Calling the Tune

1936 1h 20m EN

🤯

10.0

MASTERPIECE

⭐

5.7

IMDB

★10.0TMDB · 1★5.7IMDB · 51

MusicDrama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

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.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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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

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Reginald Denham
Writers: Basil Mason, Reginald Denham
Languages: English
Countries: United Kingdom

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

80 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

ERA

Did you know

90 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Reginald Denham, shot by Franz Weihmayr. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Editor Thorold Dickinson shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Adele Dixon and Sally Gray and Clifford Evans carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0027416 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

Only 1 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Reginald Denham directs. Franz Weihmayr behind the camera. Thorold Dickinson cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in United Kingdom. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

180 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.
290 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
3Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
4Directed by Reginald Denham, shot by Franz Weihmayr. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
5Editor Thorold Dickinson shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6Adele Dixon and Sally Gray and Clifford Evans carry the top of the cast.
7IMDB entry: tt0027416 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
8Only 1 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.