Paul's grandfather

Rating: 9/10 (10 October 2013)

The more you watch this wonderful film the more the significance of Paul's grandfather reveals itself. The 52 year old Wilfred Brambell - who was actually younger than Paul's father at this time - acts as a cipher for the louche behaviour afforded the Beatles through their fame. He is a womaniser, always up to mischief and an opportunist. His 'dirty old man' persona with his unshaven appearance is used to contrast their clean cut ebullience. The long running joke that he is 'very clean' is ironic, as he seems to play the role of fall guy to disguise their amphetamine driven, highly sexed life - a hint of which is given when John sniffs a coke bottle. The Beatles' excesses are no secret now, but it was in 1964. Their marketing was of four wholesome, clean blokes who you would invite home to meet the family, unlike Paul's grandfather!