Birth of the Beatles
Encyclopedia
Birth of The Beatles
is a 1979 biopic motion picture, produced by Dick Clark
's company (Dick Clark Productions
) and directed by Richard Marquand
. The film was released into cinemas worldwide except in parts of the United States
, where it was shown as a TV movie.
The Beatles
. It was released only nine years after the announced break-up of The Beatles themselves, and is the only Beatles biopic (others include Backbeat
, In His Life: The John Lennon Story
, The Hours and Times
, John and Yoko: A Love Story
, Lennon Naked
and, to a lesser extent, The Linda McCartney Story
) to be made while John Lennon was still alive. The film tries very hard to be accurate, opening with a written statement read out by a narrator stating the authenticity of the production, emphasising as it put it: "former Beatle, Pete Best" acting as technical advisor.
Another attempt at authenticity is that most of the cast look alarmingly similar to the real people they are supposed to be playing. The four actors portraying John, Paul, George and Ringo look uncannily similar to the real deal, but Pete Best and Stu Sutcliffe bear a lesser resemblance. Actors included Stephen MacKenna
and Ray Ashcroft
, who provided vocal impersonations of John and Ringo.
In what has become an unofficial tradition of rock 'n' roll movies based on true stories, some of the real events/sequence of events have been abridged or omitted. This has a positive effect on the film, allowing it to cover a broad stretch of time and not making it feel rushed, while also adding to the drama when the real events may not have been as such. A prime example of this is when Stu Sutcliffe dies of a brain haemorrhage about half-way through the film. In the film, it takes place in the midst of the band's second trip to Hamburg, meaning the other have to deal with this loss and still fulfill their engagement. They still manage to give great performances and they must overcome the tragedy in order to make their journey to fame. In real life, this was not how things happened. In real life, Stu was still alive living in Hamburg with his German girlfriend Astrid when the other departed from the second trip, and it was when they returned on the third trip to Hamburg they discovered Stu had died the night before they arrived. By adapting events, though, the film not only makes things more dramatic, but in fact speeds things up and keeps the plot flowing smoothly by only portraying two trips to Hamburg.
driving in a car with their manager Brian Epstein
and John's wife Cynthia Lennon
. It is 1964 and they are heading to America for the first time after already encountering massive success across Europe. They begin to remember the days before they became famous...
The film goes on a flashback to 1960, when The Silver Beatles (as they were called then) consisted of John Lennon
, Paul McCartney
, George Harrison
and Stuart Sutcliffe
. They need a drummer and a manager, and Sutcliffe cannot play an instrument, only being in it because he is John's friend and none of the others want to play the bass guitar. They go and audition for an agent, where they meet Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, and become good friends with the Hurricanes' drummer, Ringo Starr
. The agent at the audition says that if they get themselves a permanent drummer they can have a job in Scotland and then afterward a job in Hamburg, Germany.
The Scotland gig occurs, but is not seen onscreen. The band finds a long term drummer in Pete Best
, whose mother owns the teen hangout spot The Casbah Coffee Club
. They begin to prepare for the trip Hamburg which lasts several months and they encouter disapproval from Cynthia and John's Aunt Mimi Smith
. When they reach Hamburg, they discover they are playing in the Indra Club on the Reeperbahn, Hamburg's notorious sex district. They play long, grueling hours (up to 8 hours a night, seven days a week), and have to stay active by taking Preludin, a slimming drug. They are living in the back of the Bambi Kino, a run down old cinema. While in the Indra, they play loudly and wildly, eating, spitting and drinking onstage, inviting women to dance on stage with them, etc. Things get so loud the club is eventually shut down.
The Beatles (as they have re-named themselves) not start before at the bigger Kaiserkeller
Club, and become a big hit among the German audience. While there, they meet up with Ringo and Rory Storm
, who are also performing there, and Stu falls in love with German photographer Astrid Kirchherr
. They begin to have a love affair. But suddenly, in the middle of a gig, German Police burst into the club and arrest George for working under age without a work permit. While searching for the paperwork to release him, Paul and Pete drop a candle that sets fire to the Bambi Kino, and the whole band in deported.
The downbeat Beatles struggle at first back home with their disapproving families, but gradually build up a positive reputation playing shows that fill the concert halls. One night after a performance, Stu is attacked and badly beaten by two teddy boys. He is left in bad condition but refuses to see a doctor. This is to have a devastating effect.
