Calling the Tune
1936Calling 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.
Acted in
Adele Dixon
as Julia Harbord
Sally Gray
as Margaret Gordon
Clifford Evans
as Peter Mallory
Sam Livesey
as Bob Gordon
Donald Wolfit
as Dick Finlay
Eliot Makeham
as Stephen Harbord
Lewis Casson
as John Mallory
Ronald Simpson
as Bramwell
H.F. Maltby
as Stubbins
Robb Wilton
as Jenkins
Reginald Forsyth
as Cameo appearance
Charles Penrose
as Cameo appearance
George Robey
as Cameo appearance
Henry Wood
as Cameo appearance
Pat Fitzpatrick
as Boy