A Hard Day's Night (1964)

A "typical" day in the life of The Beatles, including many of their famous songs.

Director:

Richard Lester

Writer:

Alun Owen (original screenplay)

Stars:

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
The Beatles	...	The Beatles
John Lennon	...	John
Paul McCartney	...	Paul
George Harrison	...	George
Ringo Starr	...	Ringo
Wilfrid Brambell	...	Grandfather
Norman Rossington	...	Norm
John Junkin	...	Shake
Victor Spinetti	...	T.V. Director
Anna Quayle	...	Millie
Deryck Guyler	...	Police Inspector
Richard Vernon	...	Man on train
Edward Malin	...	Hotel Waiter (as Eddie Malin)
Robin Ray	...	T.V. Floor Manager
Lionel Blair	...	T.V. Choreographer

Storyline

The Beatles--the world's most famous rock and roll band--travel from their home town of Liverpool to London to perform in a television broadcast. Along the way they must rescue Paul's unconventional grandfather from various misadventures and drummer Ringo goes missing just before the crucial concert.

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Plot Keywords:

rock 'n' roll | the beatles | cult film | beatlemania | dartboard | 

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Taglines:

THE BEATLES in Their First Full Length, Hilarious Action-Packed Film

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Genres:

Comedy | Music | Musical

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German French

Release Date:

7 July 1964 (UK)

Also Known As:

Quatre garçons dans le vent

Filming Locations:

Marylebone Station, Marylebone, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$560,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$56,805, 7 February 1982, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$13,780,024

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walter Shenson Films, Proscenium Films, Maljack Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.75 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The constant mention of Paul McCartney's grandfather being "very clean" are references to actor Wilfrid Brambell playing a rag-and-bone man in Steptoe and Son (1962), featuring the catch-phrase, "You dirty old man." "Steptoe and Son" was remade in the US as Sanford and Son (1972).

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Goofs

George puts shaving cream on the mirror to "shave" Shake, but the mirror is clean when they leave after Norm comes in.

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Quotes

Reporter: What would you call that hairstyle you're wearing?
George: Arthur.

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Crazy Credits

Derek Guyler is credited as 'Police Inspector' though it is clearly established that he is only a sergeant.

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Connections

Referenced in XTC at the Manor (1980)

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Soundtracks

This Boy (Ringo's Theme)
(1963) (uncredited)
Music by John Lennon, usually credited to John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by The George Martin Orchestra
Published by Capitol Records

User Reviews

This film "converted" me

I was in my mid-thirties when the Beatles came to America, and appeared at Shea Stadium and (famously) on the Ed Sullivan. I saw their success, with the screaming girls, as just another teen-age phenomenon. I must have read in some column that this film was interesting for its direction and photography. That was true. What I did not expect was that I would be caught up by the Beatles themselves, both as personalities and as musicians. Those who comment adversely on their lack of acting ability are way off base, because neither they nor the director were looking for dramatic skill; only for a degree of naturalness, which was achieved. Those who criticize the technical aspects are not well-acquainted with new developments in film technique especially in France; for instance, the jump shot. Those who criticize lack of plot must be interested only in straight narrative. I suggest that all the previously mentioned critics see the documentary materials on the making of the film, particularly those contained in the DVD set. They will see, for better or worse, that the creators and performers achieved what they wanted, allowing room for the unexpected. For forty years now I have been an admirer, own all their recordings, etc.; and taught this movie in my history of film class regularly. Don't believe the nay-sayers; see for yourself.