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.
Credits
Calling the Tune Cast
| Name |
Character |
|
Sally Gray
She was 21, 91 years old when she died
|
as Margaret Gordon |
|
Eliot Makeham
He was 53, 73 years old when he died
|
as Stephen Harbord |
|
Sam Livesey
He was 62, 62 years old when he died
|
as Bob Gordon |
|
Donald Wolfit
He was 34, 65 years old when he died
|
as Dick Finlay |
|
Ronald Simpson
He was 39, 60 years old when he died
|
as Bramwell |
|
Clifford Evans
He was 24, 73 years old when he died
|
as Peter Mallory |
|
George Robey
He was 66, 85 years old when he died
|
as Cameo appearance |
|
H. F. Maltby
He was 55, 82 years old when he died
|
as Stubbins |
|
Charles Penrose
He was 62, 79 years old when he died
|
as Cameo appearance |
Calling the Tune Crew
| Name |
Department |
|
Franz Weihmayr as Director of Photography. He was 32 (65) years old when He died
|
Camera |
|
Hugh Perceval as Producer. He was 28 (79) years old when He died
|
Production |
|
Thorold Dickinson as Director. He was 32 (80) years old when He died
|
Directing |
|
Thorold Dickinson as Editor. He was 32 (80) years old when He died
|
Editing |
|
Reginald Denham as Director. He was 42 (89) years old when He died
|
Directing |
|
Reginald Denham as Writer. He was 42 (89) years old when He died
|
Writing |
