Give My Regards to Broad Street

Plot synopsis:
Paul (Paul McCartney) is stuck in a traffic jam in his chauffeur-driven car on his way to an interview. He day-dreams that he is driving himself in a flashier car crammed with modern technology around the countryside when he gets a call from Steve (Bryan Brown) that Harry (Ian Hastings), a reformed criminal, is missing along with the master tapes he was supposed to give to the factory the previous day. Paul races to the studio to find that the police are already there investigating the matter, thinking that Harry is back to his old ways and plans to bootleg the tapes. The news gets worse when Mr. Rath (John Bennett), to whom the studio owes money, arrives with the news that he will take over the record company if the tapes aren't found by midnight.
Following the meeting, the film follows a day in the life of Paul and his work with wife Linda McCartney and friend Ringo Starr, which includes filming two videos, rehearsing in a loft, and recording performances for the radio. In between this, Paul wonders what Harry might have done: did he give the master tapes to be bootlegged, did he just run off, or was he murdered? During several songs, Paul has elaborate fantasies in various settings and costumes inspired by his predicament. Once the day is done, Paul goes out driving around London while his associates brace themselves for the takeover as midnight approaches. While driving towards Broad Street, Paul remembers that Harry was headed there when he last saw him and goes exploring the station. Eventually, he finds the blue case containing the tapes on a platform bench, and Harry in a small maintenance building nearby, where he had accidentally trapped himself looking for a bathroom. They both laugh, and as they drive off, Paul informs Linda, and Linda informs the studio at the last minute, that the tapes have been found and the takeover is averted. Paul's chauffeur-driven car finally arrives at its destination and he is awoken from his slumber.

Tags: autobiographical

Review:
Sure, I love the Beatles.And sure, I respect Paul McCartney--especially when he has the courage to make mistakes.
And he does admit himself that he messed this particular film up in the book "Paul McCartney: 20 Years On His Own".I expected the film to be lousy and all, and hoped for at least a few nice musical performances.
Despite the boring and goofy plot, uninteresting situations and thorough silliness, "Give My Regards To Broad Street" isn't terrible: it's just pretty bad.
There are enjoyable music selections here, and even some which are genuinely touching.The entire opening medley showing Sir Paul performing "Yesterday/Here, There and Everywhere/Wanderlust" is wonderful, as is the smoothly gliding loveliness of "So Bad".
It is during these sections when you see that Paul's film, as he had explained in the above-mentioned book, was originally intended to be simply a series of music videos shown on television.However, a terrific version of "Silly Loves Songs"--which is arguably superior to the original--is ruined by the visuals that accompany it.
Those goofy FAKE SIDEBURNS!Even sillier is the ending: it makes no sense whatsoever in a thread plot that already makes next to no sense to begin with (it makes the likes of "Purple Rain" look positively brilliant scriptwise), and features the biggest unintentional guffaw in the film: a scene in which Paul imagines himself as a street performer.Interestingly enough, though, there is one strange feeling that this film gave me, and believe me, I never thought Paul McCartney would ever give me this kind of reaction with anything: a powerful wash of 80s nostalgia!
It still entertains because it works better as a music video collection than as a movie, and you won't be as disappointed as you might be if you simply treat it as such.
Tissue paper thin story used completely as an excuse for Paul and friends to conjure up a series of music videos.
The story had Paul and cohorts searching for a set of missing tapes, leading the viewer through a series of flashbacks and dreamscapes which gave the film a magically mysterious sensation.
Not a bad film attempt for a man whose only previous movie work was hamming it up with the other Beatles.
If you love the work of Paul, you have found a great movie!
Paul it's time you recorded "McCartney III" and did another film.
Compared to Paul McCartney's last opus "Magical Mystery Tour, this movie wasn't all that bad, I thought.
It plays like an extended music video, as well as seeming like a statement on the extreme boredom of Paul McCartney.
Paul McCartney's self-indulgent exercise in tolerance isn't much better today than it was at the time of its release.