A month later, in 1961, the Beatles return to Hamburg. Stu reunites with Astrid and she cuts his hair into the famous moptop haircut. The others get their hair cut in the same manner and the Beatle haircut is born. They experience the same level of success as during the first trip, but Stu wants to leave the band, go to art school (he is a talented painter) and marry Astrid. Before he can accomplish his dreams, however, he dies suddenly of a brain haemorrhage. The others find this to be emotionally shattering, and think if he only had seen a doctor things would have been fine.
Back in England, the owner of the NEMS Records Store named Brian Epstein is alerted that the Beatles are causing quite a stirr in Liverpool with their performances at the Cavern Club. He is impressed with what he sees and asks to be the band's manager. They accept.
On 1 January 1962, the Beatles have an audition for the Decca Record Company, but are turned down. They keep searching for a record company to accept them but are turned down time after time. They are beginning to lose all hope. Around this time, they learn that Eptein is a homosexual and that he was attacked by a teddy boy in Liverpool because of it. However, they hold no prejudices and accept. Also, the Beatles finally get accepted by record producer George Martin
, but they dump Pete from the group. In his place is Ringo, and the classic foursome is complete.
The Beatles release their first single, "Love Me Do
" and in 1963 release their first No. 1 Hit Single, "Please Please Me
". They become the most famous group in Britain, and soon become hits across Europe. The film ends when the group ventures to America and performs on the Ed Sullivan Show to a mass of screaming fans.
The film features many songs written by both the Beatles themselves and other artists:
"I Saw Her Standing There"
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Johnny B. Goode"
Written by Chuck Berry
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"My Bonnie"
Written by Tony Sheridan
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Rock and Roll Music"
Written by Chuck Berry
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Love Me Do"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Ask Me Why"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Twist and Shout"
Written by Phil Medley & Bert Russell
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"I Want To Hold Your Hand"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Please Please Me"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"She Loves You"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Please Mr. Postman"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
served as a technical advisor for the production. The film tends to reflect Best's personal account of certain events, and shows some evidence of bias. The movie implies that Best was terminated from the band because of resentment toward Best's popularity in Liverpool
at the time. In one scene the band are referred to by John Lennon as "Peter Best and his sods" and makes no mention of dissatisfaction with his playing, which has been thoroughly documented, even during the band's early years. George Martin
has repeatedly stated that he was not satisfied with the calibre of Best's drumming at the band's EMI
audition, and wanted the drum parts played by a studio drummer for future recordings. Ringo Starr
, already a longtime friend of the band, proved a better personal and musical match. (Incidentally, Martin also prohibited Starr from playing drums on an early recording session for 'Love Me Do' replacing him with session player Andy White
.).
However, it must be noticed that there are several accounts that confirm this version of the events, since it has been well documented that Best's popularity with fans was indeed a source of friction, as many female fans considered Best to be the band's best-looking member, and there was one particular event where, after a gig, Best was surrounded at the stage door afterwards by attentive females while the other members were ignored after signing a few autographs. McCartney's father, Jim McCartney, was present at the time and admonished Best by saying: "Why did you have to attract all the attention? Why didn't you call the other lads back? I think that was very selfish of you".
The movie received modest ratings when it premiered on American television, and was repeated in December 1980, as a tribute to John Lennon in the weeks after his murder. It later repeated on CBS
, on The CBS Late Movie
during the 1980s.
A more recent (and less comprehensive, dealing mainly with Stuart Sutcliffe
and the band's days in Hamburg
, Germany
) dramatisation of the early Beatles years is the 1994 movie Backbeat.
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
is a 1979 biopic motion picture, produced by Dick Clark
Dick Clark (entertainer)
Richard Wagstaff "Dick" Clark is an American businessman; game-show host; and radio and television personality. He served as chairman and chief executive officer of Dick Clark Productions, which he has sold part of in recent years...
's company (Dick Clark Productions
Dick Clark Productions
Dick Clark Productions is an entertainment production company founded by entertainer Dick Clark...
) and directed by Richard Marquand
Richard Marquand
Richard Marquand was a Welsh film director best known for directing the 1983 blockbuster Star Wars film, Return of the Jedi.-Early life:...
. The film was released into cinemas worldwide except in parts of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, where it was shown as a TV movie.
