(This article is unintentionally a counterpoint to my colleague Owen Gleiberman’s considerably more-positive take on the Beatles’ “Let It Be” film, restored by Peter Jackson and released today on Disney+.)
When I was a Beatles-obsessed seven-year-old, my mother, in an act of selfless parental love, took me to a Fab Four film festival: “Hard Day’s Night,” “Let It Be,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Help!,” one after the other. My mom was a cool assistant professor of English at the local university who dressed “hip,” loved music and picked up some listening habits from her students. My obsession began after she brought home the “Sgt. Pepper” album a year or two earlier.
“Hard Day’s Night” was the Beatles the world fell in love with — sweet songs, charming cheeky personalities, matching clothes, screaming girls, moptops. But “Let It Be” was so different: the Beatles as grown-ups, real people who weren...
When I was a Beatles-obsessed seven-year-old, my mother, in an act of selfless parental love, took me to a Fab Four film festival: “Hard Day’s Night,” “Let It Be,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Help!,” one after the other. My mom was a cool assistant professor of English at the local university who dressed “hip,” loved music and picked up some listening habits from her students. My obsession began after she brought home the “Sgt. Pepper” album a year or two earlier.
“Hard Day’s Night” was the Beatles the world fell in love with — sweet songs, charming cheeky personalities, matching clothes, screaming girls, moptops. But “Let It Be” was so different: the Beatles as grown-ups, real people who weren...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Madonna‘s songs could get edgy, but one draws lyrics from a famous nursery rhyme. Most other pop stars would sound ridiculous singing such lyrics, but the Material Girl knew what she was doing. Madonna worked with a great producer to bring the song to life. He revealed what he thought of the Queen of Pop during the early days of her career.
Madonna’s songs where originally more family-friendly
Madonna really started getting risque when she put out her hit “Like a Virgin” in 1984. By the early 1990s, she released a book called Sex, an album called Erotica, and a kinky thriller called Body of Evidence. However, when she started her career, the Queen of Pop’s image was more family-friendly. Her first album, Madonna, could be considered a bubblegum pop album.
Perhaps its most bubblegum song is “Lucky Star.” The track repeatedly uses the line “starlight / star bright” from “Twinkle,...
Madonna’s songs where originally more family-friendly
Madonna really started getting risque when she put out her hit “Like a Virgin” in 1984. By the early 1990s, she released a book called Sex, an album called Erotica, and a kinky thriller called Body of Evidence. However, when she started her career, the Queen of Pop’s image was more family-friendly. Her first album, Madonna, could be considered a bubblegum pop album.
Perhaps its most bubblegum song is “Lucky Star.” The track repeatedly uses the line “starlight / star bright” from “Twinkle,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Cartoons can be pretty weird, and the Cartoon Network series "Adventure Time" is definitely one of the weirder ones. It follows a human boy named Finn (Jeremy Shada) and his best friend, a dog with silly putty-like characteristics named Jake (John Dimaggio). Created by Pendleton Ward, the series takes place in the post-apocalyptic, magical land of Ooo, full of princesses and monsters and all kinds of wild adventures for Finn and Jake to get up to. It ran for 10 seasons on Cartoon Network before getting spin-offs, won multiple Emmys, and had a huge cultural impact that even served as the "structural godfather" for Donald Glover's surreal FX series "Atlanta."
Back when the series was still in its infancy, however, one of its most important contributors didn't understand "Adventure Time" at all. In an oral history of the series for the LA Times, Dimaggio revealed that he struggled to fully wrap...
Back when the series was still in its infancy, however, one of its most important contributors didn't understand "Adventure Time" at all. In an oral history of the series for the LA Times, Dimaggio revealed that he struggled to fully wrap...
- 4/27/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Organizers of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world’s oldest and most important animation festival, revealed Thursday that all the big U.S. studio animation players will be in attendance this year to preview some of their most exciting upcoming titles.
Annecy has long been a launch point for global and indie animation, but over the past several years, it has become an increasingly important platform for big studios as well. This year, that trend continues and, indeed, ramps up.
Illumination will continue a popular tradition by hosting a special screening of “Despicable Me 4” in Annecy. The three previous “Despicable” films and the “Minions: The Rise of Gru” spinoff all screened at Annecy, several of them making their world premieres there.
Disney will host sneak peeks of its 2024 animated feature releases: Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2.” Paramount Pictures and Hasbro...
Annecy has long been a launch point for global and indie animation, but over the past several years, it has become an increasingly important platform for big studios as well. This year, that trend continues and, indeed, ramps up.
Illumination will continue a popular tradition by hosting a special screening of “Despicable Me 4” in Annecy. The three previous “Despicable” films and the “Minions: The Rise of Gru” spinoff all screened at Annecy, several of them making their world premieres there.
Disney will host sneak peeks of its 2024 animated feature releases: Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2.” Paramount Pictures and Hasbro...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Madonna‘s album Like a Prayer was a major sea change in the Queen of Pop’s career. She never seemed more honest than when she put out that album. For example, a tune from Like a Prayer gave fans insight into her relationship with her mother. She revealed that she still spoke to her mother from beyond the grave.
