Hi everyone!

When I was in Elementary School (oh, do I dare say it was in the 60's?) I recall watching a 16mm movie about writers. Ray Bradbury was one of the writers being featured. I can't really remember the others. Nevertheless, this group of writers were depicted sitting and reading some of their latest works (in progress?), and critiquing each others stories. Mr. Bradbury read a story that was filled in with an acted portion; almost as if it were being narrated.

The story was called "Dial Double Zero" and was about an intelligence developing within the phone system, in particular, within a junction box on a pole outside some poor saps' apartment.

What I have never been able to find out is: does this story really exist?

It was because of that film and that story that I began reading everything by Ray Bradbury I could get my hands on. Alas, I have yet to find it. Has anyone else heard of it or seen the film?

Question:
1) Has anyone else heard of it or seen the film?
2) Does this story really exist?

Choices:
1) Yes
1) No
2) Yes
2) No

 

Someone else may come along and answer this.

__________In the meanwhile...

...I'm not sure if anything of your question can be answered in this Ray Bradbury video. But if you have the time, check it out since it has to do with Ray in the 1960's!

http://www.archive.org/details/RayBradburyStoryOfAWriterByDavidL.Wolper

Nard, what a gem!! And, a great post J.T.!!

Has Mr. B. changed at all over the years? Today, his comments continue to ring as passionately 45yrs. since the making of this documentary. "I am sure we will reach the stars!" ~ his closing remark...you got to believe!

How many great images are in this clip that are recognizable from things mentioned here over the years or read about from his bios!
(N, How did you find out about this piece of literary history?)

quote:

Originally posted by John T.:
Alas, I have yet to find it. Has anyone else heard of it or seen the film?

I have the DVD. Also, I believe philnic does, as well. Anybody else?

John T. and fjp, it's been much discussed on here previously. ONE of the threads on the topic is here:

https://raybradburyboard.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6891083901/m/5591014372/p/1

I seem to recall a recent post suggesting that "Dial Double Zero" (short story) would be published in one of Ray's forthcoming books. (It has, until now, been unpublished except for its appearance in the STORY OF A WRITER film.)

THAT WAS IT!!!! :-) Fantastic!

All these years and I thought I had imagined it!
Watching that film again so vividly reminds me of sitting in my 4th grade classroom, the smell of lunches stored in the cabinet, the teacher cursing under her breath as she tries to thread the 16mm film (I eventually stepped up to help), and the annoying sound of the projector constantly ticking away. You knew the film was over by the static from the speaker, the hand puppets upon the all-white screen, and the flipping sound of the full reel.
Yep. Good times.
Thanks so much for finding that!
JT

quote:

Originally posted by philnic:
I seem to recall a recent post suggesting that "Dial Double Zero" (short story) would be published in one of Ray's forthcoming books.

You recall correctly.