MovieChat Forums > Star of Midnight (1935) Discussion > question about the phone

question about the phone

posted 14 years ago by sumarcus
5 replies | jump to latest

I know my lack of age is probably showing, but could someone tell me about why the phone is always unpluged in this movie? It can't be as simple as not being disturbed by the ringing. thanks!

[–] pairadocks 14 years ago

Notice in the first scene when Powell gets a phone call, his servant brings the phone to him and plugs it in at his feet. I assume the unplugged phone is to move it around the apartment where plugs are installed, eliminating the need for a very long cord.

[–] sumarcus 14 years ago

thank you very much, that is as good an explaination as any, I hadn't thought of that one.

[–] pepperprentiss 9 years ago

Yes, pairadocks,ever notice in "old movies' that in restaurants the waiter always brings the phone to the table and plugs it in near the customers table.1930's to 1960's class and monied night on the town.

[–] iefbr14-1 10 years ago

Think "landline", young whippersnapper. I think that the phone being unplugged all the time is kind of some running joke in the movie. Possibly some kink of "in" joke that we will never get "in".

[–] boxerrebellion 9 years ago

I think it is more that he may have phone jacks in many rooms, but only a couple of actual phones - no reason to have the hardware if there is only one of you.