The film
The film focuses on the early history of 1960s rock bandRock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
. It was released only nine years after the announced break-up of The Beatles themselves, and is the only Beatles biopic (others include Backbeat
Backbeat (film)
Backbeat is a 1994 British-German drama film directed by Iain Softley. It chronicles the early days of The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany. The film focuses primarily on the relationship between Stuart Sutcliffe and John Lennon , and also with Sutcliffe's German girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr...
, In His Life: The John Lennon Story
In His Life: The John Lennon Story
In His Life: The John Lennon Story is a television film produced in 2000 by Michael O'Hara Productions and NBC Studios . The film was written by Michael O'Hara and directed by David Carson.-Plot:...
, The Hours and Times
The Hours and Times
The Hours and Times is a 1991 drama film written and directed by Christopher Münch. Starring David Angus and Ian Hart, it is a fictionalized account of what might have happened during a real holiday taken by John Lennon and The Beatles' manager Brian Epstein in 1963.-Plot:It is 1963 and John Lennon...
, John and Yoko: A Love Story
John and Yoko: A Love Story
John and Yoko: A Love Story is a 1985 television drama that chronicles the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, beginning just before they met in 1966 and concluding with Lennon's assassination in 1980. The movie was made with the co-operation with Yoko Ono, who controlled the song rights...
, Lennon Naked
Lennon Naked
Lennon Naked is a 2010 television biographical film focusing on the life of John Lennon between 1967 and 1971. It stars Christopher Eccleston as Lennon and was directed by Edmund Coulthard....
and, to a lesser extent, The Linda McCartney Story
The Linda McCartney Story
The Linda McCartney Story is a 2000 American drama television film directed by Armand Mastroianni, starring Elizabeth Mitchell and Gary Bakewell. Based on the book Linda McCartney: The Biography, presenting the life story of Linda McCartney...
) to be made while John Lennon was still alive. The film tries very hard to be accurate, opening with a written statement read out by a narrator stating the authenticity of the production, emphasising as it put it: "former Beatle, Pete Best" acting as technical advisor.
Another attempt at authenticity is that most of the cast look alarmingly similar to the real people they are supposed to be playing. The four actors portraying John, Paul, George and Ringo look uncannily similar to the real deal, but Pete Best and Stu Sutcliffe bear a lesser resemblance. Actors included Stephen MacKenna
Stephen MacKenna
Stephen MacKenna was an Irish translator of Plotinus. In Joyce's Ulysses, the librarian Richard Best says, "Mallarmé, don't you know, has written those wonderful prose poems Stephen MacKenna used to read to me in Paris" ....
and Ray Ashcroft
Ray Ashcroft
Ray Ashcroft is an English actor.He played Ringo Starr in the biopic TV movie Birth of the Beatles .Then, he has played DS Geoff Daly in The Bill from 1996 to 2000, and he has also appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale.-External links:...
, who provided vocal impersonations of John and Ringo.
In what has become an unofficial tradition of rock 'n' roll movies based on true stories, some of the real events/sequence of events have been abridged or omitted. This has a positive effect on the film, allowing it to cover a broad stretch of time and not making it feel rushed, while also adding to the drama when the real events may not have been as such. A prime example of this is when Stu Sutcliffe dies of a brain haemorrhage about half-way through the film. In the film, it takes place in the midst of the band's second trip to Hamburg, meaning the other have to deal with this loss and still fulfill their engagement. They still manage to give great performances and they must overcome the tragedy in order to make their journey to fame. In real life, this was not how things happened. In real life, Stu was still alive living in Hamburg with his German girlfriend Astrid when the other departed from the second trip, and it was when they returned on the third trip to Hamburg they discovered Stu had died the night before they arrived. By adapting events, though, the film not only makes things more dramatic, but in fact speeds things up and keeps the plot flowing smoothly by only portraying two trips to Hamburg.
Plot
The film opens with The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
driving in a car with their manager Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein
Brian Samuel Epstein , was an English music entrepreneur, and is best known for being the manager of The Beatles up until his death. He also managed several other musical artists such as Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, Cilla Black, The Remo Four & The Cyrkle...
and John's wife Cynthia Lennon
Cynthia Lennon
Cynthia Lillian Lennon is the former wife of musician John Lennon, and mother of Julian Lennon. She grew up in the middle-class section of Hoylake, on the Wirral Peninsula in North West England. At the age of twelve, she was accepted into the Junior Art School, and was later enrolled in the...
