A musical romp through an England that's long gone

Rating: 9/10 (18 June 2011)

This film is charming. A black and white production that relies upon the music and personalities of The Beatles. It has a 'loose' plot, The Beatles' lives over a 48-hour period, looking after Paul's grandfather, which serves as an excuse for hi-jinks and bursting into song. Directed by Richard Lester, it manages to convey the social feel of its time, what it is like to be alone, ageing, class divisions, and an England that does not exist any more. It is witty,nostalgic and makes you aware of how fresh The Beatles were before they (and the 60's) got complicated.
Here are some of lines from the film, whether they were scripted or spontaneous I know not, but it doesn't detract from the humour:
Who's that little old man? Ringo: He belongs to Paul.
I shall call the guard. Paul: Ah, but what? They don't take kindly to insults.
Have you seen Paul's grandfather? John: Of course! he's concealed about me person.
They've gone potty out there. The place is surging with girls. John: Please sir, can I have one to surge with sir?
What would you call that hairstyle that you're wearing? George: Arthur.
George (about Ringo): He's very fussy about his drums you know. They loom large in his legend.
Well quite frankly I wasn't expecting a musical arranger to question my ability picture-wise. John: I could listen to him for hours.
If you ever wanted to have lived during the 60's a film like this epitomises why. There's a really lively night club scene where you get to watch, almost like a 'fly on the wall', The Beatles being themselves.
Watch it, buy the Hard Day's Night Album and drift away into a pleasant and sentimental 60's daydream.