You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night' (Video 1995)

Thirty years after A Hard Day's Night, its producer, director, writer and others describe its making. United Artists Records came to Walter Shenson, asking him to produce a movie so UA ... See full summary »

Writer:

David Leaf

Stars:

Phil Collins, Roger Ebert, Peter Noone

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Phil Collins	...	Himself - The Host
Roger Ebert	...	Himself - Film Critic
Peter Noone	...	Himself - Lead Singer of Herman's Hermits
Roger McGuinn	...	Himself - Founding Member of The Byrds
Victor Spinetti	...	Himself - Cast Member
Alun Owen	...	Himself - Screenwriter
Norman Rossington	...	Himself - Cast Member
Debbie Gendler	...	Herself - New Jersey Fan Club President
Julie Harris	...	Herself - Wardrobe Designer
Walter Shenson	...	Himself - Producer
George Harrison	...	Himself (voice)
Richard Lester	...	Himself - Director
Paul McCartney	...	Himself (voice)
Micky Dolenz	...	Himself
Michael Friend	...	Himself

Storyline

Thirty years after A Hard Day's Night, its producer, director, writer and others describe its making. United Artists Records came to Walter Shenson, asking him to produce a movie so UA could issue a soundtrack album. Shenson signed Lester to direct, and they got the Beatles to agree to star. Shenson sent Owen to Dublin to spend time with the Fab Four; from this came a script built around their being prisoners of their own success. Phil Collins, himself an extra on A Hard Day's Night, hosts this examination of a seminal film: what was ad-libbed, why was it a hit, what was its influence on other movies, and how did it define the way the public viewed each Beatle for years to come?

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Plot Keywords:

producer | director | the beatles | beatlemania | rock band | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Also Known As:

The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night'

Company Credits

Production Co:

Saltair Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

62 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Richard Lester: MTV gave me a very nice diploma at one time, or something on vellum, saying that I was the putative father of MTV. But I've insisted on a blood test.

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Crazy Credits

When the "Special Thanks" credit comes up, under those words it says in parentheses "In Order of Shoe Size" but it really is in alphabetical order by their last names.

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Connections

References Ring-a-Ding Rhythm! (1962)

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Soundtracks

"I'm Happy Just to Dance with You"
(1964) (uncredited)
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by The Beatles

User Reviews

Insightful Documentary

Astonishingly, it's been 41 years since "A Hard Day's Night" first appeared in theaters. The film itself is still fresh, funny, and delightful. This documentary reunites many of the people originally involved in the film's production, including director Richard Lester, producer Walter Shenson, writer Alun Owen, and many of the cast members. The film does stoop to the obvious on occasion, but the interviews and reminiscences are enjoyable for anyone who remembers 1964 and Beatlemania.

The best moments belong to Shenson, who describes the title tune's genesis in great detail, and Lester, who recalls working with the Beatles during the film's production. Lots of candid film taken while shooting is also enjoyable for fans of the Fab Four. My only complaint is the obvious padding of the film by the inclusion of extraneous interviews (why on earth is Mickey Dolenz in this film?). Still a great way to stroll down memory lane to 1964 again.