. It is 1964 and they are heading to America for the first time after already encountering massive success across Europe. They begin to remember the days before they became famous...
The film goes on a flashback to 1960, when The Silver Beatles (as they were called then) consisted of John Lennon
John Lennon
John Winston Lennon, MBE was an English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music...
, Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
, George Harrison
George Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
and Stuart Sutcliffe
Stuart Sutcliffe
Stuart Fergusson Victor Sutcliffe was a Scottish artist and musician, best known as the original bass player of The Beatles. Sutcliffe left the band to pursue a career as an artist, having previously attended the Liverpool College of Art...
. They need a drummer and a manager, and Sutcliffe cannot play an instrument, only being in it because he is John's friend and none of the others want to play the bass guitar. They go and audition for an agent, where they meet Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, and become good friends with the Hurricanes' drummer, Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr
Richard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
. The agent at the audition says that if they get themselves a permanent drummer they can have a job in Scotland and then afterward a job in Hamburg, Germany.
The Scotland gig occurs, but is not seen onscreen. The band finds a long term drummer in Pete Best
Pete Best
Pete Best is a British musician, best known as the original drummer in The Beatles. He was born in the city of Madras, British India...
, whose mother owns the teen hangout spot The Casbah Coffee Club
The Casbah Coffee Club
The Casbah Coffee Club was a rock and roll music venue in West Derby, Liverpool, started by Mona Best in 1959 in the cellar of the family home. The Casbah, as it became widely known, was planned as a members-only club for Best's sons Pete, his younger brother, Rory, and their friends...
. They begin to prepare for the trip Hamburg which lasts several months and they encouter disapproval from Cynthia and John's Aunt Mimi Smith
Mimi Smith
Mary Elizabeth "Mimi" Smith was the maternal aunt and parental guardian of the English musician John Lennon. Mimi was born in Liverpool, England and was the oldest of five daughters. She became a resident trainee nurse at the Woolton Convalescent Hospital, and later worked as a private secretary...
. When they reach Hamburg, they discover they are playing in the Indra Club on the Reeperbahn, Hamburg's notorious sex district. They play long, grueling hours (up to 8 hours a night, seven days a week), and have to stay active by taking Preludin, a slimming drug. They are living in the back of the Bambi Kino, a run down old cinema. While in the Indra, they play loudly and wildly, eating, spitting and drinking onstage, inviting women to dance on stage with them, etc. Things get so loud the club is eventually shut down.
The Beatles (as they have re-named themselves) not start before at the bigger Kaiserkeller
Kaiserkeller
Kaiserkeller is a night club in the St. Pauli quarter of Hamburg, Germany, near the Reeperbahn. It was opened by Bruno Koschmider on October 14, 1959. The Beatles had a contract with Kaiserkeller to play there in 1960.-Biography:...
Club, and become a big hit among the German audience. While there, they meet up with Ringo and Rory Storm
Rory Storm
Rory Storm was an English singer and musician. Born Alan Caldwell in Liverpool, Storm was the singer and leader of Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, a Liverpudlian band who were contemporaries of The Beatles in the late 1950s, and early 1960s...
, who are also performing there, and Stu falls in love with German photographer Astrid Kirchherr
Astrid Kirchherr
Astrid Kirchherr is a German photographer and artist and is well known for her association with The Beatles and her photographs of The Beatles during their Hamburg days....
. They begin to have a love affair. But suddenly, in the middle of a gig, German Police burst into the club and arrest George for working under age without a work permit. While searching for the paperwork to release him, Paul and Pete drop a candle that sets fire to the Bambi Kino, and the whole band in deported.
The downbeat Beatles struggle at first back home with their disapproving families, but gradually build up a positive reputation playing shows that fill the concert halls. One night after a performance, Stu is attacked and badly beaten by two teddy boys. He is left in bad condition but refuses to see a doctor. This is to have a devastating effect.
A month later, in 1961, the Beatles return to Hamburg. Stu reunites with Astrid and she cuts his hair into the famous moptop haircut. The others get their hair cut in the same manner and the Beatle haircut is born. They experience the same level of success as during the first trip, but Stu wants to leave the band, go to art school (he is a talented painter) and marry Astrid. Before he can accomplish his dreams, however, he dies suddenly of a brain haemorrhage. The others find this to be emotionally shattering, and think if he only had seen a doctor things would have been fine.
