Film Fun was a renowned British celebrity comic book that entertained readers from January 17, 1920, to September 15, 1962, spanning 2,225 captivating issues. Alongside its regular editions, Film Fun also released annuals during the forties and fifties. As its name suggests, the comic primarily featured comic strip versions of famous personalities from the film industry, spanning the 1920s to the 1960s.
Publication Information
- Publisher: Amalgamated Press, Fleetway Publications
- Schedule: Weekly
- Genre: Action/Adventure, Humor/Comedy
- Publication Dates: January 17, 1920 – September 15, 1962
- Number of Issues: 2,225
- Editor: Frederick George Cordwell (“Eddie the Happy Editor”)
Publication History
Film Fun was initially launched by Amalgamated Press, which later released similar titles like Radio Fun, Sports Fun, and TV Fun. Before the outbreak of World War II, the comic achieved remarkable success, with its circulation peaking at around 800,000 copies per week. Over the years, Film Fun garnered a loyal readership, becoming a beloved staple in British comics.
In 1959, amidst a changing publishing landscape, the title was rebranded as “Film Fun and Thrills” following Amalgamated Press’s acquisition by the Mirror Group, later known as IPC (International Publishing Company). However, by 1962, the sales of Film Fun had dwindled, dropping below 125,000 copies per week. Consequently, IPC merged the comic with another popular title, Buster, marking the end of Film Fun’s illustrious run.
Mergers
Throughout its history, Film Fun underwent several mergers with other publications, reflecting the evolving landscape of the comic industry. Notable mergers included Picture Fun in the early years of its launch in 1920, followed by Kinema Comic in 1932. Subsequent mergers included Film Picture Stories in 1935, Illustrated Chips in 1953, and Top Spot in 1960. These mergers allowed Film Fun to adapt to changing trends and retain its relevance among readers.
Eddie, the Happy Editor
One of the iconic figures associated with Film Fun was Frederick George Cordwell, affectionately known to fans as “Eddie the Happy Editor.” Cordwell was the comic editor until his passing in 1949, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and innovation. He oversaw the publication, contributed to the scripts for various comic strips, and authored text stories for Film Fun.
Cordwell introduced unique elements to the comic, such as characters receiving extravagant meals like vast plates of bangers and mash, giant Christmas puddings, and pies as tokens of appreciation for their heroic deeds. He even inserted himself into the stories, often depicted “meeting” famous personalities like Laurel and Hardy, Joe E. Brown, Wheeler and Woolsey, among others. Cordwell’s creative vision and storytelling prowess played a significant role in shaping the identity of Film Fun and endearing it to generations of readers.
Content
The pages of Film Fun were adorned with captivating illustrations and engaging stories featuring a diverse array of film and stage comedians from the era. Notable personalities included Charlie Chaplin, Abbott and Costello, Buster Keaton, Jackie Coogan, W. C. Fields, Terry-Thomas, Max Miller, and Lupino Lane, to name a few. The comic also serialized cowboy films starring legends like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry alongside thrilling detective stories featuring the fictional Jack Keen.
Contributing Artists
Film Fun boasted a talented lineup of contributing artists, including:
- Walter Bell
- Bertie Brown
- Freddie Crompton
- Fred Holmes
- Albert Pease
- Tom Radford
- Eric Roberts
- George William Wakefield
- Terence Wakefield
- Jos “Josiah” Walker
- Norman Yendell Ward
- Roy Wilson
These artists brought the comic strips to life, capturing the essence and humor of the beloved film stars and characters featured in Film Fun.
Throughout its illustrious journey, Film Fun left an indelible mark on the world of comics, captivating audiences with its humor, wit, and colorful portrayal of beloved celebrities. Despite its eventual merger with Buster, the legacy of Film Fun continues to live on, cherished by fans and collectors alike.
FAQs about Film Fun
Q: What is Film Fun?
A: Film Fun was a British celebrity comics comic book that ran from 1920 to 1962, featuring comic strip versions of film stars from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Q: Who published Film Fun?
A: Film Fun was initially published by Amalgamated Press and later by Fleetway Publications.
Q: How many issues of Film Fun were released?
A: A total of 2,225 issues of Film Fun were released during its publication run.
Q: Who was “Eddie the Happy Editor”?
A: Frederick George Cordwell, better known as “Eddie the Happy Editor,” was the editor of Film Fun until he died in 1949. He was known for writing scripts for comic strips and introducing various comedic elements.
Q: What genre did Film Fun cover?
A: Film Fun covered genres such as action/adventure and humor/comedy, featuring comic strip adaptations of famous film stars and comedians.
Q: Can you name some of the contributing artists to Film Fun?
A: Some of the contributing artists to Film Fun included Walter Bell, Bertie Brown, Freddie Crompton, Fred Holmes, Albert Pease, Tom Radford, Eric Roberts, George William Wakefield, Terence Wakefield, Jos “Josiah” Walker, Norman Yendell Ward, and Roy Wilson.
Q: Were there any mergers involving Film Fun?
A: Yes, Film Fun merged with several other publications over the years, including Picture Fun, Kinema Comic, Film Picture Stories, Illustrated Chips, and Top Spot.
Q: What kind of content could be found in Film Fun?
A: Film Fun featured comic strip versions of popular film and stage comedians, serialized cowboy films, detective stories, and other entertainment content.
Q: When did Film Fun cease publication?
A: Film Fun ceased publication in 1962 when it merged with Buster, another comic book title.
Q: Is Film Fun still available today?
A: While physical copies of Film Fun may be rare and collectible, some digital archives and reprints may still be available for fans and collectors.