The only reason to watch is for the McCartney tunes - ranging from updated renditions of old Beatles classics ("Yesterday," "Here, There and Everywhere") to some newer songs that range from the rockin' ("Not Such a Bad Boy," "No Values") to the soft and sweet ("So Bad," "No More Lonely Nights").
Most embarrassing moment is a rendition of "Silly Love Songs" with the band in ridiculous makeup as an absurd break dancer performs in the foreground; most excruciating sequence involves a never-ending dream which concludes "Eleanor Rigby".
The script drags, the acting is sub-par, and the plot is uninteresting.The only part I liked was when Paul was buskin' it on the street with his guitar, a glimpse of how easy music comes to him.
Great music, fun movie, weak plot..
If you're a big enough fan of Paul McCartney's to get past the fact that there's not too much to the plot, I would recommend for you to see it.
The music is fantastic (he even kept the classics such as Eleanor Rigby, Here, There, And Everywhere, and The Long and Winding Road) and it's also just a fun little movie to watch if you're in a good mood.
It's certainly not the greatest thing our Paul has ever done, but it not the worst either (Yeah, remember the Magical Mystery Tour same story: good music, bad plot).
A movie for two kinds of people:(1) Avid admirers of the undeniably talented Paul McCartney who are interested in watching their hero branch out into startling new directions (acting, screenwriting), as well as to see and hear him perform one of his best songs from the 80s (the lovely "No More Lonely Nights") and offer fresh reinterpretations of his many hits (including a version of "Here, There, and Everywhere" that may be superior to the much loved rendition that appears on the Beatles' "Revolver" lp); and(2) Those who take a mean-spirited pleasure in seeing one of the high and mighty fall, quite spectacularly, on his face.
If you are looking for a picture that lets you enjoy many well timed music videos by featuring Paul and his wife and friends then this is it.
A movie to entertain you with good music and not a lot of plot, but fun.
If you're a McCartney fan, it's the equivalent of a hour and a half music video.
So if you would like to see what is essentially a McCartney / Beatles Video starring Paul and Ringo, this is right up you're alley.Some minor parts as well may have some interest to fans.Again, if you're not a McCartney fan, then you'd probably skip this one.
If you like rock music in general and aren't looking for a complicated plot, this movie is a very nice Brit production complete with pretty visuals and kooky characters; if you are a fan of Paul and/or The Beatles, then you will love this movie, plain and simple!.
How else could one explain the otherwise inexplicable '80s Eurotrash kitsch of "Silly Love Songs," or the "Eleanor Rigby" sequence?Although ostensibly directed by Peter Webb, rumor has it that Paul actually took full control of the film early on, and the lack of directorial experience shows (rather painfully).
Paul is credited with writing the script (such as it is), which seems to have been composed on a napkin or on the back of an envelope.The "plot," or rather "dramatic scenario," (if it can even be dignified as such) seems to be something of an echo from the equally flimsy premise of "A Hard Day's Night," in that the protagonist(s) (Paul or The Beatles) are shown romping around a TV or film studio of some sort, constantly passing by costumed actors and extras, the whole thing serving as merely an excuse to perform their songs.
But where "A Hard Day's Night" overcame its lack of plot and low budget with the raw enthusiasm, charm, and sly humor of the Beatles in 1964, the 1984 Paul possesses none of these qualities, instead content to waltz around gaudily decorated, overblown sets in a kind of dope-fueled haze.
Paul, and everybody else in the film, including Tracey Ullman, Ringo, Paul's wife Linda, Ringo's wife Barbara Bach, and Beatles producer George Martin seem bored silly, as if they can't wait for the shoot to be over.
and I must say this movie rocks,I love the plot of how he must find his tapes before midnight or serious consequences will happen.Ringo acts funny,and the soundtrack is really cool..
About the only thing this film has going for it is Paul McCartney singing some Beatles classics as well as some of the newer Wings titles.An attempt to capture the energy of "It's a Hard Days Night" fails dismally without John Lennon and George Harrison.Ringo's here,but barely utters a word.This is Paul's show all the way.This film desperately needed something it sorely lacks-ENERGY.What a shame..
The music in the film is the less McCartney-like ever...