Back in England, the owner of the NEMS Records Store named Brian Epstein is alerted that the Beatles are causing quite a stirr in Liverpool with their performances at the Cavern Club. He is impressed with what he sees and asks to be the band's manager. They accept.
On 1 January 1962, the Beatles have an audition for the Decca Record Company, but are turned down. They keep searching for a record company to accept them but are turned down time after time. They are beginning to lose all hope. Around this time, they learn that Eptein is a homosexual and that he was attacked by a teddy boy in Liverpool because of it. However, they hold no prejudices and accept. Also, the Beatles finally get accepted by record producer George Martin
George Martin
Sir George Henry Martin CBE is an English record producer, arranger, composer and musician. He is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle"— a title that he often describes as "nonsense," but the fact remains that he served as producer on all but one of The Beatles' original albums...
, but they dump Pete from the group. In his place is Ringo, and the classic foursome is complete.
The Beatles release their first single, "Love Me Do
Love Me Do
"Love Me Do" is The Beatles' first single, backed by "P.S. I Love You" and released on 5 October 1962. When the single was originally released in the United Kingdom, it peaked at number seventeen; in 1982 it was re-issued and reached number four...
" and in 1963 release their first No. 1 Hit Single, "Please Please Me
Please Please Me (song)
"Please Please Me" is a song and the second single released by The Beatles in the United Kingdom, and the first to be issued in the United States. It was also the title track of their first LP, which was recorded to capitalise on the success of the single...
". They become the most famous group in Britain, and soon become hits across Europe. The film ends when the group ventures to America and performs on the Ed Sullivan Show to a mass of screaming fans.
Soundtrack
In a legal loophole which allowed the use of songs actually written by the Beatles themselves, every song in the film was recorded by the Beatles tribute act "RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles". The recordings are very convincing, sounding almost identical to the real Beatles.The guitar and vocal parts for John Lennon were performed by Eddie Lineberry, McCartney by Chuck Coffey, Harrison's by Bill Connearney and Starr's by Steve Wight.This also lends a more realistic touch to the film, for it would look inauthentic if the actors were lip-syncing to actual Beatles recordings since they were not the genuine article.The film features many songs written by both the Beatles themselves and other artists:
- She Loves YouShe Loves You"She Loves You" is a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney based on an idea by McCartney, originally recorded by The Beatles for release as a single in 1963. The single set and surpassed several records in the United Kingdom charts, and set a record in the United States by being one of the...
- Opening Titles Version - My BonnieMy BonnieMy Bonnie is the name of a 1961 single, a 1962 album and a 1963 EP by Tony Sheridan and The Beat Brothers, better known as The Beatles.-History:...
(Lies Over the Ocean) - Oh Baby Doll - Performed by a different band at the Liverpool Audition and not by the Beatles themselves.
- Dizzy Miss LizzyDizzy Miss Lizzy"Dizzy, Miss Lizzy" is a song composed and sung by Larry Williams in 1958. It shares many similarities with the Little Richard song "Good Golly Miss Molly".-Cover versions:...
- Blue Suede Shoes - Performed by Rory Storm, not the Beatles
- I Saw Her Standing ThereI Saw Her Standing There"I Saw Her Standing There" is a song written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and is the opening track on The Beatles' debut album, Please Please Me, released in the United Kingdom by Parlophone on 22 March 1963....
- featuring Pete BestPete BestPete Best is a British musician, best known as the original drummer in The Beatles. He was born in the city of Madras, British India...
on drums - Don't Bother MeDon't Bother Me"Don't Bother Me" is the first song written by George Harrison to appear on an album by The Beatles. It originally appeared on the group's With The Beatles album in the United Kingdom, released in 1963, and on their Meet The Beatles! album in the United States, released in 1964.-History:Harrison...
- Johnny B. Goode
- Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Performed by Rory Storm, not the Beatles
- Roll Over BeethovenRoll Over Beethoven"Roll Over Beethoven" is a 1956 hit single by Chuck Berry originally released on Chess Records, with "Drifting Heart" as the B-side. The lyrics of the song mention rock and roll and the desire for rhythm and blues to replace classical music...
- Kansas City
- Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
- Shake, Rattle and Roll!
