Calling the Tune (1936)
Calling the Tune offers a fascinating look at the fledgeling gramophone industry as it tries to solve the problems of reliable recording and production methods. 'I predict that the gramophone will be the democratic entertainment of the future' states unscrupulous record label boss Mr Gordon (Sam Livesey), who finally gets his comeuppance after one dirty trick too far against his rivals. If the film's love story is perfunctory, the real interest comes with watching performers of the day, from Henry Wood and his orchestra to George Robey and Charles 'the laughing policeman' Penrose laying down their recordings direct to record. And something very like a prototype laser disc makes a crucial appearance too.
Director: Reginald Denham, Thorold Dickinson
Genre: Music, Drama
Runtime: 80 min
Release Date: June 30, 1936
Cast
- Adele Dixon - Julia Harbord
- Sally Gray - Margaret Gordon
- Clifford Evans - Peter Mallory
- Sam Livesey - Bob Gordon
- Donald Wolfit - Dick Finlay
- Eliot Makeham - Stephen Harbord
- Lewis Casson - John Mallory
- Ronald Simpson - Bramwell
- H.F. Maltby - Stubbins
- Robb Wilton - Jenkins
Screenplay
Cinematography: Franz Weihmayr
Editing: Thorold Dickinson, Ray Pitt
Production: Independent Film Producers (IFP), Phoenix Films
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Reginald Denham, Thorold Dickinson
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Calling the Tune about?
- Calling the Tune offers a fascinating look at the fledgeling gramophone industry as it tries to solve the problems of reliable recording and production methods. 'I predict that the gramophone will be the democratic entertainment of the future' states unscrupulous record label boss Mr Gordon (Sam Livesey), who finally gets his comeuppance after one dirty trick too far against his rivals. If the film's love story is perfunctory, the real interest comes with watching performers of the day, from Henry Wood and his orchestra to George Robey and Charles 'the laughing policeman' Penrose laying down their recordings direct to record. And something very like a prototype laser disc makes a crucial appearance too.
- Who directed Calling the Tune?
- Calling the Tune was directed by Reginald Denham, Thorold Dickinson.
- Who stars in Calling the Tune?
- Calling the Tune stars Adele Dixon, Sally Gray, Clifford Evans, Sam Livesey, Donald Wolfit, Eliot Makeham.
- How long is Calling the Tune?
- Calling the Tune has a runtime of 1h 20m (80 minutes).
- What genre is Calling the Tune?
- Calling the Tune is a Music, Drama film.
- Where was Calling the Tune produced?
- Calling the Tune was produced in United Kingdom.