A 1936 Film Reel by AT&T Prepares Viewers for the Impending Switch to Rotary Dial Telephones

A 1936 film reel by AT&T prepares viewers for the impending switch to rotary dial telephones by explaining how the machines work, including a visual guide to dialing.

This short subject newsreel was shown in movie theaters the week before a town’s or region’s telephone exchange was to be converted to dial service. It’s extremely short—a little over a minute, like a PSA. The film concisely explains how to use a dial telephone, including how to dial, how to recognize dial tone, and how to recognize a busy signal.

Glen Tickle
Glen Tickle

Amelia's dad. Steph's husband. Writer, comedian, gentleman. Good at juggling, bad at chess.