All in all, a regrettable movie, full of possibilities (excellent musicians, for instance), with a horrible script (Paul will always be famous for showing off that he can do anything, even things he doesn't know how to...
I like it very much and I just hope that Sir Paul will do another movie.
History repeats itself;" give my regards to Broadstreet " was trashed ,just like "Magical mystery tour " was, in the Beatles years.Hindsight displays its charm;it is not a masterpiece of the seven art ,by a long shot,but it is an entertaining flick,for fans of the Beatles,for McCartney is present from start to finish.It's been described as giant clip,but actually it displays diversity and ,musically,it's impeccable.There are really successful sequences,particularly that of "Ballroom dancing " which blends Thé -dance chic people with hoodlums who eventually fight like cats and dogs ,like in the lyrics."Silly love songs " is the only track in the whole movie which causes my face to avert ;the sequence is rather ugly but playing it in front of a neo punk(played by Tracey Ullman) is almost defiant.THe rest is certainly enjoyable ,the Beatles "covers" are made with taste ("for no one" is enhanced by the strings) ;and the three originals are up to scratch:the two rockers make you tap your feet and the hit "no more lonely nights " benefits of David Gilmour 's fine guitar solo.MacCartney had always thought that " Eleanor Rigby " was Dickensian and the period costume part is certainly the most appealing: pastoral with Linda ,of course,as the photographer ,nightmarish wandering across a cemetery ,then through London's dark alleys where you can meet Jack the ripper ,and a brief scene with the famous Richardson ,who ,like any great man,makes himself wait (he reportedly told the singer his lines were fine with him).Paul's fancy for the nineteenth century also shows in the short scene in which Harry is pursued by the policemen ,across the moor, which will remind you of Sherlock Holmes.The story is devoid of interest ,but ,like in " Magical mystery tour" ,it's not important.Paul acts naturally ,so does Ringo,of course;there is even a hint at George in a line : "or Harry- Krishna"?.
Ringo Starr, George Martin, and several more apparitions appear by grace for your nostalgic pleasure.By this film, we're given several more songs and video scenes that are fully alive as creative avenues in the Beatles tradition.
I first watched this movie probably twenty years ago or more & have subsequently watched it all the way thru at least 25 times over the years.The movie ranks up there with some of the all time best The plot is excellent as it evolves to a dream in a dream...it flows nicely & is comedic yet dramatic at times...McCartney is truly gifted thru our Gods graces and they are displayed quite well thru out this movie...Anyone who is a Beatles/McCartney fan will not be disappointed in spending a couple hours with one of the greatest talents in the history of the world...so even though the film is dated somewhat as to when it was released.I do feel that if you watch the whole movie and not just for the music and especially upon multiple times viewing that you will acquire the same reverence and respect for this great man..
To be frank, not the master tapes of McCartney's recordings that were missing, the movie's plot was!
As most of these reviews begin, I'm going to state that I am a huge Beatles fan and a pretty big Paul McCartney fan as well.
McCartney not only produces new, bland songs that lack the usual McCartney charisma, but he goes on to ruin classics of his dating back to the Beatles.The rehearsal scenes are monotonous and bland, the Eleanor Rigby sequence is mind-numbing and lasts much, much longer than it should, and every attempt at humor fails.However, there are a few things in this film that you may get a kick out of.
That's the only thing I could come up with.Overall, I can't believe I own this film and actually took the time to write a review of it.
Interesting to note that here in this movie was the moment McCartney became the custodian of the Beatles music and at least 50% of his stage act covers Beatles songs.He's even dipping into the very early stuff like Love me do and PS I love you which he does as a medley on his sound checks.
To basically describe how pointless this movie is then any entertainment value from this movie can be replicated by playing a bunch of random Paul McCartney Beatles Songs...
The entertainment value will not differentiate (although I would prefer listening to The McCartney Beatles songs).So what exactly is the plot.
There are shots in the half-hour-long sequence set entirely in the 1800's (What does that have to do with the plot?) that are very well constructed and set up.Now I am not the biggest Beatles' fan, any respect I had for Paul McCartney is now completely and utterly and totally shattered.
Don't say I didn't warn you.Unless you want to listen to a bunch of Paul McCarntey songs in a pointless way then do not get this movie.
