
Telephones
Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode guide us through the expanding universe of the moving image
Alexander Graham Bell made the first ever telephone call 150 years ago this Spring. That single moment of connection would transform communication - and provide storytellers with a rich device for drama, comedy, intimacy and tension. Screenshot looks at the history of the telephone on screen, and asks how film and TV have handled the problem of the smartphone.
Mark speaks to film critic Kim Newman about the history of the phone onscreen. Ellen speaks to critic Kayleigh Donaldson about smartphones and director Janicza Bravo about her film, Zola, and its inventive uses of smartphones.
Producer: Jane Long
A Prospect Street production for BBC Radio 4
On radio
Broadcasts
- Fri 10 Apr 202619:15BBC Radio 4
- Tue 14 Apr 202611:00BBC Radio 4
Which films and TV inspired Netflix hits Bridgerton and Squid Game?
Why did the erotic thriller run out of steam?
Why going to the cinema is good for you
Podcast
![]()
Screenshot
Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode guide us through the expanding universe of the moving image




