Upon its acquisition by the BBC in 1954, Dickenson Road Studios gained significance as:
Answer: The first regional BBC Television studio situated outside of London.
Explanation: Upon its acquisition by the BBC in 1954, Dickenson Road Studios became the first regional BBC Television studio located outside of London.
What was a major technical drawback of Dickenson Road Studios as a BBC facility?
Answer: It lacked recording facilities, requiring transmissions to London.
Explanation: A significant technical limitation of Dickenson Road Studios was its lack of recording facilities, necessitating that all television pictures be transmitted to London for recording.
The very first episode of *Top of the Pops* was broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios on January 1, 1964.
Answer: True
Explanation: The inaugural episode of *Top of the Pops* was indeed broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios on January 1, 1964.
Jimmy Savile and Tony Blackburn were the initial presenters of *Top of the Pops*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial presenters of *Top of the Pops* were Jimmy Savile and Alan Freeman.
The debut episode of *Top of the Pops* featured The Beatles performing 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' live in the studio.
Answer: False
Explanation: The debut episode featured a recording of The Beatles' 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' played over film clips, not a live studio performance.
*Top of the Pops* was broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios for a total of five years.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Top of the Pops* was broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios for a period of three years, from 1964 until 1966.
Samantha Juste's role on *Top of the Pops* was to introduce the musical acts and conduct interviews.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samantha Juste's role on *Top of the Pops* was primarily as the 'disc girl,' responsible for playing the week's hit records live on-air.
Early live episodes of *Top of the Pops* commonly featured performers miming to their own records.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the early live episodes of *Top of the Pops*, it was a common practice for performers to mime to their own records.
The Kinks made their *Top of the Pops* debut at Dickenson Road Studios in 1964, performing 'You Really Got Me'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Kinks debuted on *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios on August 19, 1964, performing 'You Really Got Me'.
The Who's debut on *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios was with the song 'My Generation'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Who made their debut on *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios performing 'I Can't Explain'.
The Beatles performed live at Dickenson Road Studios on *Top of the Pops* on multiple occasions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Beatles did not appear live in person on *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios due to the building's physical limitations; their performances were pre-recorded elsewhere.
All early *Top of the Pops* broadcasts from Dickenson Road Studios have been preserved in the BBC archives.
Answer: False
Explanation: There are no existing archive recordings of the first *Top of the Pops* broadcasts from Dickenson Road Studios, and it is unknown if they were ever recorded.
Harry Goodwin was a photographer who captured images of stars like James Brown and Stevie Wonder at Dickenson Road Studios.
Answer: True
Explanation: Harry Goodwin was a photographer from Fallowfield, Manchester, who captured many iconic images of stars, including James Brown and Stevie Wonder, performing at Dickenson Road Studios.
Harry Goodwin received a substantial weekly fee for his photography work on *Top of the Pops*, reflecting the show's popularity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Harry Goodwin received a relatively low weekly fee of £30, which was compensated by a weekly mention in the program's closing credits.
Performers and staff found the former church setting of Dickenson Road Studios to be a glamorous and modern environment for pop celebrities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Performers and staff often commented on the unglamorous nature of the former church setting for hosting prominent pop celebrities.
The Musicians' Union intervened to change *Top of the Pops*' policy, requiring artists to perform live with an orchestra or a backing track instead of miming.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following intervention by the Musicians' Union, *Top of the Pops* policy changed to require live performances with an orchestra or a specially recorded backing track, rather than miming.
The Beatles pre-recorded their *Top of the Pops* performances at Lime Grove Studios due to Dickenson Road's limitations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Beatles' performances for *Top of the Pops* were pre-recorded at Riverside Studios in London, not Lime Grove Studios, due to Dickenson Road's physical limitations.
Ground staff at Manchester Airport became accustomed to late check-ins from pop stars traveling to Dickenson Road Studios for *Top of the Pops*.
Answer: True
Explanation: As *Top of the Pops* gained popularity and BBC budgets allowed, stars were flown from Heathrow to Manchester, leading airport staff to become accustomed to their late check-ins.
The inaugural episode of *Top of the Pops* was broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios on:
Answer: January 1, 1964
Explanation: The very first episode of *Top of the Pops* was broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios on January 1, 1964.
Who were the two initial presenters of *Top of the Pops*?
Answer: Jimmy Savile and Alan Freeman
Explanation: The inaugural episode of *Top of the Pops* was presented by Jimmy Savile and Alan Freeman.
Which band performed 'I Wanna Be Your Man' to open the debut episode of *Top of the Pops*?
Answer: The Rolling Stones
Explanation: The debut episode of *Top of the Pops* opened with The Rolling Stones performing 'I Wanna Be Your Man'.
For how many years did *Top of the Pops* broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios?
