Exclusive - The Making of the 'A Hard Day's Night DVD - a Behind The Scenes Report

The new A Hard Day's Night DVD is due out on September 24th. It will be a double DVD set and will include some eight hours of previously unseen footage.

In October 2001 a crew from Miramax from the US were in London to interview the original cast and crew of the film - and I was lucky enough to be involved. I had three days in the company of the people that made one of my favourite films - and had a great time.

I was first approached at the Chicago Beatlefest to be involved in the DVD by Martin Lewis, the producer of the DVD edition. He wanted help with some of the original film locations and with locating some of the people involved in the film, and with providing archive material from my collection.

Originally, Martin and the film crew were due in London in mid September, but filming had to be postponed due to the tragic events of September 11th.

The film crew finally made it to London in early October, and spent a week interviewing the original cast and crew. Many of the interviews took place in Twickenham Film Studios, where most of the interior scenes of the film were shot.

The interviews were divided in two. On Thursday October 11th the crew of the film were interviewed and the next day the cast. On each occasion the participants had a chance to see the film again. And then they all contributed their reminiscences in a ÒroundtableÓ setting on audio. Each participant was also interviewed on camera individually by Martin.

I spent much of each day chatting to the participants while the others were being interviewed. At one point Martin discovered that one of the crew members waiting to be interviewed needed to leave soon because of his travel schedule - so Martin asked me to lend a hand and finish off an interview that heÕd started with couple of the sound editors. That was something I wasn't expecting! Martin told me afterwards that he was very pleased with my work.

Disappointing for me personally - Richard Lester, who of course directed the film, was not present with the other members of the crew that re-united at Twickenham Film Studios on the first day. He was unavailable that day - and Martin did a very extensive interview with him on another day.However many other fascinating characters were. These included Gilbert Taylor, who prior to working on A Hard Day's Night, had been cinematographer on Dr Strangelove, and subsequently went on to be cinematographer on Star Wars and Alfred HitchcockÕs Frenzy. He had loads of stories about these great films he worked on.

Other Beatles-connected people present were Roy Benson, who was an assistant editor on A Hard Day's Night, who, three years later, spent 3 months editing Magical Mystery Tour. Also present was Denis O'Dell, who was assistant producer on A Hard Day's Night and later was head of Apple Films. I chatted to Denis in the cavernous studio one at Twickenham Film Studios, where The Beatles also filmed much of Let it Be. Denis told me it was really him who produced the film but towards the end of shooting Neil Aspinall asked if he could be credited as the producer and Denis agreed. I heard many stories about the making of the film which I won't give away here - you'll have to watch the DVD! I did hear one story that I found very amusing. As most of you know John, George and Ringo all had their solo spots in A Hard Day's Night, without the other Beatles. The idea was to introduce The Beatles to their audience as individuals. You are probably wondering why Paul McCartney didn't get a solo spot. Well, he did actually film one, but it got cut. The scene was based in a rehearsal studio for actors with Paul and actress Isla Blair. The official reason given for the scene being cut was that it didn't fit with the rest of the film. However the version I heard was that Isla was wearing a low-cut period costume and Paul was staring down her cleavage! It wasn't noticed until it was too late to re-shoot so Paul lost his solo scene!

For lunch Martin took the crew to the nearby pub The Turk's Head. This too was A Hard Day's Night location. It was the pub which Ringo enters during his walkabout and disrupts all the pub games. The bar looks remarkably similar to this day. Winchester Hall, the function room of the pub, was used by The Beatles for an end of filming party and it was here the crew enjoyed a grand meal and further reminiscences.

One lady I met that day was Betty Glasow, who was The Beatles hairdresser on both A Hard Day's Night and Help. She had with her a photo album filled with amazing mementos, including a photo of the Fabs in Help signed by all four with funny captions. I couldn't help noticing that George signed as George 'Dandruff' Harrison! She also had a signed first edition of A Spaniard in the Works, signed with a special message from John, together with a lock of his hair. When I told her how much I thought her collection was worth she was amazed.

The next day it was the turn of the actors in the film. Those present included John Junkin, who played Shake, Anna Quayle, who played Millie -the lady who engages in a conversation with John in the corridor, dancer Lionel Blair, Jeremy Lloyd, who is seen dancing with the Fabs in the nightclub scene. He was the one teaching Ringo the Jumping dance! Another great character I met was David Janson. He played the young boy that Ringo bumps into when walking by the river.

As with the crew - everyone was interviewed both separately and in a roundtable setting. And they all had lunch at the Turk's Head pub.

I had a wonderful time meeting all these wonderful characters and hearing their stories of how one of my favourite film was made.

You'll see it all on the DVD!

