Calling the Tune

Calling the Tune

80 mins | Drama, Music | June 30, 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.

Calling the Tune

80 mins | Drama, Music | June 30, 1936

Calling the Tune
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.
Producers Phoenix Films, Independent Film Producers (IFP)
Original title Calling the Tune
Directors Vincent Permane, Reginald Denham, Thorold Dickinson
Writers Basil Mason, Reginald Denham

Cast

Adele Dixon

as Julia Harbord

Sally Gray

as Margaret Gordon

Clifford Evans

as Peter Mallory

Sam Livesey

as Bob Gordon

Donald Wolfit

as Dick Finlay

Eliot Makeham

as Stephen Harbord

Lewis Casson

as John Mallory

Ronald Simpson

as Bramwell

H.F. Maltby

as Stubbins

Robb Wilton

as Jenkins

Reginald Forsyth

as Cameo appearance

Charles Penrose

as Cameo appearance

George Robey

as Cameo appearance

Henry Wood

as Cameo appearance