Α ΗΑRD DAY'S NIGHT

A Hard Day's Night
United Artists / Miramax, 1964, B/W, 97 minutes, ***
Released July, 1964 (UK)
Released August, 1964 (USA)

John, Paul, George and Ringo travel with their entourage to London to appear in a live television broadcast. Paul's grandfather goes with them, but disappears into the nightclub life as soon as they arrive, leaving the Beatles to search the town for him, providing them a chance for some nightlife, themselves. But the next day, miffed about the boys' interference with his nightlife, grandpa disappears again. Are the boys going to make the live appearance, or are they going to spend their entire time in London chasing after Grandpa??

The film was made in a "day-in-the-life" documentary style, with some real footage of screaming fans. But most is scripted. It's entertaining, and interesting to hear the opinions of various people toward The Beatles and rock music in general. In 1964, everyone thought it was all just a passing fad...

Produced by: Walter Shenson
Associate Producer: Denis O'Dell
Directed by: Richard Lester
Assistant Director: John D. Merriman
Original Screenplay by: Alun Owen
Musical Composer: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Musical Director: George Martin
Songs by: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Art Director: Ray Simm
Make-up: John O'Gorman
Hair Styling: Betty Glasow
Director of Photography: Gilbert Taylor
Editor: John Jympson

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Original Story and Screenplay and Best Adapted Score.

Cast: John Lennon [John], Paul McCartney [Paul], George Harrison [George], Ringo Starr [Ringo], Wilfrid Brambell [Grandfather], Norman Rossington [Norm], John Junkin [Shake], Victor Spinetti [TV Director], Anna Quayle [Millie], Deryck Guyler [Police Inspector], Richard Vernon [Man on Train], Eddie Malin [Hotel Waiter], Robin Ray [TV Floor Manager], Lionel Blair [TV Choreographer], Alison Seebohm [Secretary], David Jaxon [Young Boy], Additional Cast: Kenneth Haigh [Simon], Marianne Stone [Society Reporter], David Langton [Actor], Clare Kelly [Barmaid], Michael Trubshawe [Casino Manager]

Musical Program: [0:00] I'll Cry Instead (sung by the Beatles; this tune was not in the original print in 1964); [0:02] A Hard Day's Night (sung by The Beatles behind titles); [0:15] I Should Have Known Better (sung by The Beatles); [0:21] I Wanna Be Your Man (excerpt sung by The Beatles, danced by The Beatles and Girl Fans); [0:23] Don't Bother Me (excerpt sung by The Beatles, danced by The Beatles and Girl Fans); [0:24] All My Loving (excerpt sung by The Beatles, danced by The Beatles and Girl Fans); [0:34] If I Fell (sung by The Beatles rehearsing in televsion studio); [0:39] Can't Buy Me Love (sung by The Beatles); [0:47] Opera excerpt (unidentified); [0:50] And I Love Her (sung by The Beatles); [0:55] I'm Happy Just to Dance with You (sung by The Beatles); [1:02] This Boy (Ringo's Theme) (instrumental performed by the George Martin Orchestra); [1:13] Can't Buy Me Love (sung by The Beatles); The TV Show: [1:16] Tell Me Why (sung by The Beatles); [1:18] If I Fell (sung by The Beatles); [1:20] I Should Have Known Better (sung by The Beatles); [1:23] She Loves You (sung by The Beatles); [1:26] A Hard Day's Night (sung by The Beatles behind end credits)