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.
Directors: Reginald Denham, Thorold Dickinson.
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Adele Dixon as Julia Harbord |
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Sally Gray as Margaret Gordon |
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Clifford Evans as Peter Mallory |
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Sam Livesey as Bob Gordon |
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Donald Wolfit as Dick Finlay |
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Eliot Makeham as Stephen Harbord |
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Lewis Casson as John Mallory |
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Ronald Simpson as Bramwell |
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H.F. Maltby as Stubbins |
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Robb Wilton as Jenkins |
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Reginald Forsyth as Cameo appearance |
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Charles Penrose as Cameo appearance |
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George Robey as Cameo appearance |
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Henry Wood as Cameo appearance |
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Pat Fitzpatrick as Boy |
| Directing | Reginald Denham | Director |
| Directing | Thorold Dickinson | Director |
| Writing | Basil Mason | Writer |
| Writing | Reginald Denham | Writer |
| Production | Hugh Perceval | Producer |
| Camera | Franz Weihmayr | Director of Photography |
| Editing | Thorold Dickinson | Editor |
| Editing | Ray Pitt | Editor |
| Art | R. Holmes Paul | Art Direction |
| Sound | Eric Williams | Sound Recordist |
| Directing | Vincent Permane | Assistant Director |