diff --git a/NEWS b/NEWS
index 25e4f4d7587..4dc5f8b119b 100644
--- a/NEWS
+++ b/NEWS
@@ -25,6 +25,9 @@ For a more comprehensive changelog of the latest experimental code, see:
    - Improved Audio quality in Humongous Entertainment games by using the Miles AdLib driver.
    - Fixed possible stack overflows in The Dig and Full Throttle.
 
+ Tinsel:
+   - Fix loading Discworld 1 savegames from the launcher where Rincewind had a held item
+
  Tucker:
    - Fixed multiple graphic issues in Bud Tucker in Double Trouble.
    - Fixed multiple issues with font and subtitle rendering.
diff --git a/engines/tinsel/cursor.cpp b/engines/tinsel/cursor.cpp
index e69031d572a..c23e4f28453 100644
--- a/engines/tinsel/cursor.cpp
+++ b/engines/tinsel/cursor.cpp
@@ -375,6 +375,10 @@ void SetAuxCursor(SCNHANDLE hFilm) {
 
 	DelAuxCursor();		// Get rid of previous
 
+	// WORKAROUND: There's no palette when loading a DW1 savegame with a held item, so exit if so
+	if (!BgPal())
+		return;
+
 	GetCursorXY(&x, &y, false);	// Note: also waits for cursor to appear
 
 	pim = GetImageFromFilm(hFilm, 0, &pfr, &pmi, &pfilm);// Get pointer to image