- Ask Me WhyAsk Me Why"Ask Me Why" is a song by The Beatles originally released in the United Kingdom as the B-side of their hit single "Please Please Me". It was also included on their first UK album, Please Please Me.-Composition:...
- Love Me Tender
- Twist and ShoutTwist and Shout"Twist and Shout" is a song written by Phil Medley and Bert Russell. It was originally titled "Shake It Up, Baby" and recorded by the Top Notes and then covered by The Isley Brothers. It was covered by The Beatles with John Lennon on the lead vocals and originally released on their first album...
- P.S. I Love YouP.S. I Love You (The Beatles song)"P.S. I Love You" is a song composed principally by Paul McCartney and recorded by The Beatles. It was released on 5 October 1962 as the B-side of their debut single "Love Me Do" and is also included on their 1963 album Please Please Me...
- Dizzy Miss Lizzy - Reprise, a different recording featuring heavier drums and a more raw-sounding guitar
- Cry for a ShadowCry for a Shadow"Cry for a Shadow" is an early Beatles instrumental. It was recorded on 22 June 1961 at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg-Harburg, Germany while they were performing as Tony Sheridan's backup band for a few tracks, under the moniker The Beat Brothers. It was written by George Harrison with John...
- Please Mr. PostmanPlease Mr. Postman"Please Mr. Postman" is the debut single by The Marvelettes for the Tamla label, notable as the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The single achieved this position in late 1961; it hit number one on the R&B chart as well. "Please Mr...
- Long Tall SallyLong Tall Sally"Long Tall Sally" is a rock and roll 12-bar blues song written by Robert "Bumps" Blackwell, Enotris Johnson and Richard Penniman , recorded by Little Richard and released March 1956 on the Specialty Records label....
- Love Me DoLove Me Do"Love Me Do" is The Beatles' first single, backed by "P.S. I Love You" and released on 5 October 1962. When the single was originally released in the United Kingdom, it peaked at number seventeen; in 1982 it was re-issued and reached number four...
- Rock 'n' Roll MusicRock 'n' Roll MusicRock 'n' Roll Music is a compilation album by The Beatles that consists of previously released Beatles tracks considered by many to be quintessential "rock and roll"...
- I Saw Her Standing ThereI Saw Her Standing There"I Saw Her Standing There" is a song written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and is the opening track on The Beatles' debut album, Please Please Me, released in the United Kingdom by Parlophone on 22 March 1963....
- Reprise, featuring Ringo StarrRingo StarrRichard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
on drums. The drumming styles differ between versions for story reasons - Please Please MePlease Please MePlease Please Me is the debut album by the English rock band The Beatles. Parlophone rush-released the album on 22 March 1963 in the United Kingdom to capitalise on the success of singles "Please Please Me" and "Love Me Do" .Of the album's fourteen songs, eight were written by Lennon–McCartney...
- Thank You GirlThank You Girl"Thank You Girl" is a song by The Beatles and released as the B-side of "From Me to You", which was recorded on the same day . While not released on an LP in the United Kingdom until Rarities in 1978, the single was featured as the second track on The Beatles' Second Album in the United States...
- I Want To Hold Your HandI Want to Hold Your Hand"I Want to Hold Your Hand" is a song by the English rock band The Beatles. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and recorded in October 1963, it was the first Beatles record to be made using four-track equipment....
- She Loves You - Ending Titles Version
"I Saw Her Standing There"
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Johnny B. Goode"
Written by Chuck Berry
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"My Bonnie"
Written by Tony Sheridan
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Rock and Roll Music"
Written by Chuck Berry
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Love Me Do"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Ask Me Why"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Twist and Shout"
Written by Phil Medley & Bert Russell
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"I Want To Hold Your Hand"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Please Please Me"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"She Loves You"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
"Please Mr. Postman"
Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Performed by Eddie Lineberry, Chuck Coffey, Bill Connearney, and Steve Wight
Pete Best's help
Pete BestPete Best
Pete Best is a British musician, best known as the original drummer in The Beatles. He was born in the city of Madras, British India...
served as a technical advisor for the production. The film tends to reflect Best's personal account of certain events, and shows some evidence of bias. The movie implies that Best was terminated from the band because of resentment toward Best's popularity in Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
at the time. In one scene the band are referred to by John Lennon as "Peter Best and his sods" and makes no mention of dissatisfaction with his playing, which has been thoroughly documented, even during the band's early years. George Martin
George Martin
Sir George Henry Martin CBE is an English record producer, arranger, composer and musician. He is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle"— a title that he often describes as "nonsense," but the fact remains that he served as producer on all but one of The Beatles' original albums...
