The Lost Films of 20th Century Spatchcock

Between 1921 and 1999, Twentieth Century Spatchcock made over 20,000 films in their Hollinwood, Oldham studios. Most have been lost or destroyed - sometimes accidentally.

Painstaking research by Dr Derek J Ripley has pieced together the synopses and cast details of dozens of films discovered on market stalls, in attics and in skips all over the country, forcing us to re-appraise the contribution of Alfred Spatchcock and DW Blunt to Britain’s cinema heritage.

"At last - the definitive appreciation of Spatchcock! Anyone who has managed to get through From Here To Maternity or Wendy Does Wigan will want - and need - this book"Andy Kershaw

"If you only read one book about Spatchcock, make sure it's this one"Norman Barrie

"Spatchcock is up there with with Fellaini, Bertolli and Francis Ford Mondeo" Jonathan Rossendale

With an Introduction by Dr CP Lee.

Dr J Ripley's new book turns the spotlight on a film studio that has been long forgotten - some might say for good reason.

With detailed synopses and cast details for more than 60 Spatchcock films from Mr Lilo's Holiday to Paint Your Drag On and over 160 lavish black and white illustrations, this is a must for anyone with an interest in film.

Derek J Ripley's unrivalled passion for local history dates back longer than he can remember. Born in Preston, he has lived at various times in most places in the North West. He was made redundant from his job as a librarian following local government cutbacks and now lives in Birkenhead, where he does occasional voluntary work.

In 2012, his first book Forgotten Lancashire & Parts of Cheshire and the Wirral established his reputation as the master of 'fact-free' history. Derek likes nothing better than sitting down in a bookshop with a nice café latte and a couple of good history books. He is an avid listener - and sometime contributor to - local radio and has penned a regular column for Lancashire Life magazine since 2012.

Married to Nataya whom he met at a local history convention in Bangkok, he is now working on his next project, The Complete and Utter Book of Tripe! due for publication later in 2013.