Madonna dealt with family trauma on ‘Like a Prayer’
Prior to 1989, Madonna was known for boisterous dance tunes, sentimental ballads, and the occasional song about teen pregnancy. Her output got a little more personal with her 1989 album Like a Prayer. That record showed off a side of her that was more vulnerable. With the singles “Keep It Together” and “Oh Father,” the Queen of Pop gave fans insight into her feelings about her own family. Never had the Material Girl seemed more down-to-earth and human.
During a 1989 interview with Rolling Stone,...
Madonna dealt with family trauma on ‘Like a Prayer’
Prior to 1989, Madonna was known for boisterous dance tunes, sentimental ballads, and the occasional song about teen pregnancy. Her output got a little more personal with her 1989 album Like a Prayer. That record showed off a side of her that was more vulnerable. With the singles “Keep It Together” and “Oh Father,” the Queen of Pop gave fans insight into her feelings about her own family. Never had the Material Girl seemed more down-to-earth and human.
During a 1989 interview with Rolling Stone,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When a Ping Pong anime series was first announced in early 2014, I had to ask: Why? Taiyo Matsumoto’s manga had already been adapted to film back in 2002. Directed by first-timer Fumihiko Sori with a script by rising star Kankuro Kudo, the film launched the career of actor Shido Nakamura. It even came with songs by Supercar and Boom Boom Satellites. I couldn’t imagine anything better than that. When I learned Masaaki Yuasa was directing the series, I became even more curious – and confused. Yuasa was one of my all-time favorite anime directors (and still is.) His 2007 science fiction series Kaiba changed my vision of what TV anime could be. He would have been a great fit to adapt Yuasa’s epic No. 5 . Instead he was hired to go back over old ground. I didn’t understand why at the time. Now I recognize that of all Matsumoto’s comics,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Adam Wescott
- Crunchyroll
The Beatles‘ Revolver is one of several great albums that came out in 1966 and changed the entire trajectory of rock music. Donovan, one of the rock stars who made 1966 a watershed year, discussed why so many musicians made history at the same time. At least one of his comments was questionable at best.
Donovan said civil rights inspired The Beatles’ ‘Revolver’
When people think about the 1960s, they are probably thinking about the period from 1966 to 1969. That era typified most of the artistic and aesthetic elements that defined the decade. Prior to 1966, 1960s music mostly sounded like 1950s music, as evidenced by Phil Spector’s early girl group songs and The Beatles’ bubblegum rock ‘n’ roll tunes.
During a 2016 interview with Billboard, Donovan discussed the musical legacy of 1966. That was the year of Donovan’s Sunshine Superman, The Beatles’ Revolver, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, and Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde.
Donovan said civil rights inspired The Beatles’ ‘Revolver’
When people think about the 1960s, they are probably thinking about the period from 1966 to 1969. That era typified most of the artistic and aesthetic elements that defined the decade. Prior to 1966, 1960s music mostly sounded like 1950s music, as evidenced by Phil Spector’s early girl group songs and The Beatles’ bubblegum rock ‘n’ roll tunes.
During a 2016 interview with Billboard, Donovan discussed the musical legacy of 1966. That was the year of Donovan’s Sunshine Superman, The Beatles’ Revolver, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, and Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde.
- 4/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison was rarely a provocateur, however, he called his final album Brainwashed. Accusing anyone of being brainwashed is pretty bold! One of George’s British Invasion peers explained the origin of that memorable title. Notably, it had a connection to George’s spiritual views.
Donovan said George Harrison’s album ‘Brainwashed’ was a reaction to materialism
Two kindred spirits in the 1960s counterculture were George Harrison and Donovan. Both artists were folk-rockers who explored spirituality through their songs. George’s songs were often expressions of his Hindu faith, whereas Donovan sang about common New Age topics like Atlantis and witchcraft. Both of them were also environmentalists.
During a 2018 interview with Goldmine, the “Mellow Yellow” singer discussed his feelings about the planet and George’s — and what they both learned from the books they read. “That the older generation was destroying the ecosystem with no consideration whatsoever for the inner world of plants,...
Donovan said George Harrison’s album ‘Brainwashed’ was a reaction to materialism
Two kindred spirits in the 1960s counterculture were George Harrison and Donovan. Both artists were folk-rockers who explored spirituality through their songs. George’s songs were often expressions of his Hindu faith, whereas Donovan sang about common New Age topics like Atlantis and witchcraft. Both of them were also environmentalists.
During a 2018 interview with Goldmine, the “Mellow Yellow” singer discussed his feelings about the planet and George’s — and what they both learned from the books they read. “That the older generation was destroying the ecosystem with no consideration whatsoever for the inner world of plants,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon was both the dreamer who wrote “Imagine” and someone with a dark side. One of his fellow 1960s rock stars discussed John’s “positively vitriolic” behavior at length. He still defended the former Beatle.
A rock star said John Lennon had a ‘dark side’ but Liverpool did too
Donovan is a rock star who evolved from Scotland’s Bob Dylan into a psychedelic mystic in a very short period of time. Donovan crossed paths with The Beatles several times during the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says he helped write The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” which makes sense because many of Donovan’s songs feel like oddball nursery rhymes. In a way, Paul McCartney returned the favor by contributing vocals to Donovan’s own yellow-themed hit “Mellow Yellow.”
