Calling the Tune
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.
Top Cast
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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
George Robey
Cameo appearance
Henry Wood
Cameo appearance
Pat Fitzpatrick
Boy
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Thorold Dickinson, Reginald Denham
- Screenplay & Story
- Reginald Denham, Basil Mason
- Original Title
- Calling the Tune
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 20m
- Production Studios
- Independent Film Producers (IFP), Phoenix Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Thorold Dickinson, Reginald Denham
Reginald Denham, Basil Mason
Franz Weihmayr
Thorold Dickinson, Ray Pitt
Hugh Perceval
Department Leadership Roster
Thorold Dickinson
Director
Reginald Denham
Director
Hugh Perceval
Producer
Thorold Dickinson
Editor
Reginald Denham
Writer
Franz Weihmayr
Director of Photography
Basil Mason
Writer
Ray Pitt
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Calling the Tune.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Musicals
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Frequently Asked Questions About Calling the Tune
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Calling the Tune about?
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.
Who directed Calling the Tune?
Calling the Tune was directed by Thorold Dickinson, Reginald Denham.
Who stars in Calling the Tune?
The principal cast of Calling the Tune includes Adele Dixon, Sally Gray, Clifford Evans, Sam Livesey, Donald Wolfit.
When was Calling the Tune released and how long is it?
Calling the Tune was released in 1936 with a total runtime of 1h 20m.