Ham Radio Films [054]

Greetings from the shack…

You know what it’s like... Conditions are good and you fancy sneaking off to the shack to do a little radio. But your partner wants to watch a movie together. If you want conditions to be good at home then a movie is the right thing to do.

All is not lost. Some popular and not so popular films have featured all kinds of radio. Even amateur radio.

So the correct response would be... “Yes, a film sounds great. Is it my turn to choose?”

Here is a list to help you. I have not watched all of these. I mostly searched Letterboxd to see what was about.

Enjoy!

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This Is Ham Radio was made in 1970 and should not be your movie choice but it is a great historical document you can watch now as it’s only 15 mins long.

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Everybody’s Hobby 1939

This might be on amazon. Can’t find a clip online but I did find this on the internet archive.

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Ghosthouse 1988 2.7

Not seen this but although the trailer looks silly it is classed as a low budget horror. I’m told that for ham radio operators and enthusiasts, "Ghosthouse presents a curious amalgamation of radio with supernatural horror.” Let me know if it does. ;-)

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Making Waves 2004

Set against the backdrop of a low-budget radio station, this character-driven drama skillfully intertwines the lives of its quirky characters, each grappling with their ‘personal dilemmas and aspirations’.

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Phenomenon 1996 2.8

The protagonist, played by John Travolta, uses ham radio to communicate with people around the world after acquiring extraordinary intellectual abilities. Once again highlighting how Amateur Radio brings people together. Especially smart people.

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The Bank Job 2008 3.2

A British heist thriller that combines fact with fiction, taking its inspiration from the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery in London. I think they might use radios in it at some point.

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Independence Day 1996 3.3

Not the main focus of the film, but in a pivotal scene the characters use ham radio to coordinate a global counterattack against an alien invasion. Just incase anyone might forget the importance of radio communication in emergency situations.

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Si tous les gars du monde ‘If all the guys in the world’ 1956 3.5

No idea about this one.

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Frequency 2000 3.5

20 years old now. In this science fiction thriller, a miraculous ham radio setup (or an epic lift) allows a son to communicate with his deceased father 30 years in the past.

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High Frequency 1988 3.5

A captivating drama that intertwines the elements of amateur radio with a touching story of cross-generational friendship and the profound impact of global events on personal lives. Namely the Cold War era. The use of amateur radio as a narrative device also highlights the technology's ability to bridge vast distances as well as cultural divides.

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Testament 1983 3.6

In a world where the threat of nuclear conflict still looms large, it's a quiet yet powerful reminder of the personal costs of war. Like we need one. Also has some radio.

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Contact 1997 3.8

Based on Carl Sagan's novel, this film involves the use of radio telescopes (like ham radios but much larger and cheaper than a Kenwood HT). They can also receive messages from extraterrestrial beings. Like we do when chatting with the ISS.

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Super 8 (2011) - In this science fiction film, characters use a ham radio to understand and communicate amidst the chaos caused by strange events in their town. Must be home brew kit as it’s doing some weird stuff …and the less said about the frequencies used the better.

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The Boat That Rocked (2009) - Although it revolves around pirate radio rather than amateur radio, this comedy-drama gets an honorary mention as it’s all about the spirit of radio and its impact on society.

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Mr Popper’s Penguins (2009) - If you really have nothing else to watch (Or love penguins) then there is always this. In the movie, the protagonist, Tom Popper, inherits six penguins that transform his New York City apartment and his life into a winter wonderland.

The character uses ham radio to communicate with his father, who is an adventurer traveling to far off lands. Cue impossible contacts made with handles not callsigns on not strictly legal frequencies for the time.

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Thanks to M7APO for spotting some radio usage in Ponyo. I got this for the kids a while back but am yet to watch it myself. It has great ratings.

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Thanks to KK4OAH for recommending Sergio & Sergei. It’s now on my to-watch list.

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OK. That should keep you going. I’ve not included any series (like Stranger Things and Sweet Tooth) as there are loads of them. But please tell me what other radio comms related films I might have I’ve missed in the comments below. That way this can be the one stop shop for replies to the question… “What do you fancy watching tonight?”

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Please share this wherever you think it might resonate. As well as likes and comments going a long way to getting this publication seen, they are much appreciated.

You are some of the more curious people in radio ;-)

And I thank you.

Over

73 de Christian G5DOC

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