For some time, John has had a dual public image as both a troubled man and a saintly peace activist.
A rock star said John Lennon had a ‘dark side’ but Liverpool did too
Donovan is a rock star who evolved from Scotland’s Bob Dylan into a psychedelic mystic in a very short period of time. Donovan crossed paths with The Beatles several times during the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says he helped write The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” which makes sense because many of Donovan’s songs feel like oddball nursery rhymes. In a way, Paul McCartney returned the favor by contributing vocals to Donovan’s own yellow-themed hit “Mellow Yellow.”
For some time, John has had a dual public image as both a troubled man and a saintly peace activist.
- 4/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” sounds like another 1950s doo-wop song. With its focus on teddy bears, it seems like it should be a children’s song. Despite that, it’s more suggestive than most 1950s hits. Some of the lyrical choices in the song are pretty questionable.
Elvis Presley’s ‘(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear’ isn’t for kids
Plenty of great rock songs are children’s songs, including The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” and basically everything by The Monkees. Elvis’ “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” is anything but that. It’s a song where Elvis asks his lover to touch him like she’s touching a teddy bear. How this didn’t upset the censors at the time is beyond me.
Furthermore, Elvis asks his lover to put a chain around his neck and lead him around.
Elvis Presley’s ‘(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear’ isn’t for kids
Plenty of great rock songs are children’s songs, including The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” and basically everything by The Monkees. Elvis’ “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” is anything but that. It’s a song where Elvis asks his lover to touch him like she’s touching a teddy bear. How this didn’t upset the censors at the time is beyond me.
Furthermore, Elvis asks his lover to put a chain around his neck and lead him around.
- 4/1/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even The Beatles didn’t always knock it out of the park. Case in point: John Lennon once said that George Harrison wasn’t hip anymore. Here’s a look at whether he was right.
John Lennon said George Harrison was ‘out’ the way The Beatles once were
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1975. In it, John said he wasn’t impressed with one of George’s live shows. “Now it’s always The Beatles were great or The Beatles weren’t great, whatever opinion people hold,” he said. “There’s a sort of illusion about it. But the actual fact was The Beatles were in for eight months, The Beatles were out for eight months.
“The public, including the media, are sometimes a bit sheeplike and if the ball starts rolling, well, it’s just that somebody’s in, somebody’s out,...
John Lennon said George Harrison was ‘out’ the way The Beatles once were
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1975. In it, John said he wasn’t impressed with one of George’s live shows. “Now it’s always The Beatles were great or The Beatles weren’t great, whatever opinion people hold,” he said. “There’s a sort of illusion about it. But the actual fact was The Beatles were in for eight months, The Beatles were out for eight months.
“The public, including the media, are sometimes a bit sheeplike and if the ball starts rolling, well, it’s just that somebody’s in, somebody’s out,...
- 3/31/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Considering the complexity of The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, it makes sense that Paul McCartney has some difficulty singing one of its songs. He said he was instrumental in writing the song. John Lennon might have told a different story.
1 ‘Sgt. Pepper’ song is a vocal challenge for Paul McCartney
During a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Silly Love Songs” star discussed performing a Sgt. Pepper song live. “I also like doing ‘For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!’ [sic] that’s nice to do,” he said. “With ‘Mr. Kite,’ the thing about it is, it’s quite challenging cause the bass part goes somewhere that the vocal doesn’t go. So it’s like you’ve got to split your body in half and send one half to do the vocal and send the other half to do the bass part. That’s good to do; it’s quite hard to do.
1 ‘Sgt. Pepper’ song is a vocal challenge for Paul McCartney
During a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Silly Love Songs” star discussed performing a Sgt. Pepper song live. “I also like doing ‘For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!’ [sic] that’s nice to do,” he said. “With ‘Mr. Kite,’ the thing about it is, it’s quite challenging cause the bass part goes somewhere that the vocal doesn’t go. So it’s like you’ve got to split your body in half and send one half to do the vocal and send the other half to do the bass part. That’s good to do; it’s quite hard to do.
- 3/29/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Mellow Yellow” by Donovan is the most beloved 1960s song with the word “yellow” in the title that wasn’t released by The Beatles. During an interview, the “Atlantis” singer opined that his catalog was a lot more diverse than The Beatles’, to the point where he sounded like a completely different artist from song to song. Donovan also said something about his background made him similar to George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. While “Mellow Yellow” might be one of the most unusual hits of the period, it wouldn’t be the same without a little help from Paul.
Donovan said ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Barabajagal’ were more original than any Beatles songs
During a 2016 interview with Best Classic Bands, a reporter asked Donovan why “Mellow Yellow” was so different from the rest of his catalog. “Why were they all so different?” he replied. “I displayed more of the painterly,...
Donovan said ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Barabajagal’ were more original than any Beatles songs
During a 2016 interview with Best Classic Bands, a reporter asked Donovan why “Mellow Yellow” was so different from the rest of his catalog. “Why were they all so different?” he replied. “I displayed more of the painterly,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles and The Rolling Stones will be compared to each other until the planet Earth is destroyed and any extraterrestrial life will have no chance of knowing that rock ‘n’ roll ever existed. One of Mick Jagger’s girlfriends revealed what the frontman thought of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.” John Lennon also had plenty to say about The Rolling Stones.
