Synopsis
XTC's promo film turns the song's communication breakdown into a brisk, absurdist mini-thriller. A glamorous woman is caught up in a strange hostage scenario, while masked figures, telephones, and sudden interruptions create a deliberately chaotic atmosphere. The band appears amid the action, matching the track's nervous energy rather than presenting a straightforward performance clip. Its low-budget, fast-moving style gives the song's accusations of deception and failed contact a playful visual counterpart.
Factoids & Trivia
- The promotional film was made for the 1978 single, which was issued in September that year. The song was not on the first UK pressings of *Go 2*, although it appeared on later and overseas editions.
- XTC's touring sound engineer Steve Warren makes a brief appearance. He recalled wearing a mask, tying up the woman, and answering the telephone at two points in the original 2:57 version.
- The song was recorded during the *Go 2* period, with production credited to John Leckie and Martin Rushent. The record's tightly packed arrangement and clipped, restless momentum are reflected in the video's deliberately hectic presentation.
- The clip later circulated as part of *Look Look*, the 1982 XTC video compilation collecting promotional films from the band's early years.