Richard Porter

Press Release

MAJOR DVD/VHS RELEASE SALUTES LANDMARK BEATLES ANNIVERSARIES

THE BEATLES A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT

Includes New Footage

To Be Released September 24

Fall 2002 marks the 40th anniversary of several key events in the story of the BeatlesÕ phenomenal success - including the recording and release of their first record ÒLove Me DoÓ, the recording of their first #1 hit 'Please Please Me'- and their first chart success.

Saluting those landmark 40th anniversaries is the release of The BeatlesÕ A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT on DVD and VHS from Miramax Home Entertainment on September 24, 2002. This incredible two-disc DVD edition, with rare and new footage, is likely to appeal to the same vast audience which purchased the last major release of Beatles material - their greatest hits album '1' - which has sold in excess of 28 million units worldwide since its November 2000 release.

A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT on DVD presents the BeatlesÕ breakthrough first movie 'A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT' together with the major new production 'GIVE ME EVERYTHING! - A Companion Anthology To The BeatlesÕ First Film.' The film has been digitally transferred from the restored original 35mm negative, and the original soundtrack has been digitally restored for this special DVD and VHS release (2-Disc DVD $29.99 S.R.P.)

On VHS, A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT includes the new half-hour promotional special about the filmÒThings They Said TodayÉÓ (VHS $14.99 S.R.P.).

The A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT DVD includes the bonus disc 'GIVE ME EVERYTHING! A Companion Anthology To The BeatlesÕ First Film' an extensive new production which presents a huge amount of vintage and contemporary material relating to the 1964 film.The content will appeal to the broad mass of Beatles lovers, a fan base which now stretches across three generations. Included is material that will also appeal to film buffs, to lovers of comedy, and to the vast legions of young people who have discovered the fun of the 1960Õs through such popular vehicles as the 'Austin Powers' films.

In addition to the new half-hour promotional special about the film ('Things They Said TodayÉ', there are many extras that add to the appeal of the DVD, including interviews with most of the surviving cast and crew, as well as close friends of the Beatles. A total of thirty interviewees are featured on the DVD. These include specially filmed, in-depth interviews with director Richard Lester, musical director Sir George Martin (whose score was nominated for an Academy Award), title designer Robert Freeman (the BeatlesÕ favorite photographer/designer) and leading co-star John Junkin who portrayed 'Shake' - one of the BeatlesÕ two road managers.

Lending further authority to this new release, the A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT special edition DVD has been produced by leading Beatles historian and producer Martin Lewis (ÒSecret PolicemanÕs BallÓ movies etc.) Martin Lewis was a long-time friend of the filmÕs original producer - the late Walter Shenson - who proposed Lewis to supervise the DVD release and compile the new material. Drawing on his longstanding friendships with Sir George Martin, Richard Lester, Robert Freeman and others across the Beatles universe, Lewis conducted all but one of the thirty interviews seen on the DVD.

A HARD DAY'S NIGHT features twelve famous Beatles compositions, including three of their biggest hits - A Hard Day's Night, Can't Buy Me Love and She Loves You - all of which were worldwide number one hits. Other familiar titles include: All My Loving, And I Love Her, If I Fell, I Wanna Be Your Man, I Should Have Known Better, Tell Me Why, Don't Bother Me, IÕm Happy Just To Dance With You and Ringo's Theme - George Martin's orchestral arrangement of Lennon-McCartney's This Boy - part of his Academy Award-nominated score.

A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT captures all the fun, excitement and unforgettable music of John, Paul, George and Ringo at the height of Beatlemania. ItÕs a wildly irreverent day in the life of the worldÕs most famous rock ÔnÕ roll band, as they prepare for a big television appearance.The Beatles perform their songs, look for adventure and try in vain to keep PaulÕs mischief-making grandfather out of trouble, all while being chased by hordes of screaming fans!

A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT was a massive commercial success upon its theatrical release.The film, which critics had presumed would be a standard teen jukebox movie, received almost universal critical acclaim upon its release from serious film reviewers.The film became a major factor in propelling the Beatles from their already massive teenage following into the stratosphere of worldwide fame and popularity transcending all generations.

The film's groundbreaking shooting, editing and directing style is widely considered to have been the forerunner of music video. In the 1990's MTV declared A HARD DAY'S NIGHT director Richard Lester the 'father of music video.' (Lester quipped that he demanded a paternity test!)

The 40th anniversary in Fall 2002 of the BeatlesÕ first breakthrough is likely to generate significant media coverage. That initial success paved the way for their eight years of mega-stardom between 1963 and 1970 - and the unprecedented thirty two years of subsequent perpetual fame that has kept The Beatles as famous, newsworthy and successful today as they were at the height of Beatlemania.

AHDN DVD PROMOTION PLANS REVEALED!

TWO STARS COMING TO USA FOR LAUNCH!

He has arranged for two of the filmÕs stars to visit the US for a 3 week promotional visit. The stars are both actors who have extensive Beatles credits and connections.

