The film, A Hard Days Night, takes a look at the beginning of The Beatles career. It is witty and insightful. The movie takes a mostly comic look, at The Fab Four. It’s main point is to show Beatlemania at it’s height.
The film begins with John, Paul, George and Ringo, being shuttled out of their limousines, to get away from their adoring fans, and onto the train, to their concert. While doing this, the four, don disguises, hide in phone booths, or put a newspaper over their face. This works to some effect.
When the musical quartet boards the train, a grumpy man, (Richard Vernon) isn’t charmed by them. The back and forth finally leads to his comment that he fought the war for their kind. They remark, “I bet you’re sorry you won.” This remark sums up a little, of their non conformity.
Paul’s grandfather is on the train. His surly film grandfather, is played by Wilfred Brambell, who becomes an amateur version of Don Rickles, primarily insulting Ringo and others, throughout the movie. He persuades Ringo to live life, which gets Ringo and Paul’s grandfather tossed in jail. This causes much distress among Norm and Shake; whose responsibility is to keep everyone in line. They are played respectively by Norman Rossington and John Junkin. Their back and forth throughout the film, is one of the many things that keep the film entertaining.
Ringo and Paul’s wayward grandfather, are released from jail, and The Beatles do what they do best, perform their terrific songs. After their concert, they are again shuttled out a back entrance; away from their screaming fans. They get into a waiting helicopter, and after it lifts off, throw autographed pictures, to their fans below.
The Beatles with their ability to perform very well, in front of the camera, are the main thing that keeps this film going. They are particularly good when doing comedy. The songs that they perform in the movie are timeless. It proves why they are the greatest musical influence of the second half of the twentieth century.
Not only are the songs good, but so is the entire soundtrack. The instrumental arrangement of This Boy by Sir George Martin, stands out. It is used in the sequence, when Ringo is wandering. It’s other title was Ringo’s theme. Martin was very involved in producing many of The Beatles’ albums.
The film works well not just because of The Beatles’ talent, but also because of Richard Lester’s direction. He gets the music sequences right, and has a great beginning and ending sequences. He’s also has shown a day in the life of The Beatles, albeit somewhat fictionalized; and turned it into an exceptionally entertaining film.
You wouldn’t think A Hard Days Night, could make light of the pressures of touring. It does and very well. The Beatles are featured, but Ringo is the big attraction. He holds his own in scenes; and does very well against Wilfred Bramwell’s character. The Beatles’ image became more defined later, becoming more serious. The image they craft in this film, is what set them apart, from the music scene. It is well worth a viewing for any fan of music.