ABC FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE: BIRTH OF THE BEATLES (TV)
Summary
A dramatization of the early career of the Beatles, based on factual accounts including the recollections of former Beatle Pete Best. The story is told in flashbacks beginning in 1959 Liverpool and focuses on their subsequent club appearances there and in Hamburg, where they hone their craft and show-business acumen. Tragedy strikes when their non-musical bass player Stuart Sutcliffe dies from head injuries sustained in a random beating. On their return to Liverpool, the Beatles meet the shy, cultured Brian Epstein, who becomes their manager and truest supporter, and George Martin, the first established music industry figure to recognize their talent and who becomes their legendary producer. Ringo Starr replaces Pete Best at the advent of the Beatles' recording contract, and their song "Please Please Me" goes to number one in February 1963. The film culminates with the group's debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in February 1964. Songs include "Roll Over Beethoven," "Twist and Shout," "Love Me Do," "Please Please Me," and "I Saw Her Standing There." (Presented under the umbrella of the "ABC Friday Night Movie.") Includes commercials.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: November 23, 1979 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:55:36
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T80:0243
- GENRE: Docudrama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Rock music; Docudrama
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV, 1979
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Dick Clark … Executive Producer
- Tony Bishop … Producer
- Tom Walls … Associate Producer
- Richard Marquand … Director
- John Kurland … Writer
- Jacob Eskendar … Writer
- Carl Davis … Music by
- Rain … Music Group, Beatles music performed by
- Stephen Mackenna … Cast, John Lennon
- Rod Culbertson … Cast, Paul McCartney
- John Altman … Cast, George Harrison
- Ray Ashcroft … Cast, Ringo Starr
- Ryan Michael … Cast, Pete Best
- David Wilkinson … Cast, Stu Sutcliffe
- Brian Jameson … Cast, Brian Epstein
- Wendy Morgan … Cast, Cynthia
- Gary Olsen … Cast, Rory Storm
- Linal Haft … Cast, Agent at Audition
- Eileen Kennally … Cast, Aunt Mimi
- Richard Marner … Cast, German Club Boss
- Alyson Spiro … Cast, Astrid
- Nigel Havers … Cast, George Martin