A Hard Day's Night

Guide Note

At the height of Beatlemania, United Artists released The Beatles' first film, A Hard Day's Night, a chronicle of the band's train trip to perform on a popular television show. The film was released in the summer of 1964 to positive reviews and has since become heralded for its screenplay and satire of the British pop music scene of the 1960s.

Fast Facts

1. Dircted by: Richard Lester
2. Written by: Alun Owen
3. Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison
4. UK Release Date: July 6, 1964
5. US Release Date: August 11, 1964
6. Two Oscar nominations: Best Original Screenplay and Best Score

Though the plot is occasionally loose, all four Beatles establish themselves as individual characters, with Ringo appearing shy and embarrassed and John as sly and caustic. Wilfrid Brambell portrays Paul's grandfather, described as a "very clean," and Charlotte Rampling and Phil Collins both make brief appearances.

There are several musical sequences in the film, most notably for "Can't Buy Me Love," featuring the four band members running and playing in a field. The soundtrack album was released four days after the film's release and contained two #1 singles.

1. • Man: "Don't take that tone with me young man. I fought the war for your sort."
   • Ringo: "I bet you're sorry you won."
2. George: "He's very fussy about his drums, you know. They loom large in his legend."
3. John: "We know how to behave! We've had lessons."