Phone

This 1974 primer on proper phone manner marks one of the earliest films directed by Sam Neill. Actor turned scriptwriter John Banas plays a polite eccentric calling a company about his telepathic machine, only to face rude behaviour at every turn. Among those failing to bring the nice are two future Gliding On actors: a mullet-haired Ross Jolly, and Grant Tilly, who would rather be eating his sponge finger. Also known as Telephone Etiquette, the film was made by the National Film Unit for the Post Office, back when telephone services were still under its command.

The telephone: not merely a useful gadget to decorate a desk, but a national and international communications network.

– Narrator

Key Cast & Crew

David H Fowler

Producer

Ross Jolly

As: Bryan Foote

Sam Neill

Writer, Director, Editor

Anne England

As: Annoyed Grocery Carrier

John Banas

As: Trench

Jane McKechnie

As: Marie