Film Reviews

A Hard Day's Night

• Rating:
• Director: Richard Lester.
• Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Wilfrid Brambell, Norman Rossington.
• Details: UK / 88 mins / (G)

Back in 1964, when A Hard Day's Night received its original theatrical release it was hailed as the definitive rock 'n' roll movie. Over the years, the movie may have dated significantly - literally and figuratively - nonetheless it's still something of an infectious and innocent delight. A day in the life of the fab four, Lester's part documentary, part fictional account takes in a hectic 24 hours where the Beatles have to deal with, amongst other things, Paul's interfering grandfather (Brambell), Ringo going missing and playing a gig with thousands of screaming teenagers in attendance. As you'd expect, the performances of the group when they aren't playing leave something to be desired, but there remains an inherent charm about A Hard Day's Night that's difficult to shake. Great soundtrack too.

Review by Garreth Murphy