Mick Jagger felt The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ was ‘silly’
Marianne Faithfull was Jagger’s girlfriend and muse in the 1960s. She’s most known for her solo ballad “As Tears Go By,” which Jagger co-wrote with Keith Richards. In her 2008 book Memories, Dreams & Reflections, Faithfull recalled the way that Jagger reacted to some of The Beatles’ songs.
“Mick might, very occasionally, put The Beatles down for their provincialism, which, if you’re from London and they’re from Liverpool, is a very natural reaction,” he said. “But he’d never put their music down.
Mick Jagger felt The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ was ‘silly’
Marianne Faithfull was Jagger’s girlfriend and muse in the 1960s. She’s most known for her solo ballad “As Tears Go By,” which Jagger co-wrote with Keith Richards. In her 2008 book Memories, Dreams & Reflections, Faithfull recalled the way that Jagger reacted to some of The Beatles’ songs.
“Mick might, very occasionally, put The Beatles down for their provincialism, which, if you’re from London and they’re from Liverpool, is a very natural reaction,” he said. “But he’d never put their music down.
- 3/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney is known for bringing a bit of inspired silliness to his songwriting — after all, one of his most famous his is called “Silly Love Songs!” Paul said he added a joke to The Beatles’ “When I’m Sixty-Four” to make it “funnier.” He said “When I’m Sixty-Four” was inspired by old-school songs he and John Lennon appreciated so much. On the other hand, John said he never could have written “When I’m Sixty-Four.”
Paul McCartney added a line about starving to The Beatles’ ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ as a joke
During a 2012 interview with The Independent, Paul discussed the concept behind “When I’m Sixty-Four.” “It was about myself, looking to the future,” he recalled. “Retirement age of 65 felt too obvious, so I made it a year earlier.”
One of the tune’s most famous lines could have been very different. “‘Will you still need me, will you still feed me...
Paul McCartney added a line about starving to The Beatles’ ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ as a joke
During a 2012 interview with The Independent, Paul discussed the concept behind “When I’m Sixty-Four.” “It was about myself, looking to the future,” he recalled. “Retirement age of 65 felt too obvious, so I made it a year earlier.”
One of the tune’s most famous lines could have been very different. “‘Will you still need me, will you still feed me...
- 3/15/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s “Do the Clam” is one of the most infamous songs in the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s discography. Its reputation is understandable, but it might be unwarranted. While “Do the Clam” is incredibly easy to mock, it has some redeeming qualities that go unnoticed. Here’s a very modest defense of one of the biggest punchlines in the 1960s rock canon.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Do the Clam’ is great because it’s bad
“Do the Clam” is a rock song were Elvis implores his audience to do a novelty dance called The Clam that never caught on. It has a fun beat, and Elvis’ vocals are as good as ever. However, the lyrics of the song are so ridiculous that many listeners can’t enjoy it.
Here’s the paradox: “Do the Clam” is good because it’s so oddball and undignified. It’s the pinnacle of so-bad-it’s good music.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Do the Clam’ is great because it’s bad
“Do the Clam” is a rock song were Elvis implores his audience to do a novelty dance called The Clam that never caught on. It has a fun beat, and Elvis’ vocals are as good as ever. However, the lyrics of the song are so ridiculous that many listeners can’t enjoy it.
Here’s the paradox: “Do the Clam” is good because it’s so oddball and undignified. It’s the pinnacle of so-bad-it’s good music.
- 3/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles were more than just John Lennon or Paul McCartney. Despite this, some people like arguing some members of the group weren’t integral to its success. Some of The Beatles even went there. Paul’s comments on the matter almost seem to contradict John’s.
Paul McCartney felt people exaggerated John Lennon’s contributions
A 1989 article from the Los Angeles Times quotes what Paul said in a pamphlet handed out at his concerts. “The thing I find myself doing — which is a pity really, but it’s just because of the unfortunate circumstances — is trying to justify myself against John, and I hate to do that,” he said. “There are certain people who are starting to think he was The Beatles.”
“There was nobody else,” the pamphlet continued. “George just stood there with a plectrum waiting for a solo. Now that is not true. George did a hell...
Paul McCartney felt people exaggerated John Lennon’s contributions
A 1989 article from the Los Angeles Times quotes what Paul said in a pamphlet handed out at his concerts. “The thing I find myself doing — which is a pity really, but it’s just because of the unfortunate circumstances — is trying to justify myself against John, and I hate to do that,” he said. “There are certain people who are starting to think he was The Beatles.”
“There was nobody else,” the pamphlet continued. “George just stood there with a plectrum waiting for a solo. Now that is not true. George did a hell...
- 3/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1964, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr acted for the first time in A Hard Day’s Night. While filming a new movie was an entirely new experience for The Beatles, they all jumped into their roles with excitement. Starr loved movies as kid and loved the experience of filming one. Still, some days on set were a challenge for him. He revealed how feeling terrible while shooting actually helped his performance.
