Art of the telephone: 1930s

As telephone services become more affordable and universal, people need to learn how to use them. In the 1930s, primary school children are trained to be 'phone-minded'.

From 1879 to 1914, Britain's telephone service grew from 10 to 750,000 lines. Phones became essential in business but only the well-off have them at home. Automatic exchanges are replacing manual connections, but children practise asking for an operator. Humorous attempts to master the 'art of the telephone' include a Mae West impersonation.

British Paramount News: news footage with some natural sound and commentary recorded at the time. This newsreel was shown in cinemas.

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