The stars are: Victor Spinetti - who portrayed the neurotic TV director. And John Junkin who played 'Shake' the taller of the two road managers (very loosely based on Mal Evans)

Both actors maintained friendships and working relationships with the Beatles after the film. Spinetti was asked to act in Help! and Magical Mystery Tour - and adapted JohnÕs two books into an acclaimed stage revue - presented at BritainÕs National Theatre in 1968. Junkin was a cast member in JohnÕs solo film How I Won The War and also acted in a cult 60Õs British TV series which boasted an ultra-rare specially-written and produced McCartney theme tune. The series was called Thingumybob.

The actors arrive in New York on Thursday September 19. They will spend 5 days in New York. Mainly doing interviews - but there is a strong possibility that there will be one or two special screenings in New York City. The screenings would be of a brand-new restored 35mm print of the film - plus the World Premiere of ÒThings They Said Today...Ó a new special about the film made by Martin Lewis.

The date would be Saturday September 21st. An afternoon screening and an evening screening. Both screenings would feature Q&A sessions with Spinetti, Junkin and Lewis.

FULL DETAILS INCLUDING TICKET INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED HERE - AND ON http://www.WhatGoesOn.com After New York - Spinetti and Junkin will travel to Chicago and will be there through Thursday September 26. And yes... they will be in town the same night as Paul McCartney is playing Chicago! Whether these three old friends - who have known each other for nearly 40 years - get together for a moment or two.... Well... weÕll see.

And there is almost certainly going to be a screening event with the film and new special - and a big celebration in Chicago. FULL DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE.

Then Spinetti and Junkin will be arriving in Los Angeles. There are TWO major events planned for L.A. Details will be announced HERE very shortly. Meanwhile save these two dates: Sunday September 29 in the late afternoon. And Tuesday October 1st in the evening.

This is a very exciting trip for both actors. Victor Spinetti has been a frequent visitor to the US - filming, performing on Broadway (he won a 'Tony' award in the 60Õs) and of course as an occasional guest at Beatlefest.

But John Junkin has not been to America for FORTY FOUR YEARS! JohnÕs last visit to the US was as a young tourist in 1958. Shortly after that - he decided that he didnÕt like flying - so heÕs never had the opportunity to return.

And to answer the obvious question - in deference to JohnÕs refusal to fly - both John and Victor are traveling to and from America by ocean liner! The Cunard LineÕs QE2 no less! And they are both traveling across America by train! From New York to Chicago to Los Angeles - and back - all on Amtrak! The Hard DayÕs Express!!!

Keep watching this space. There will be regular updates!

HOLLYWOOD DOUBLE-SALUTES A HARD DAYÕS NIGHT

The first event is a special American Cinematheque screening of a brand-new restored 35mm print which will be shown at GraumanÕs Egyptian Theatre on Sunday September 29th at 5.00pm. The screening will be preceded by the World Premiere of 'Things They Said Today...' - a new half-hour special about the history of the film produced by Beatles historian and producer of the DVD - Martin Lewis.

Special guests at the event will be Victor Spinetti (who portrayed the neurotic TV director) and John Junkin (who played ÒShakeÓ the taller of the two road managers.) Following the screening there will be a Q&A with Spinetti, Junkin and Lewis.

John LennonÕs concert jacket from the film will also be on display - courtesy of Gordon Millings of Dougie Millings & Son - tailor to the Beatles.

The second of the two celebrations is an official DVD release party open to the public at L.A.Õs House of Blues on Tuesday October 1st. Titled A Hard DVDÕs Night! - the festivities will include a live performance of all 12 songs from the A Hard DayÕs Night soundtrack by respected local Beatles tribute band The Fab Four - The Ultimate Tribute. And appearances by Spinetti and Junkin.

Special musical guests are expected - including the British session guitarist who played lead on Sir George MartinÕs Oscar-nominated instrumental version of Lennon-McCartneyÕs 'This Boy' - which Sir George re-titled 'RingoÕs Theme.'

The guitarist - Vic Flick - is a legend among fellow guitarists such as Eric Clapton for creating the distinctive guitar sound of the 'James Bond Theme' and playing on a slew of 60Õs British Invasion hits.) Flick will re-create his 'This Boy' performance for the first time ever on stage - and indeed his first performance of the tune in the nearly 40 years since he recorded it.

Both Spinetti and Junkin developed friendships and further professional relationships with the Beatles. Spinetti appeared by their request in their two other feature films (ÒHelp!Ó and ÒMagical Mystery TourÓ) - and adapted and directed LennonÕs two books of poetry and prose into ÒIn His Own WriteÓ - an acclaimed revue presented in 1968 by Laurence Olivier at BritainÕs National Theatre. Junkin appeared in John LennonÕs solo feature film acting debut ÒHow I Won The WarÓ and co-starred in the cult 60Õs British TV series ÒThingumybobÓ which boasted an ultra-rare instrumental theme tune specially written and produced by Paul McCartney.

A Press Release on A Hard Days Night