Trade Tattoo (1937): cast, story & where to watch
1937 · Film · ★ 6
Released in 1937, Trade Tattoo is a notable film directed by Len Lye.
What it’s about. Trade Tattoo went even further than Rainbow Dance in its manipulation of the Gasparcolor process. The original black and white footage consisted of outtakes from GPO Film Unit documentaries such as Night Mail. Lye transformed this footage in what has been described as the most intricate job of film printing and color grading ever attempted. Animated words and patterns combine with the live-action footage to create images as complex and multi-layered as a Cubist painting. Music was provided by the Cuban Lecuona Band. With its dynamic rhythms, the film seeks (in Lye’s words) to convey “a romanticism about the work of the everyday in all walks of life."
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Trade Tattoo has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Trade Tattoo page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Trade Tattoo (1937)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Trade Tattoo change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Trade Tattoo worth watching?
- Trade Tattoo holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- When was Trade Tattoo released?
- Trade Tattoo was released in 1937.