A look at the 1950's technology of the Bell Telephone System and how it enabled modern American life. Sometimes, little problems had to be overcome, and these films show you how.

THE TOWN AND THE TELEPHONE 1955
U.S. industrial film. Technicolor. One of the essential factors in the growth of a city is its communications capabilities. The telephone company provides the means for transacting business, communicating information, seeking help, and talking to friends. This employee orientation film created for telephone company workers, explains the corporate structure and values of the Bell System. Look for cool footage of: technological developments, communications workers and everyday 1950s American life.

DIALING TIPS 1950
U.S. industrial film. Color. When using a rotary telephone, it's a bummer when you make a mistake on the last number. Do it too many times and you might smash that 20 pound, 1950s phone through a window. This film provides many helpful tips on how to avoid annoyances when using the telephone.

THE WORLD AT YOUR CALL 1951
U.S. industrial film. Color. Part travelogue, part ad encouraging consumers to waste money on long distance calls in an era when long distance calling was expensive. This film is a look at telephone history. As we learn about the many benefits of calling long distance we see extraordinary panoramic views of places like the White Mountains, New Orleans, Washington D.C. and England. As the vivid scenery changes we view the different ways in which the telephone can bring people closer together.

SPEEDING SPEECH 1951
U.S. industrial film. This film explains the technology of long distance calls by the first toll dial switching systems, and contrasts it with earlier methods where human operators made the connections. Look for a sound demonstration of the then new "multi-frequency" or MF tone senders. Different and more pleasant sounding than today's "touch-tones," MF tones were used by the switching network. Though they're now nearly extinct, MF tones were considered by phone phreaks to be among the most beautiful sounds heard on the old network.

STORY WITHOUT END 1950
U.S. industrial film. A look the Bell System's progress since Alexander Graham Bell first invented the telephone. Showing the new, lighter transistor and sturdier cables, the film explains that the Bell System is always working diligently to obtain a better telephone experience for their customers. This film guarantees the future-orientated viewer that scientists will make the story of the telephone a story of continuous progress. A story without end.

ALONG PARTY LINES 1953
U.S. industrial film. A look at telephone party line technology and, importantly, how to be properly share a phone line without being a jerk. Surprisingly, they didn’t mention to not listen in other people's private conversations. Lots of tips on how to deal with irate customers. Here's a tip: don’t be a cheapskate; get your own line.

TELEPHONE COURTESY 1950
U.S. industrial film. A Bell System film about telephone manners in a business office. We are taught how efficient and polite telephone skills improve morale and, most importantly, the customer experience. The tips and recommendations are common sense, but if you've ever called a business office and had to deal with ill-informed, rude or indifferent people on the other end, you will appreciate the message.

AMERICAN LIFE INDUSTRIAL FILMS #2 - THE TELEPHONE 1950s on DVD

Our discs are guaranteed for life.
If a disc ever stops playing correctly
tell us and we'll replace for free.