Apple Corps Ltd.The Beatles‘ second feature film, Help!, got its world premiere 50 years ago today at London’s Pavilion Theatre. In the audience for the event were Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowden, who — according to BeatlesBible.com — postponed a planned summer vacation to attend the gala.
The follow-up to the Fab Four’s big-screen debut, 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night, Help! features the band members again portraying themselves, as they get involved in a madcap caper focusing on a cursed ring that comes into Ringo Starr‘s possession. During the flick, The Beatles travel from London to the Swiss Alps to the Bahamas while being pursued by fanatical cult members, a crazy scientist and British police. Among the classic tunes showcased in the movie are “Help!,” “I Need You,” “The Night Before,” “Ticket to Ride,” “You’re Going to Lose That Girl” and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.”
Interestingly, the title track, which was penned by John Lennon, was the only tune written specifically for the flick. Help! was directed by Richard Lester, who also was behind the lens for A Hard Day’s Night. Some of scenes in the film that are set to Beatles music, such as one in which the band members are skiing in the Austrian Alps while “Ticket to Ride” plays, are considered influences on the modern music video. The movie’s absurd humor also can be seen reflected in The Monkees TV series and Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
Help! was released on Blu-ray for the first time in June 2013 with a variety of bonus features. In honor of its 50th anniversary, the movie will get a special free screening at the South Pasadena Public Library in South Pasadena, California, on Thursday at 7 p.m. PT.
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