A Hard Day’s Night

Thematic Documentary as Witness: Great Films of the Twentieth Century Curated by Mary Lea Bandy

Richard Lester directed the first film of The Beatles as a day in the group’s life; a highly imaginative, wild and funny inside look at outsized talent on the go. The pace is giddy as John, Paul, George, and Ringo romp irrepressibly and sing some of their signature songs. The film, beloved for its free spirit in the early 1960’s, is a reminder of celebrity at a moment when a goofy kind of innocence still seemed possible. Songs include “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “And I Love Her,” “I Should Have Known Better,” and the title song.

Director

Richard Lester

Release Year

1964

Festival Year

1999

Run Time

85 minutes