Ringo Starr had a rough day on the set of ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
While The Beatles were happy to make a movie, they found it difficult to wake up for the early call times.
“It was a very early start,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “We’d have to arrive and get dressed and have our hair and faces done. While all this was going on they would set up with stand-ins. They...
Ringo Starr had a rough day on the set of ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
While The Beatles were happy to make a movie, they found it difficult to wake up for the early call times.
“It was a very early start,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “We’d have to arrive and get dressed and have our hair and faces done. While all this was going on they would set up with stand-ins. They...
- 2/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1964, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr made their on screen debuts in The Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night. The film took advantage of their ever rising fame and was both a critical and financial success. The band also enjoyed shooting the film, though they found some parts of the process embarrassing. Lennon shared the scene he found tough to film and watch.
John Lennon said The Beatles were embarrassed to film 1 scene in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
The Beatles had no acting experience when they began filming A Hard Day’s Night but they jumped into their roles eagerly. They began filming in March at Marylebone Station.
“It was a great day out,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “We filmed the scene where all the fans run into the train station then the train pulls off, leaving the fans, so then we could get on...
John Lennon said The Beatles were embarrassed to film 1 scene in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
The Beatles had no acting experience when they began filming A Hard Day’s Night but they jumped into their roles eagerly. They began filming in March at Marylebone Station.
“It was a great day out,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “We filmed the scene where all the fans run into the train station then the train pulls off, leaving the fans, so then we could get on...
- 2/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John, Paul, George and Ringo will each be the subject of a different upcoming feature film.
Director Sam Mendes plans to make four separate movies, one from each Beatles member’s point of view. They will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” leading up to their 1970 breakup, according to a press release. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison have granted full life story and music rights for the scripted films.
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Mendes, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker of “American Beauty,” war drama “1917” and James Bond films “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” said in a statement.
Sony Pictures Entertainment will finance and distribute all four films theatrically in 2027. Details about...
Director Sam Mendes plans to make four separate movies, one from each Beatles member’s point of view. They will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” leading up to their 1970 breakup, according to a press release. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison have granted full life story and music rights for the scripted films.
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Mendes, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker of “American Beauty,” war drama “1917” and James Bond films “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” said in a statement.
Sony Pictures Entertainment will finance and distribute all four films theatrically in 2027. Details about...
- 2/20/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Paul McCartney and John Lennon put so much extra work into their music sometimes that it’s remarkable. For example, they once turned the handwritten lyrics of a song from The Beatles’ Rubber Soul into a work of art. The piece soon fell into the possession of a famous musician.
Paul McCartney got high and made colorful art inspired by The Beatles’ ‘Rubber Soul’
On the surface, The Beatles’ “The Word” isn’t much of a psychedelic song. It has more in common with the Motown music of the 1960s than Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Despite this, “The Word” has hippie vibes. It proclaims the importance of love, which The Beatles would later do in their most popular psychedelic song, “All You Need Is Love.” “The Word” also paved the way for John’s high-minded solo songs like “Imagine” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).”
In the...
Paul McCartney got high and made colorful art inspired by The Beatles’ ‘Rubber Soul’
On the surface, The Beatles’ “The Word” isn’t much of a psychedelic song. It has more in common with the Motown music of the 1960s than Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Despite this, “The Word” has hippie vibes. It proclaims the importance of love, which The Beatles would later do in their most popular psychedelic song, “All You Need Is Love.” “The Word” also paved the way for John’s high-minded solo songs like “Imagine” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).”
In the...
- 2/1/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jamie Foxx’s favorite Beatles song is from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. And while hee made a good choice, Foxx associates the tune with an infamous movie. Here’s a look at one of the most widely hated movies of the 1970s and its connection to The Beatles.
Jamie Foxx said all of The Beatles’ songs displayed their ‘incredible talent’
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Foxx was asked to name the Fab Four tune he likes the most. He chose the title track from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” is a hard-rock ditty and a far cry from Foxx’s soul/hip-hop style.
“That sticks out because of the movie,” he opined. “Everything they did … incredible talent, man. It’s just amazing how great they were, how they influenced our culture, and how the music still stands up today.
Jamie Foxx said all of The Beatles’ songs displayed their ‘incredible talent’
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Foxx was asked to name the Fab Four tune he likes the most. He chose the title track from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” is a hard-rock ditty and a far cry from Foxx’s soul/hip-hop style.
“That sticks out because of the movie,” he opined. “Everything they did … incredible talent, man. It’s just amazing how great they were, how they influenced our culture, and how the music still stands up today.
- 1/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A sequel to Robert Zemeckis’ 2004 animated Christmas film The Polar Express is being looked at, although nothing is yet confirmed.
Almost 20 years after its release, Robert Zemeckis’ animated Christmas film The Polar Express could be on the cusp of getting a sequel, as one of the film’s producers, Gary Goetzman, has revealed he’s trying to get a follow-up underway.
Speaking to Comicbook.com, Goetzman referenced a couple of films he’s produced before dropping an interesting nugget regarding the future of The Polar Express. (The following quotes are lightly edited for clarity.)
“I’d love to [do The Polar Express 2]. I’d love to do a sequel of Where The Wild Things Are. There’s a lot of the things that we’ve done, if it established itself [and] studios want another one. That’s the way it goes. I’m up for Mamma Mia 3, man. That would be a ball to do right about now.
