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Shot 11 / 3:12–3:55Select a shot, or shift-click to select multipleSelect a shot, or double-tap to select multiple

How to Use the Dial Phone

1927/7 min 7 sec/24 shots

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This 1927 AT&T training film teaches viewers how to place a call with a dial telephone. A woman and close-up views of the telephone demonstrate lifting the receiver, waiting for the steady dial tone, and turning the dial for each part of a number.

Intertitles distinguish the steady dial tone from the intermittent ringing signal and tell callers to hang up and try again later when a call cannot be completed. After several unsuccessful attempts, callers are instructed to dial the operator for help. The film also warns against releasing the dial before it reaches the finger stop or moving the switch hook while dialing.

Provenance and rights

Original producer: American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (AT&T)
Collection: Prelinger Archives
Original title: How to Use the Dial Phone
Date: 1927
Original link: Open on Internet Archive
Rights: public_domain

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