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IMDb > Backbeat (1994)
Backbeat
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Backbeat (1994) -- A dramatization of the Hamburg, Germany phase of the Beatles' early history.
Backbeat (1994) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)

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Overview

User Rating:
6.5/10   2,627 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 12% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Iain Softley (writer)
Michael Thomas (writer)
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Contact:
View company contact information for Backbeat on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
15 April 1994 (USA) more
Tagline:
He Had To Choose Between His Best Friend... The Woman He Loved... And The Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band In the World. more
Plot:
A dramatization of the Hamburg, Germany phase of the Beatles' early history. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 4 wins & 1 nomination more
User Comments:
Good Film, Even Better Soundtrack more (23 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
BackBeat - Die Wahrheit über die Beatles (Germany)
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Runtime:
100 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Black and White | Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The shooting lasted 6 weeks. It took place in Liverpool in March 1993 and in Hamburg and London in Spring 1993. more
Goofs:
Continuity: A scene dated March 1961 has George being wished a happy 18th birthday. George's actual birthday was in February (as was even mentioned earlier in the film.) more
Quotes:
Paul McCartney: C'mon, George! We're starvin'! Where are those lovely scones your mother makes? more
Movie Connections:
Version of Stuart Sutcliffe: The Lost Beatle (2005) (TV) more
Soundtrack:
Carol more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
5 out of 8 people found the following comment useful.
Good Film, Even Better Soundtrack, 20 September 2002
Author: crbowles from Reading, England

I really enjoyed this film, I do however doubt that i would have enjoyed it as much if it hadn't been for the absoloutely storming soundtrack made up of Fifties covers which you believe would have been played by the Beatles at that stage in their careers. Add to that the fact that the Band used to create the sound of the Beatles consisted of some of the leading musicians of the 90's. They bring their own interpretation to the music just as you believe the Beatles would have done, The only exception to this is the Drum beat which tends to sound more like the 90's than the 60's that being said it does make it more accessable to a contemporary audience.

Now as for the actual film itself, It was built on an interesting story about Stuart Sutcliffe, John Lennons best friend, Choosing between music and Art, the latter enevitably wins out with the help of Astrid. Much of the story is of a Tug Of war between John lennon trying to keep him involved in the music and Astrid who sees his artistic potential. It's a story that has been played over and over again but is refreshed in the context of surrounding characters that you feel you already know.

The Characteristically funny Lennon, Business like McCartney, Shy Harrison all come across very comfortably. But they are merely bit characters as this film is more about the choices of sutcliffe than it is about the fab four.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Backbeat (1994)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
A few little problems... ginger_sling
Stuart Sutcliffe's accent zingzangspillip
John's 'Catchphrase' am_buglet_82
Nudity in the theatrical version? jpw43
Best Looking? monty_python_eric
Preludin, drugs Hellokiddo
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