Almost 20 years after its release, Robert Zemeckis’ animated Christmas film The Polar Express could be on the cusp of getting a sequel, as one of the film’s producers, Gary Goetzman, has revealed he’s trying to get a follow-up underway.
Speaking to Comicbook.com, Goetzman referenced a couple of films he’s produced before dropping an interesting nugget regarding the future of The Polar Express. (The following quotes are lightly edited for clarity.)
“I’d love to [do The Polar Express 2]. I’d love to do a sequel of Where The Wild Things Are. There’s a lot of the things that we’ve done, if it established itself [and] studios want another one. That’s the way it goes. I’m up for Mamma Mia 3, man. That would be a ball to do right about now.
- 1/19/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
The Beatles‘ “Yellow Submarine” includes a famous verse where the inhabitants of the yellow submarine talk to each other. The verse has a memorable echo effect. Ringo Starr once explained to another rock star how The Beatles were able to create this sound.
Ringo Starr said he helped create the echo from The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’
In a 2019 Rolling Stone article, Ringo and Nirvana’s Dave Grohl interviewed each other. Grohl asked how the Fab Four created the famous echo sound effect for “Yellow Submarine.” “We were just in Abbey Road for the [remastered] Abbey Road album release,” he replied.
“If you look where the stairs come down, [that’s] where we used to hang out and huddle with each other,” he added. “There’s a big door, and I went and opened that door and just shouted from there. John was saying, ‘What we do, Captain?’ or something. We were just all shouting and put it on.
Ringo Starr said he helped create the echo from The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’
In a 2019 Rolling Stone article, Ringo and Nirvana’s Dave Grohl interviewed each other. Grohl asked how the Fab Four created the famous echo sound effect for “Yellow Submarine.” “We were just in Abbey Road for the [remastered] Abbey Road album release,” he replied.
“If you look where the stairs come down, [that’s] where we used to hang out and huddle with each other,” he added. “There’s a big door, and I went and opened that door and just shouted from there. John was saying, ‘What we do, Captain?’ or something. We were just all shouting and put it on.
- 1/12/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Why is this like a dark secret? It’s just a movie.”
Ryan O’Neal, who died this week at 82, was a smart, good-natured man who was bemused by the contradictions of Hollywood. As he nervously awaited the release of Love Story five decades ago, he respected its shroud of silence but also was perplexed by it.
“Love Story is on its own blacklist, but I don’t get why,” he observed.
The movie, of course, was the surprise hit of its year, but even the bestseller on which it was based had suddenly appeared on the “don’t talk” list.
Why the mystery?
Related: Remembering Ryan O’Neal: A Film & TV Career In Photos
Hollywood circa 1970 was a small town compared with the Amazon-and-Apple world of this moment, and Love Story had been preordained as an embarrassment. Every studio had rejected the screenplay, and seemingly every “money” actor had turned down the lead.
Ryan O’Neal, who died this week at 82, was a smart, good-natured man who was bemused by the contradictions of Hollywood. As he nervously awaited the release of Love Story five decades ago, he respected its shroud of silence but also was perplexed by it.
“Love Story is on its own blacklist, but I don’t get why,” he observed.
The movie, of course, was the surprise hit of its year, but even the bestseller on which it was based had suddenly appeared on the “don’t talk” list.
Why the mystery?
Related: Remembering Ryan O’Neal: A Film & TV Career In Photos
Hollywood circa 1970 was a small town compared with the Amazon-and-Apple world of this moment, and Love Story had been preordained as an embarrassment. Every studio had rejected the screenplay, and seemingly every “money” actor had turned down the lead.
- 12/11/2023
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Beatles gave us cult classic movies like Yellow Submarine and Help! It’s only fitting that John Lennon’s favorite movie was a cult classic Western. The movie in question is one of the most bizarre Westerns ever made. Fascinatingly, the director of the film said multiple rock stars connected with his work.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
- 12/9/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While all of The Beatles wrote at least one song for the group, Ringo Starr did not write much of what he sang. Instead, his bandmates wrote songs they thought would suit the drummer. Even to this day, Starr has a strong association with songs like “Yellow Submarine,” which he did not write. Starr joked that his bandmates ruined his career by writing such enduring songs for him.
Ringo Starr joked that the other Beatles ‘ruined’ his music career
Over six decades after he joined The Beatles, Starr is still touring and performing to large crowds. He plays with his All-Starr Band, but his audiences expect to hear Beatles hits when they see him. Starr said that the songs his bandmates wrote for him changed the trajectory of his career.
“John [Lennon] wrote several songs for me over the years, and George [Harrison] too,” Starr told AARP in 2023. “I used to be a rock drummer,...
Ringo Starr joked that the other Beatles ‘ruined’ his music career
Over six decades after he joined The Beatles, Starr is still touring and performing to large crowds. He plays with his All-Starr Band, but his audiences expect to hear Beatles hits when they see him. Starr said that the songs his bandmates wrote for him changed the trajectory of his career.
