Trade Tattoo
1937, English. Directed by Len Lye.
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."
- Runtime
- 0h 5m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Trade Tattoo isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 September 1937.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 1 September 1937
- Country
- United Kingdom
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News & fan talk
What Trade Tattoo is based on
Trade Tattoo is based on Night Mail, a 1936 short film.
Short film · 1936
Night Mail
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Trade Tattoo: quick answers
Is Trade Tattoo worth watching?
Trade Tattoo doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Trade Tattoo?
Trade Tattoo runs 5 minutes (0h 5m).
Does Trade Tattoo have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Trade Tattoo. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Trade Tattoo parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Trade Tattoo yet.
Which OTT platform is Trade Tattoo on?
Trade Tattoo isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 September 1937. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Trade Tattoo?
If you liked Trade Tattoo, try Dog Star Man, A Knight for a Day, Solid Serenade.
Who directed Trade Tattoo?
Trade Tattoo (1937) was directed by Len Lye.
What is Trade Tattoo based on?
Trade Tattoo is based on Night Mail, a 1936 short film.