Calling the Tune
5.8
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.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
27 people
Adele Dixon
Julia Harbord
Also in
Banana Ridge
Woman to Woman
Sally Gray
Margaret Gordon
Known for
They Made Me a Fugitive
Green for Danger
Reginald Denham
Franz Weihmayr
Hugh Perceval
Clifford Evans
Peter Mallory
Known for
The Curse of the Werewolf
The Kiss of the Vampire
R. Holmes Paul
Basil Mason
Thorold Dickinson
Sam Livesey
Bob Gordon
Known for
The Private Life of Henry VIII
Ray Pitt
Donald Wolfit
Dick Finlay
Known for
Lawrence of Arabia
Room at the Top
Thorold Dickinson Director · Reginald Denham Director Basil Mason Writer
First release June 30, 1936 · Produced in United Kingdom · Production Phoenix Films
Production
Independent Film Producers (IFP)
Production
Phoenix Films
Production
United Kingdom
Produced in
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
United Kingdom · June 30, 1936
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
More from Thorold Dickinson
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked Calling the Tune
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
Some details come from TheTVDB.