The Great Dictator: Trailer

"The Great Dictator" is a short video, directed by Nancy Kalow, documenting Dead Media: a unique collection of audio recording machines exemplifying industrial design in the pre-digital age. This collection includes wax cylinder, wire, and magnetic recorders of every possible shape and design.

The documentary establishes the way dictating machines were used in offices all around the world. Dictation equipment advertising and marketing materials from the 1950s and 1960s, for example, show the boss-secretary relationship to be grounded in the unquestioned authority of the male dictator who recorded a letter to be typed up by the (female) secretary.

"The Great Dictator" showcases newly-made view-camera photographs of the dead media archive to visually emphasize the abundance and creativity of 20th century audio engineering. The exteriors of the machines evolve from ungainly Thomas Edison wax cylinder devices through streamline moderne chic and up to lightweight plastic boxes, while the technology of audio recording moves through heavy motors and tubes to transistors and increasing miniaturization. Each manufacturer developed its own media and recording system, including spools of wire, magnetic belts in a plethora of shapes, and varying sizes of magnetic tape. These inventions were singular indeed: the machines made by different companies are completely incompatible with one another.

The video traces the origins of the collection to Sam Kalow and his career of selling dictation equipment; he began to collect the machines sold by domestic and international competitors to provide talking points for his sales staff. The video is currently screening at film festivals and other venues.

 

Official Selection

 

Official Selection


 

Official Selection

 

Official Selection