has repeatedly stated that he was not satisfied with the calibre of Best's drumming at the band's EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
audition, and wanted the drum parts played by a studio drummer for future recordings. Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr
Richard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
, already a longtime friend of the band, proved a better personal and musical match. (Incidentally, Martin also prohibited Starr from playing drums on an early recording session for 'Love Me Do' replacing him with session player Andy White
Andy White (drummer)
Andrew "Andy" White is a Scottish drummer, best known for replacing Ringo Starr on drums on The Beatles' first single, "Love Me Do". White featured on the American 7" single release of the song, which also appeared on the band's debut British album, Please Please Me. He also played drums on the...
.).
However, it must be noticed that there are several accounts that confirm this version of the events, since it has been well documented that Best's popularity with fans was indeed a source of friction, as many female fans considered Best to be the band's best-looking member, and there was one particular event where, after a gig, Best was surrounded at the stage door afterwards by attentive females while the other members were ignored after signing a few autographs. McCartney's father, Jim McCartney, was present at the time and admonished Best by saying: "Why did you have to attract all the attention? Why didn't you call the other lads back? I think that was very selfish of you".
The movie received modest ratings when it premiered on American television, and was repeated in December 1980, as a tribute to John Lennon in the weeks after his murder. It later repeated on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, on The CBS Late Movie
The CBS Late Movie
The CBS Late Movie was a CBS television series from the 1970s and 1980s, that ran in most American television markets from 11:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. or later, on weeknights...
during the 1980s.
A more recent (and less comprehensive, dealing mainly with Stuart Sutcliffe
Stuart Sutcliffe
Stuart Fergusson Victor Sutcliffe was a Scottish artist and musician, best known as the original bass player of The Beatles. Sutcliffe left the band to pursue a career as an artist, having previously attended the Liverpool College of Art...
and the band's days in Hamburg
Hamburg
-History:The first historic name for the city was, according to Claudius Ptolemy's reports, Treva.But the city takes its modern name, Hamburg, from the first permanent building on the site, a castle whose construction was ordered by the Emperor Charlemagne in AD 808...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
) dramatisation of the early Beatles years is the 1994 movie Backbeat.
European version
A European version exists, and is a different cut from the American version. The following changes were made to the European version:- Some of the dialogue and text in this version is different.
- The opening narration is now done by a British narrator, with the opening text superimposed on a black screen as opposed to a blue screen.
- The prologue, which includes John saying that he wants to see Mickey Mouse is omitted.
- The opening theme song is "My Bonnie" instead of "She Loves You".
- A scene in an art school with a naked woman is included.
- The scenes where The Beatles perform at Der Kaiserkiller are longer. They also include two additional song scenes: "Kansas City" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll" (the former has them trip on the stage floor, while the latter has them break it).
- The scene where they find Stuart badly beaten has extra dialogue. It also fleshes out Stuart's refusal to see a doctor even more, unlike the regular versions where it abruptly cuts right after John says "Let's get him to a hospital", making the viewer think that Stuart went to a hospital after he got badly beaten, when it is clear that he did not.
- The scene where Stuart and Astrid have their moment in bed together is different. The other version has him showing her her new necklace, while this version, has the two of them making love to each other.
- John's bedroom scene with Stuart has extra shots of the others in bed.
- The scene where they first talk to Brian Epstein is a little bit longer.
- The scene where Brian goes to find The Beatles performing "Love me Do" at a venue is longer.
- The scene where Brian goes to tell the Beatles about George Martin and EMI, has him getting out of a taxi.
- In the scene where Cynthia tell John about expecting a baby, John asks her "What are we gonna call him?"
- The scene where the Beatles arrive at New York City is longer.
- The end credits feature "She Loves You", instead of "My Bonnie".