“John [Lennon] wrote several songs for me over the years, and George [Harrison] too,” Starr told AARP in 2023. “I used to be a rock drummer,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ Yellow Submarine is often cited as a classic children’s film. Despite that, Ringo said kids hated some of his character’s actions in the film. He also revealed that he felt more joy being in movies than the other members of the Fab Four. Regardless, the soundtrack of Yellow Submarine became a massive hit.
Ringo Starr said the Sea of Holes scene in The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ upset kids
During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo discussed the way he was portrayed in The Beatles’ movies. “I sort of became the one who always got into trouble,” he said. “You know, kids never forgave me for pressing the button that shot me out into the Sea of Holes in Yellow Submarine.”
In Yellow Submarine, the Sea of Holes in an endless series of black holes. It’s one of the eerier settings of a bright, family-friendly film.
Ringo Starr said the Sea of Holes scene in The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ upset kids
During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo discussed the way he was portrayed in The Beatles’ movies. “I sort of became the one who always got into trouble,” he said. “You know, kids never forgave me for pressing the button that shot me out into the Sea of Holes in Yellow Submarine.”
In Yellow Submarine, the Sea of Holes in an endless series of black holes. It’s one of the eerier settings of a bright, family-friendly film.
- 12/4/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr‘s wife, Barbara Bach, is one of the most famous Bond girls of all time. She was not a big fan of The Beatles. She said her two favorite musicians were a pair of American soul singers. Ringo once discussed how he fell in love with Bach.
Ringo Starr’s wife Barbara Bach preferred Aretha Franklin to the Fab Four
Bach is an actor most known for her role as agent Anya Amasova in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, starring Roger Moore. The character is one of the most interesting leading ladies in the 007 franchise, partly because she starts the film as Bond’s enemy. She also appeared in Caveman, a notorious comedy starring Ringo that features a lot of slapstick and little intelligible dialogue.
Ringo was born with the name Richard Starkey. During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Bach seemed to prefer his original name.
Ringo Starr’s wife Barbara Bach preferred Aretha Franklin to the Fab Four
Bach is an actor most known for her role as agent Anya Amasova in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, starring Roger Moore. The character is one of the most interesting leading ladies in the 007 franchise, partly because she starts the film as Bond’s enemy. She also appeared in Caveman, a notorious comedy starring Ringo that features a lot of slapstick and little intelligible dialogue.
Ringo was born with the name Richard Starkey. During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Bach seemed to prefer his original name.
- 12/2/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While classic rock stars are often stereotyped as being cocky, some of them were well aware of their limitations. Ringo Starr said he couldn’t have sung two of The Beatles’ songs. He also named the two Fab Four tracks that paved the way for him to become a solo artist.
A reporter told Ringo Starr he couldn’t have sung 2 of The Beatles’ songs and he agreed
During a 2023 interview with AARP, a reporter noted that Paul McCartney wrote The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” specifically for Ringo to sing. The reporter said Ringo wouldn’t have been able to sing “Helter Skelter” or “Blackbird.” Interestingly, both of those tracks are from The White Album. “No, I couldn’t,” Ringo replied.
“John wrote several songs for me over the years, and George too,” he recalled. “I used to be a rock drummer, and then they ruined my whole career.
A reporter told Ringo Starr he couldn’t have sung 2 of The Beatles’ songs and he agreed
During a 2023 interview with AARP, a reporter noted that Paul McCartney wrote The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” specifically for Ringo to sing. The reporter said Ringo wouldn’t have been able to sing “Helter Skelter” or “Blackbird.” Interestingly, both of those tracks are from The White Album. “No, I couldn’t,” Ringo replied.
“John wrote several songs for me over the years, and George too,” he recalled. “I used to be a rock drummer, and then they ruined my whole career.
- 11/23/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney said a song from The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band features a sleazy line that was rumored to be about a real person. Paul said it was complete fiction. The song also shows off many of Paul’s main traits as a songwriter.
The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ has a sexual lyric about a plush interior
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul recalled the origin of a line from “She’s Leaving Home.” “There’s the famous little line about a man from the motor trade; people have since said that was Terry Doran, who was a friend who worked in a car showroom, but it was just fiction, like the sea captain in ‘Yellow Submarine,’ they weren’t real people,” he said. “George Harrison said once he could only write songs from his personal experience, but they don’t have to exist for me.
The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ has a sexual lyric about a plush interior
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul recalled the origin of a line from “She’s Leaving Home.” “There’s the famous little line about a man from the motor trade; people have since said that was Terry Doran, who was a friend who worked in a car showroom, but it was just fiction, like the sea captain in ‘Yellow Submarine,’ they weren’t real people,” he said. “George Harrison said once he could only write songs from his personal experience, but they don’t have to exist for me.
- 11/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Trolls Band Together,” the third chapter in the DreamWorks Animation franchise, gets psychedelic with the introduction of new worlds and characters, helped along by some trippy 2D animation from Titmouse. It’s a musical tribute to ’90s boy bands, fittingly enough, as Justin Timberlake’s Branch reunites with his long-lost brothers (known as the family band BroZone): Floyd (Troye Sivan), John Dory (Eric André), Spruce (Daveed Diggs), and Clay (Kid Cudi).
