Tag: Richard Lester

A HARD DAY’S NIGHT (1964)

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Directed By: Richard Lester
Written By: Alun Owen 
Cinematography: Gilbert Taylor 
Editor: John Jympson 

Cast: The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Wilfrid Brambell, Norman Rossington, John Junkin, Victor Spinetti, Anna Quayle 

Over two “typical” days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Sir Paul McCartney’s mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance.

The film is shot in black and white that makes the film feel timeless. As well as give it a classic fresh feel.

The movie moves along briskly is pretty episodic almost like a Group or music video and live performances with a rather than story built around it. 

Director Richard Lester was ahead of his time based off of this film. He paved the way for music videos. Not just putting out clips of live performances. Fast-paced, rapid editing videos of songs with the band and a storyline of sorts that can be self-contained.

Wilfrod Brambell plays a frisky uncle to Paul. Here to add comedy and have a reason for the hijinks and confusion that keeps the story afloat. 

The film tries to give each member a different personality to play off and their own space to have a singular adventure. It also allows them to be goofier and show a sense of humor and enjoy their youth giving them range And full personalities. After all, this movie is about them.

Even though most of the film feels like filler and comes off as a lark to kill time. Though it has its fair share of memorable visuals.

The film is energetic and freewheeling that feels loose like you can go anywhere at any time. 

It also seems to show how normal the Beatles are despite the fame and situations they find themselves in. More a service to their fans to get somewhat up close and personal.

The film works as a time capsule of the times and culture. As well as a place to show and satirize the level of fame they had, that was the beginning and how they dealt with It in behavior and attitudes. 

It’s a fun film that helps if you are a fan. As it’s an inside look to a degree. This first film is their best film. Not quite as surreal as the others, but more artistic, comedic, and simple.

So that there are constantly scenes and moments to remember. Even if just the songs as the soundtrack is an original album itself.

Remember the excitement for this movie when it got re-released and finally came out on DVD. Which is when I first saw it. It was kind of my introduction to the Beatles. As I had heard of them and a few songs from them before but never quite got into them to kind of learn about them and investigate them and their music until I saw this film. 

Grade: A-

THE RITZ (1976)

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Directed By: Richard Lester
Written By: Terrence McNally (Play & Film)
Cinematography By: Paul Wilson
Editor: John Bloom

Cast: Jack Weston, Treat Williams, F. Murray Abraham, Jerry Stiller, Rita Moreno, Kaye Ballard, John Ratzenberger


On his deathbed, Carmine Vespucci’s father tells him to “get Proclo”. With “the hit” on, Gaetano tells a cab driver to take him where Carmine can’t find him. He arrives at the Ritz, a gay bathhouse where he is pursued amorously by “chubby chaser” Paul B. Price and by entertainer Googie Gomez who believes him to be a Broadway producer. His guides through the Ritz are gatekeeper Abe, habitue Chris, and bellhop/go-go-boys Tiger and Duff. Squeaky-voiced detective Michael Brick and his employer Carmine do locate Gaetano at the Ritz, as does his wife Vivian

This film took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. The film is Reminiscent of a certain era in Hollywood when they used to turn hit broadway plays into the film instead of vice versa (Why no one has tried to make bad films like the one into hit broadway show I will never know. Maybe it would improve the film to have song and dance routines to lighten the already ridiculous story.) 

Some of the jokes fall flat and the film is a bit homophobic by presenting so many stereotypes, But it’s not cruel about it. After all, this is a gay farce really at heart. There are so many jokes both visual, physical, and spoken since the film is fast-paced. They just come at you so fast. yet they are witty and I like films like this. 

They remind me of the screwball comedies that I love. So it’s a joy discovering this one when you think you have seen all the great ones worth watching. then this gem comes along. The film is definitely a farce as you can’t take anything in this film seriously. 

 It Stars Jack Weston who with Allen Garfield was a great go-to guy as supporting actors of the ’70s, especially in comedic roles. Always were solid and funny but rarely got to play leads ad when they did the films were usually bombs. They themselves were usually good. This is an unappreciated gem. It’s hilarious from the beginning to the end. The whole cast steal scenes from one another. This is John Ratzenberger’s film debut. 

The show originally began on broadway and the show’s cast all reprise their roles except Stephen Collins who in the film is replaced by Treat Williams.


The Film’s fast pace flows well but I would not expect anything less from director Richard Lester. Who always seems to make chaos enjoyable and somehow make sense in the end. He seems to bring out the beauty in it. From his films with the Beatles to here. He always injects the proceedings with a certain amount of boundless energy and joy which is always very welcome. 

 Go out and rent it. Though it is worth buying and will be a good inclusion into your home library and a good suggestion for the friend who claims to have seen everything. I can see how this film might not be for everybody. 

 GRADE: B+