Cast
- Stephen MacKennaStephen MacKenna (actor)Stephen MacKenna is an English actor.-Biography:He played the role of John Lennon on the film Birth of The Beatles directed by Richard Marquand. He also worked on another Marquand's film, Eye of the Needle...
as John LennonJohn LennonJohn Winston Lennon, MBE was an English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music... - Rod CulbertsonRod CulbertsonRod Culbertson is an English actor.-Biography:Born in Sunderland he attended Bede Grammar School, he then studied art at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before embarking on a successful stage and screen career....
as Paul McCartneyPaul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100... - John Altman as George HarrisonGeorge HarrisonGeorge Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
- Ray AshcroftRay AshcroftRay Ashcroft is an English actor.He played Ringo Starr in the biopic TV movie Birth of the Beatles .Then, he has played DS Geoff Daly in The Bill from 1996 to 2000, and he has also appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale.-External links:...
as Ringo StarrRingo StarrRichard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in... - Ryan Michael as Pete BestPete BestPete Best is a British musician, best known as the original drummer in The Beatles. He was born in the city of Madras, British India...
- David Nicholas WilkinsonDavid Nicholas WilkinsonDavid Nicholas Wilkinson is the founder and Chairman of Guerilla Films Limited, a production and distribution company based in London...
as Stuart SutcliffeStuart SutcliffeStuart Fergusson Victor Sutcliffe was a Scottish artist and musician, best known as the original bass player of The Beatles. Sutcliffe left the band to pursue a career as an artist, having previously attended the Liverpool College of Art... - Brian Jameson as Brian EpsteinBrian EpsteinBrian Samuel Epstein , was an English music entrepreneur, and is best known for being the manager of The Beatles up until his death. He also managed several other musical artists such as Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, Cilla Black, The Remo Four & The Cyrkle...
- Wendy MorganWendy Morgan (actress)Wendy Morgan is an English actress. She won the award of Best Newcomer — Actress at the Evening Standard British Film Awards in 1980.-Television appearances:...
as Cynthia LennonCynthia LennonCynthia Lillian Lennon is the former wife of musician John Lennon, and mother of Julian Lennon. She grew up in the middle-class section of Hoylake, on the Wirral Peninsula in North West England. At the age of twelve, she was accepted into the Junior Art School, and was later enrolled in the... - Gary OlsenGary OlsenGary Olsen was an English actor.Olsen was born in London and lived with an aunt and uncle, after losing both his parents at an early age. He attended the Archbishop Tenison's Church of England School in Kennington...
as Rory StormRory StormRory Storm was an English singer and musician. Born Alan Caldwell in Liverpool, Storm was the singer and leader of Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, a Liverpudlian band who were contemporaries of The Beatles in the late 1950s, and early 1960s... - Linal HaftLinal HaftLinal Haft, sometimes known as Lionel Haft, is a British actor.- Biography :Haft made his acting debut in an episode of Homicide as Harry Bruce in 1968. He went on to play his second role later the same year, as Adams in an episode of Contrabandits...
as Agent - Eileen Kennally as Mimi SmithMimi SmithMary Elizabeth "Mimi" Smith was the maternal aunt and parental guardian of the English musician John Lennon. Mimi was born in Liverpool, England and was the oldest of five daughters. She became a resident trainee nurse at the Woolton Convalescent Hospital, and later worked as a private secretary...
- Richard MarnerRichard MarnerRichard Marner, born Alexander Molchanoff was a Russian-born British actor. He was probably best known for his role as Colonel Kurt Von Strohm in the British sitcom Allo 'Allo!.-Early life:...
as Bruno KoschmiderBruno KoschmiderBruno Koschmider was a German entrepreneur in Hamburg, Germany best known for employing The Beatles in the early 1960s... - Alyson SpiroAlyson SpiroAlyson Spiro is a British actress who played Sarah Sugden on the British television soap opera Emmerdale from 1994–2000. She also appeared in the programs Brookside, Casualty, The Bill, Doctors, Holby City, Sapphire and Steel and Fell Tiger.Spiro portrayed Astrid Kirchherr in the 1979 film...
as Astrid KirchherrAstrid KirchherrAstrid Kirchherr is a German photographer and artist and is well known for her association with The Beatles and her photographs of The Beatles during their Hamburg days.... - Nigel HaversNigel HaversNigel Allan Havers is an English actor. He is probably best known for his BAFTA-nominated role as Lord Andrew Lindsay in the 1981 British film Chariots of Fire, and for his role as Dr. Tom Latimer in the British TV comedy series Don't Wait Up...
as George MartinGeorge MartinSir George Henry Martin CBE is an English record producer, arranger, composer and musician. He is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle"— a title that he often describes as "nonsense," but the fact remains that he served as producer on all but one of The Beatles' original albums...