Calling the Tune

Story

Synopsis

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

Writers

Reginald Denham, Basil Mason

Language

English

Country

United Kingdom

Release date

30 June 1936

Ensemble

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

• Reginald Forsyth

  Cameo appearance

• Charles Penrose

  Cameo appearance