Telephone 555

[erimus1]

Does anyone know why the americans always use the numbers 555 in films or TV programs? - been to america afew times and i've never notice any numbers like this anywhere.
Many thanks.

[jetski129]

Thats why,555 is a non existent exchange

[mcb123]

555 numbers are used in films so that some idots dont try an phone the number up

[Postdog]

In the old days in the UK, it used to be 246 - the prefix was used but only by recorded message services.

[mushroom25]

in the UK the code 01632 is often used on tv. This would have been the code for Newcastle upon Tyne had it not been replaced by 091.

[Zen]

Confession time, when I was young and stupid I once rang Stepney Green 1098 hoping to talk to Steptoe and Son,needless to say the person who answered was not amused when I told them it was in the film !!! Now i am just old and fairly stupid.

[erimus1]

Thanks - I gathered that it would be something to do with the fact that that number would be unobtainable, but as I have heard it many times in various formats - i.e. at the start, middle or end of a phone number, I though that it must be some form of american tradition to include it. I watched a film the other day called 'The Pilot's Wife', which is American, but reffered to a number in the UK as begining with 555 also.

[brachiopod]

555 also used to be the local exchange in the Stratford area (East London).

Back in the days before 0207 and 0208, when London numbers were just 01-555-ABCD - there were a few instances where an American 555 number from a film or TV programme (and once a Gary Larson 'Far Side' cartoon) have given my or my friends' telephone number !

[netibiza]

The American cigarettes State Express were also called 555- strange really.