"It's been a hard day's night, and I've been working like a dog." -- The Beatles
I had to resist the urge to tune out the visuals and just sit back and enjoy one of the most awesome movie soundtracks of all time. I'm glad I resisted that urge. This has to be one of the funniest and most unique movies ever made. Now, it's definitely not for every one, but if you're a fan of The Beatles, you should give it a watch (if you haven't already). Shot before The Beatles had hit it big in America, the movie follows a day in the life of the Fab Four, as they travel to a TV appearance and an evening concert and experience various misadventures along the way.
Of course, there's very little substance to their adventures -- running from fans, attending parties, and losing Ringo (all with Paul's grandfather (Wilfrid Brambell) in tow). There are moments that make their trip worthwhile. Like when Paul's grandfather rushes to Ringo's aid when the boys are joking about the size of his nose, "He can't help having a hideous great hooter! And his poor little head, trembling under the weight of it!"
Oh, and there's the music. With unforgettable classics like 'And I Love Her,' 'Tell Me Why,' 'If I Fell,' and the title track, I found myself singing along and probably driving my neighbors batty. The great thing about this film is that it's not just a light comedy or a brainless concert movie, it's also a telling look into the music scene of the '60s and the outbreak of Beatlemania. Those screaming girls and fainting groupies are often imitated, but here's where you can find the originals. And, yes, this is the movie that inspired the opening sequence of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
Did you know?: Phil Collins has a blink-and-you'll-miss-him cameo as one of the screaming teenagers at the concert. Of course, that's what Phil's been telling everyone. It could have been any 13-year-old kid.
The word "Beatles" is never used in this movie.
This was the first movie ever put out on DVD.
Credits:
G.B. (Proscenium) 87m B&W
Director: Richard Lester
Producer: Walter Shenson
Screenplay: Alun Owen
Music: George Harrison, John Lennon, George Martin, Paul McCartney
Cast: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Wilfrid Brambell, Norman Rossington, John Junkin, Victor Spinetti, Anna Quayle, Deryck Guyler, Richard Vernon, Edward Malin, Robin Ray, Lionel Blair, Alison Seebohm
Oscar Nominations: Alun Owen (screenplay), George Martin (music)
Why you should watch A Hard Day's Night: the fantastic soundtrack and dry, witty script.
Why you shouldn't watch: if you're not a Beatles fan.
Up Next: The Sixth Sense (1999)
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