# movie phone numbers 555-xxxx **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 12, 2002, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730 "2002-03-12T00:31:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![filmyak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/94ad74/32.png) [@filmyak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmyak)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/1 "2002-03-12T00:31:51Z")
We’ve all seen phone numbers in movies that always start with a 555… My question: is that a legal issue, or a courtesy issue? Anyone who remembers 80’s pop music can still recite the phone number 867-5309. And we all heard reports of people who actually had that phone number getting crank calls all around the nation. But if I made a movie, is there a law prohibiting me from using an actual or randomly generated phone number in a film? And what if the number is mine, or owned by the production company? Would the company then be obligated to keep the number for a certain # of years, or could they disconnect it as soon as the movie was released and just feel some faux pity for any future loser who gets stuck with the number from the phone company? So, by a show of hands, who can tell me the answer. OK, you… in the third row… ---
**Author:** ![peepthis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9d8465/32.png) [@peepthis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peepthis)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/2 "2002-03-12T00:38:20Z")
uh, what, who me? I didn’t do the assigned readings, but the Master has this to say about [why 555 is used in movies and tv](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_374a.html). ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/3 "2002-03-12T00:39:04Z")
Me? Oh, _third_ row. That’s [Cecil](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_374a.html)! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/4 "2002-03-12T00:40:08Z")
555 is an exchange set up by the phone company so that people don’t get annoying calls from clever trousers who hear a number in a film or song. AFAIK there is no law that says a 555 number must be used. I think there’s an article about it at Snopes, and I’m sure there’s a thread here; but I don’t feel like looking it up right now. ---
**Author:** ![Operator6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c57346/32.png) [@Operator6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Operator6)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/5 "2002-03-12T00:52:11Z")
It is really a courtesy issue… used to be that all 555 numbers were fair game. Generally, the only valid 555 number was 555-1212 for Directory Assistance. As long as you don’t include an area code to make it a valid number, there should be fewer problems. However, film makers, etc are sensitive to this and don’t want leave themselves open to a lawsuit, a la 867-5309 Remember, Anybody can sue for anything, but if they win, is up to the courts. Now, only 555-10XX numbers are reserved for “fictional use”. Other 555 numbers may be assigned for whatever use. Best use one of those. I know of one instance,where a valid number was used, and it was indeed a number whose recorded announcement promoted the film. A cite escapes me. Historical fact: The phone company’s “display” number in adverts was Klondike 5-2368 and when area codes and All Numbers Calling came about, they used area code 311 555-2368… ---
**Author:** ![Operator6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c57346/32.png) [@Operator6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Operator6)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/6 "2002-03-12T00:57:29Z")
Oh dear… I can’t believe it took me 13 minutes to respond, as there were no replies when a responded. Blame it on my faulty spacebarkey. ---
**Author:** ![shimmery](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@shimmery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shimmery)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/7 "2002-03-12T01:15:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Operator6 \* > \*\* > I know of one instance,where a valid number was used, and it was indeed a number whose recorded announcement promoted the film. A cite escapes me. > \*\* I believe the film was _Magnolia_ , and it was an 800 number with a recording by Tom Cruise (as his character in the movie). (Is that what you’re thinking of?) ---
**Author:** ![sqweels](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f19dbf/32.png) [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/8 "2002-03-12T01:19:18Z")
Well, if 311 is a fictional area code, then why don’t fimmakers use that followed by a real-sounding 7-digit number? People are sing 10 digit numbers more frequently anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Operator6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c57346/32.png) [@Operator6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Operator6)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/9 "2002-03-12T01:23:34Z")
Ooh…Oohh I just rembered something… I moved to Ohio way back when and when I called to get my phone turned on, the number they gave me was 867-xxxx. I asked if I could get 867-5309… The nice lady said: Oh, baby, we wouldn’t do that to you!. She explained that 867-5309 was flagged as an unassignable number. Hamilton OH, circa 1983 o ---
**Author:** ![Operator6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c57346/32.png) [@Operator6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Operator6)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/10 "2002-03-12T01:32:01Z")
Shimmery- You may well was be correct! Though the memory fades… ☹ sqweels - You raise a valid point… but alot people don’t understand the concept of area codes… I know I would be freaked out if saw my 7 digit number in a movie…but as you say with 10 digit dialling going on, it may not be such an issue, however now, the code 311 has been reserved for the NON-Emergency brother/sistet to 911. Still best to use the 555-10xx numbers. 06 ---
**Author:** ![happyheathen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5e925/32.png) [@happyheathen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/happyheathen)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/11 "2002-03-12T02:18:50Z")
I was told that, in ancient times, the monolith that was ATT designated the 555 prefix for it’s internal use - therby ensuring that no ‘real’ phone would ever be assigned a 555 prefix. And your ‘area code’ startd life (1947) as a NPA - National Prefix Area. I once was assigned 888-8888 - until the folks behind the counter (several of whom had had the number) assured me that I really didn’t want to hear from every drunk, every small child playing with a phone, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/12 "2002-03-12T02:25:51Z")
Now what they need is an area code that is guaranteed not to be used. I suspect 555 would be a good one. Just pity all those people up in the Territories (area code 867) whose 7-digit local phone numbers are 530 9XXX… ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/13 "2002-03-12T03:07:41Z")
> [@](#): > > Well, if 311 is a fictional area code, then why don’t fimmakers use that followed by a real-sounding 7-digit number? People are sing 10 digit numbers more frequently anyway. My guess is that losers sitting at home watching the video or DVD with too much time on their hands would pick up the phone and dial the real-sounding 7-digit number in their own area code. Our society desparately needs a hobby. Dr. J ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/14 "2002-03-12T03:13:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by shimmery \* > \*\* > I believe the film was _Magnolia_ , and it was an 800 number with a recording by Tom Cruise (as his character in the movie). (Is that what you’re thinking of?) \*\* You are correct, sir! The movie was _Magnolia_, and the toll-free number in the film – 877-TAME-HER – did indeed connect you to a recording of Tom Cruise describing the T.J. Mackey materials. For your further enjoyment, [here’s more _Magnolia_ information than you can shake a stick at](http://us.imdb.com/Trivia?0175880). ---
**Author:** ![Operator6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c57346/32.png) [@Operator6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Operator6)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/15 "2002-03-12T03:26:06Z")
Sunspace: Good point! And you realize that area code 867 was deliberately assigned as it spells TOP (as in top of the world) on the N.A dials… and a slight hijack: The new area code assigned to the Cape Canaveral area of Florida? 321 I think a Doper must be in charge at the assigment agency! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/16 "2002-03-12T04:47:12Z")
Sunspace: good idea, but don’t use 555. Just think about when 10 digit dialing becomes standard and we’ll have to listen to characters in movies give out their numbers as: 555-555-xxxx It’s bad enough as it is. ---
**Author:** ![shawa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dfb087/32.png) [@shawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shawa)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2002, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-phone-numbers-555-xxxx/97730/17 "2002-03-12T05:13:10Z")
Robert Cormier, the late author of [I am the Cheese](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0394834623/qid=1015909431/sr=1-1/ref=br_lfbnb_b_1/102-3493328-4159347) , a very good young adult novel, used his actual phone number in the book. He got numerous calls from kids who read his book, of course. I always found it amazing he would be willing to do that.