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.
Directed by Reginald Denham, Thorold Dickinson
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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
H.F. Maltby
Stubbins
Robb Wilton
Jenkins
Reginald Forsyth
Cameo appearance
Charles Penrose
Cameo appearance
George Robey
Cameo appearance
Henry Wood
Cameo appearance
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