There was a time when the rock and roll star appearance in a film ostensibly as themselves (or a variant) was a given. Think of the films of Elvis Presley or Cliff Richard. Before the Warholian expression of 15 minutes of fame became a thing, the pop music film was a way to make the most of the latest populist puppet’s time in the sun – script be damned, musician’s longevity be damned. “Let’s just give the kids what they want and reap the benefits before the next pretty face we can exploit”. I’m sure that was the studio mantra. The Beatles were gonna be part of that machine….yet something different happened.
Welcome to See Hear Podcast episode 109.
The Beatles got signed to a 3 film deal with United Artists, and in 1964 released what has been called the Citizen Kane of rock and roll films, A Hard Day’s Night. People have been arguing the merits of their filmic output ever since. This year, author Steve Matteo has released a book called Act Naturally: The Beatles On Film where he focuses on the Fabs as film stars. He looks at the making of each of their 5 films giving credit to their collaborators, as well as putting the films into social context (what else was happening in British cinema at the time).
Unfortunately, neither Kerry nor Tim was available to join me on this conversation, but Steve and I had a terrific time talking about his book and all things Beatle-films.....and many things Beatle adjacent. I also make a confession that will have film buffs gathering their pitchforks and hunting me down – I stand by my contention. Thanks hugely to Steve for a very entertaining conversation. I hope to have him back for a round table at some stage.
The book Act Naturally: The Beatles On Film is available at all the usual virtual and physical bookstores. It comes with the See Hear stamp of approval.
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