Starring: The Beatles, Leo McKern, Eleanor Bron, Mal Evans.
Release Date: July 29, 1965
Running Time: 90 min
Genres: Comedy, Musical, Fantasy, Mystery
Commentary Help! is the Beatles' second film, and their best in my opinion. In addition to its many great songs, it's quite amusing. Much like A Hard Day's Night, the Beatles' first film, Help! depicts the band's lighthearted and playful side. However, unlike A Hard Day's Night, this movie has much more of a story to it, albeit a ridiculus one. In any case, it's quite entertaining.
Plot Summary The plot centers around Ringo's large red ring, which he is unable to remove and which is to be used for a ritual Indian sacrifice. An Indian cult chases the Beatles around London in order to obtain the ring. A mad scientist tries to remove the ring to no avail and also becomes obsessed with obtaining it. The band ends up being chased to the Alps and the Bahamas. Finally the ring comes off and Ringo places it on the cult's leader's finger, whence his cult threatens to sacrifice him!
Cultural Significance The Beatles were already a cultural phenomenon by 1964, the year before Help! was released, but this movie added to their popularity. One could also say that Help! influenced the music video craze of the '80s, since many of the song performances are essentially music videos. Help! shows a creative side of the Fab Four in addition to their musical genius.
Music The movie Help! contains the following Beatles' songs:
"Help!"
"You're Gonna Lose That Girl"
"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
"Ticket to Ride"
"I Need You"
"The Night Before"
"Another Girl"
Movie Clips
Here's the original movie trailer.
Here's a video performance of the theme song (one of the first music videos, used at the beginning of the film).
Here's their performance of "Ticket to Ride" from the film, shot in the Alps.
Here's their performance of "Another Girl", shot in the Bahamas.
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Title: Help!