Answer: Three years
Explanation: *Top of the Pops* was broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios for a period of three years, from 1964 until 1966.
Samantha Juste's role on *Top of the Pops* was primarily as the:
Answer: 'Disc girl' responsible for playing records
Explanation: Samantha Juste served as the 'disc girl' on *Top of the Pops*, responsible for playing the week's hit records live on-air.
What was the standard performance method for musical acts on early *Top of the Pops* episodes?
Answer: Miming to their own records
Explanation: On the early live episodes of *Top of the Pops*, it was common practice for performers to mime to their own records.
The Swinging Blue Jeans' performance of 'Hippy Hippy Shake' on *Top of the Pops* in 1964 was disrupted by:
Answer: The record being played at the incorrect speed.
Explanation: During a 1964 broadcast, The Swinging Blue Jeans' performance was disrupted when the record they were miming to was played at the incorrect speed.
The Kinks made their *Top of the Pops* debut at Dickenson Road Studios performing 'You Really Got Me' on:
Answer: August 19, 1964
Explanation: The Kinks made their *Top of the Pops* debut at Dickenson Road Studios on August 19, 1964, performing 'You Really Got Me'.
The Beatles did not appear live in person at Dickenson Road Studios for *Top of the Pops* due to:
Answer: The physical limitations of the building.
Explanation: The Beatles did not perform live in person at Dickenson Road Studios for *Top of the Pops* due to the physical limitations of the building.
What is known about the archive recordings of the first *Top of the Pops* broadcasts from Dickenson Road Studios?
Answer: There are no existing archive recordings of the first broadcasts.
Explanation: There are no existing archive recordings of the first *Top of the Pops* broadcasts from Dickenson Road Studios, and it remains unknown if they were ever recorded.
How did *Top of the Pops* producer Johnnie Stewart compensate Harry Goodwin for his low weekly fee?
Answer: He was given a weekly mention in the program's closing credits.
Explanation: To compensate for his low weekly fee, *Top of the Pops* producer Johnnie Stewart ensured Harry Goodwin received a weekly mention in the program's closing credits.
The Musicians' Union's intervention led to a *Top of the Pops* policy change requiring songs to be performed:
Answer: Live with an orchestra or to a specially recorded backing track.
Explanation: Following the Musicians' Union's intervention, *Top of the Pops* policy changed to require songs to be performed either live with an orchestra or to a specially recorded backing track.
Besides Jimmy Savile and Alan Freeman, who was another early presenter of *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios?
Answer: Pete Murray
Explanation: In addition to Jimmy Savile and Alan Freeman, Pete Murray was another early presenter of *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios.
Which musical group made their debut on *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios on March 11, 1965, with the song 'I Can't Explain'?
Answer: The Who
Explanation: The Who made their debut on *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios on March 11, 1965, performing 'I Can't Explain'.
*Top of the Pops* relocated from Dickenson Road Studios to Lime Grove Studios in London on January 20, 1966.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Top of the Pops* indeed relocated from Dickenson Road Studios to Lime Grove Studios in London on January 20, 1966.
The move to Lime Grove Studios allowed *Top of the Pops* to feature smaller, more intimate sets and a local Manchester audience.
Answer: False
Explanation: The move to Lime Grove Studios offered advantages such as larger sets and the ability to attract a more fashionable 'Swinging London' studio audience, not smaller sets or a Manchester audience.
The Dickenson Road building was eventually demolished in 1975, and its site is now a public park.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Dickenson Road building was demolished in 1975, its site is now occupied by residential houses with a commemorative plaque, not a public park.
The Beatles made their only live appearance on *Top of the Pops* at Dickenson Road Studios in 1966.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Beatles' sole live appearance on *Top of the Pops* occurred at BBC Television Centre on June 16, 1966, not at Dickenson Road Studios.
*Top of the Pops* relocated from Dickenson Road Studios to Lime Grove Studios on:
Answer: January 20, 1966
Explanation: *Top of the Pops* relocated from Dickenson Road Studios to Lime Grove Studios in London on January 20, 1966.
The move to Lime Grove Studios offered *Top of the Pops* producer Johnnie Stewart advantages such as:
Answer: Greater flexibility for show presentation, including larger sets and a 'Swinging London' audience.
Explanation: The move to Lime Grove Studios provided *Top of the Pops* producer Johnnie Stewart with greater flexibility for show presentation, including larger sets and the ability to attract a 'Swinging London' studio audience.
What occupies the former site of Dickenson Road Studios today?
Answer: Residential houses with a commemorative plaque
Explanation: Today, the former site of Dickenson Road Studios is occupied by residential houses, one of which features a commemorative plaque.
The Beatles' sole live appearance on *Top of the Pops* occurred on June 16, 1966, at:
Answer: BBC Television Centre
Explanation: The Beatles made their only live appearance on *Top of the Pops* at BBC Television Centre on June 16, 1966.