Some new and advanced equipment were used on this film, a steadicam was a fairly new thing, as was the luma crane, and the use of camera was not regular, more like you would expect to see in a TV studio.I remember best the ballroom dancing scene, and silly love song's with the white stage, filmed at Elstree were those bits.
In 1984, Paul McCartney made a feature-length film that was simply a gigantic music video--not a film, per se.
In most ways, it seems like twenty years after A HARD DAYS NIGHT, McCartney is trying to recapture the magic--without John and George.
Ringo and his lovely trophy wife make an appearance as do a few of McCartney's other friends, but the magic is sadly missing and it just looks like a very, very expensive home movie.To put it bluntly, I found the whole experience tedious--and I couldn't wait to leave the theater.
Macca cannot act, neither could Linda, or Ringo for that matter, and even the "established" actors sound like they're reading from their scripts for the first time.
Sir Paul McCartney is an under-appreciated musical genius.
Every scene featuring one of Paul's songs is thoroughly enjoyable and so creative, like a super-cool, high-quality music video.
McCartney's voice is on top form and he has picked and arranged a fine song-track to decorate a film which must have been scripted on the back of a plectrum.
Only Linda seems to enter into the spirit of Paul's conceit, as though the script was pillow talk.Slated at the time, the film is a must for Beatles, Wings and McCartney fans, and it's worth repeating that the man himself doesn't need to act the method, the method's in the music..
Despite one good song, "No more lonely nights", this two-hour excursion of narcissism and nonsense will bore you to tears.In retrospect I am reminded of Neil Diamond's valiant , but failed attempt at recreating The Jazz Singer, another bad film.
I too start from the position of being a Beatles and McCartney fan, one who clearly recalls when Beatlemania first took hold in the UK.I remember eagerly looking forward to Magical Mystery Tour on Boxing Day 1967, and being increasingly embarrassed as it went on.
The lesson which came across loud and clear was that, while the Beatles were undoubtedly in a class of their own as far as writing songs was concerned, they were very, very bad at writing films.
And, let's be fair, the lion's share of the responsibility for the Magical Mystery Tour travesty rested with McCartney.I guess in 17 years the memory must have faded a bit, and he forgot that lesson.Broad Street taught it to him again, though.You can't write films, Paul.
It also has much of what we movie lovers expect NOT to see in a film: Ringo Starr.
That being said This film is more of an extended music video of classic Beatles music and contemporary to the times McCartney & Wings music.
As it stands, actors like Bryan Brown, Tracey Ullman and Sir Ralph Richardson are left as very hollow characters who lend nothing to the plot.What makes this film at all enjoyable is the music.
The plots are similar (a day in the life of rock star Paul played by Rock Star Paul McCartney), and the constant musical performances make this seem almost like Another Hard Day's Night.Overall, the ending is extremely anticlimactic, the story is silly, but the musical performances are a lot of fun.
I'm a Beatles Fan. I'm also "Critical" Of McCartney.
Since Paul McCartney is a musician who can't even read music, that should give you your first clue.
I'm a big fan of Paul McCartney and The Beatles and I do have a copy of this movie on my shelf and to be honest I think it's OK.
First it's all about the tapes being 'stolen' and then next we see Paul McCartney day dreaming during 'Eleanor Rigby' with some parts of the main plot still used for a few seconds.
The settings of the film is really nice and I do like the 'Eleanor's Dream' scene that was featured.
Shame there wasn't too much time with Ringo Starr in the film but it is all about McCartney.
But still I enjoy this film and its a recommendation to Paul McCartney fans or Beatles fans..
In this odd and very bad movie, we see Paul McCartney as he goes about an average day of appointments, all the time trying to find the missing and irreplaceable master tapes for his next album.
Sir Paul McCartneys No more lonely nights song is memorable.
Sir Paul McCartney has had several musical comebacks although most people are to polite to call them comebacks.
The Video for the song No more lonely nights is okay and more enjoyable than the movie.
Paul McCartneys master tapes for his new album go pretend missing in this film.
Some of Sir Paul McCartneys other films are also worth watching.