The works of Manchester cult hero Cliff Twemlow are in danger of becoming lost forever according to a film-critic who is exploring how the actor influenced the movie industry.
Cliff Twemlow came into his own by starring in a series of extremely low budget action films mostly shot on videotape.
Although Manchester has been home to more influential actors and directors since Twemlow – who died in 1993 – he still remains one of the city’s favourite.
“Since looking into him, it has been a huge eye opener to how influential Cliff was, he has an all-consuming attitude,” said film critic Noel Mellor.
“The unique appeal of Twemlow is down to the angle he took, which is a sort of Northern humour that makes him very relatable too.”
Twemlow, originally from Hulme, was a one-time night club bouncer and an avid movie fan who entered the film world by working as a stuntman.
His first and most notable film G.B.H was a true labour of love for Twemlow in which he not only played the lead role but also produced, co-ordinated the stunts and wrote the music for.
Before his VHS film career the cult legend was a prolific songwriter for television as well as an established author of three published novels.
“He was an all-round talent starting off as a musician where he was a big success also appearing as an extra in Coronation street,” said Mellor
“He was successful in everything he did as he attacked everything with creativity and enthusiasm”
With VHS films slowly becoming obsolete, Mellor hopes that people will hold onto this Manchester legends works instead of just throwing them out.
He said: “The loss of his films is painfully sad, as there are not many VHS recording left and the places aren’t converting any of his VHS films to DVD or Blue-Ray.
“As a part of our regional culture we need to extend the lives of these films.”
Mellor claims Twemlow to be a pioneer of VHS film making as the former Manchester bouncer saw the opportunity to make low budget films which studios would go nowhere near.
“His works have influenced a lot of people as at the time cult moves were extremely popular because they were readily available,” said Mellor.
“For example his most famous film GBH sold over 10,000 copies in its first few weeks.”
Twemlow resonated well with his audiences being nicknamed the Man-Man-Man-Mancunian after gritty performances in his often violent films.
Mellor added: “In the 1980’s films featured hard men actors such as Clint Eastwood, Cliff did that part brilliantly but could be seen throwing someone over a table one scene and be cuddling a teddy-bear the next.
“His background came from being a bouncer which helped his films which were basically a portrayal of his life.”
Mellor has become a huge fan of his fellow Mancunian and hope that his films will continue to out-live the man himself.
Image courtesy of Mistofoles via Youtube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
