April 2015
A Hard Day’s Night
A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
From the first ringing note (BBRRAANNGGG!) to the ending montage of the Beatles’ faces, A Hard Day’s Night is an absolutely exuberant, intoxicating film.
When I first saw it in 1964, it was the height of Beatlemania and to say that the movie didn’t disappoint would be a huge understatement!
I practically floated out of the theatre, my whole body tingling with joy and happiness. It wasn’t just the songs themselves – they were great – the film was alive with vitality and humour.
My favourite scenes:
John tells the middle-aged stuffed-shirt in their train compartment to “Give us a kiss.”;
Ringo walking along the riverbank;
George’s fashion discussion with the advertising director;
Wilfrid Brambell’s visit to the casino.
Brambell is a positive delight as Paul’s curmudgeonly grandfather (“He’s very clean.”) Overall, a joyful romp!
AL
