Far Speaking

Library and Archives Canada: 35mm, VHS, Betacam.
"A young married couple use the 1877 type of telephone. The man explains the use of the telephone. The woman tries the device and is skeptical, she doesn't believe the telephone will ever be of use. The growth of the telephone is traced from the first switchboard and first exchanges (Hamilton, Ontario is mentioned). Long distance service begins. The growth of telephone exchanges in Canada and the US are illustrated on a map. Further developments and historic moments in the history of the telephone are illustrated: the loading coil in 1901; the loading coil principle is shown with diagrams; the US transcontinental line in 1915; the connection with Cuba in 1921; and the Trans Canada Telephone System Line in 1932 including a brief photo of Governor General Bessborough opening the line, newspaper headlines, etc. The film ends with the now aged couple receiving a call from their daughter in Japan. The woman finds such a happening impossible but says that she predicted in 1877 that the telephone would be successful."