But Floyd is kidnapped by pop-star siblings Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells) as part of their nefarious musical scheme.
“With Justin and boy bands as part of the DNA of the Troll universe, it felt like a natural extension, and also, musically and visually, it’s more psychedelic,” director Walt Dohrn (“Trolls World Tour”) told IndieWire. “If you can see my room, I live in a kaleidoscopic, Technicolor, psychedelic world. I was so influenced by psychedelic...
But Floyd is kidnapped by pop-star siblings Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells) as part of their nefarious musical scheme.
“With Justin and boy bands as part of the DNA of the Troll universe, it felt like a natural extension, and also, musically and visually, it’s more psychedelic,” director Walt Dohrn (“Trolls World Tour”) told IndieWire. “If you can see my room, I live in a kaleidoscopic, Technicolor, psychedelic world. I was so influenced by psychedelic...
- 11/17/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
DreamWorks Animation is going through a great period right now. Movies like "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" and "The Bad Guys" experimented with both tone and visuals and delivered two of the best and most acclaimed animated movies of the past few years. After the disappointing release of "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken," DreamWorks wanted to end 2023 back on top with the third installment in the "Trolls" series. "Trolls Band Together" brings the trilogy of animated jukebox musicals inspired by the Troll doll toys to a close with a film all about boy bands — including an actual Nsync reunion.
"Trolls Band Together" sees Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) reunite Branch's brothers — all part of a famous boy band — in order to rescue one of them from talent-stealing evil pop stars.
Though the "Trolls" movies aren't particularly known for their experimental animation or inventive visuals, "Trolls Band Together" looks...
"Trolls Band Together" sees Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) reunite Branch's brothers — all part of a famous boy band — in order to rescue one of them from talent-stealing evil pop stars.
Though the "Trolls" movies aren't particularly known for their experimental animation or inventive visuals, "Trolls Band Together" looks...
- 11/15/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Elton John treated the world to a bizarre rendition of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” This only happened because his writing partner watched one of The Beatles’ movies. John Lennon revealed what he thought about the cover.
Elton John did The Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ because of ‘Yellow Submarine’
Bernie Taupin co-wrote most of John’s hit songs. During a 1974 interview with Rolling Stone, Taupin revealed that he watched The Beatles’ animated musical Yellow Submarine on television and had the idea that John should cover “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The original song appears in a scene from Yellow Submarine.
Taupin discussed what happened when John played the song in concert. “It went down incredibly well, staggeringly well,” he said. Taupin also revealed that one of The Beatles helped John create the new version of the song. “John Lennon played on it and...
Elton John did The Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ because of ‘Yellow Submarine’
Bernie Taupin co-wrote most of John’s hit songs. During a 1974 interview with Rolling Stone, Taupin revealed that he watched The Beatles’ animated musical Yellow Submarine on television and had the idea that John should cover “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The original song appears in a scene from Yellow Submarine.
Taupin discussed what happened when John played the song in concert. “It went down incredibly well, staggeringly well,” he said. Taupin also revealed that one of The Beatles helped John create the new version of the song. “John Lennon played on it and...
- 11/15/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the many fascinating classic rock facts that fell out of the public consciousness is that Ringo Starr’s “Snookeroo” was written by Elton John and his legendary songwriting partner. Ringo revealed what he thought of “Snookeroo” and the prospect of John covering the tune. John recalled what he was thinking when he penned the track. Meanwhile, his songwriting partner said “Snookeroo” reminded him of one of The Beatles’ most famous hits.
Ringo Starr liked ‘Snookeroo’ and wished that Elton John recorded the track
During a 2015 interview with Goldmine, Ringo was asked about “Snooker.” “Yeah, that’s a good one,” he recalled. “That was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.” Together, John and Taupin wrote classic tracks such as “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” and “Candle in the Wind.”
Ringo explained how the tune came together. “It was written for me,...
Ringo Starr liked ‘Snookeroo’ and wished that Elton John recorded the track
During a 2015 interview with Goldmine, Ringo was asked about “Snooker.” “Yeah, that’s a good one,” he recalled. “That was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.” Together, John and Taupin wrote classic tracks such as “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” and “Candle in the Wind.”
Ringo explained how the tune came together. “It was written for me,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The former Beatles found new collaborators as often as most of us change our clothes. Elton John co-wrote one of Ringo Starr’s biggest songs with another classic rock legend. John tailored the track for Ringo while his co-writer said it reminded him of one of The Beatles’ most famous tracks. While Ringo’s track was huge in the United States, it didn’t make a dent in the United Kingdom.
Elton John wanted 1 of Ringo Starr’s songs to have ‘very Ringo-type lyrics’
John wrote many of his most famous tunes with lyricist Bernie Taupin, including “Your Song,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Candle in the Wind.” During a 1974 interview with Rolling Stone, John discussed working on a song with Taupin for a former Beatle.
“We’ve also written a song for Ringo, ‘Snookeroo,'” he said. “He said, ‘Listen, make it nice and commercial,’ so we did. Bernie wrote really simple lyrics,...
Elton John wanted 1 of Ringo Starr’s songs to have ‘very Ringo-type lyrics’
John wrote many of his most famous tunes with lyricist Bernie Taupin, including “Your Song,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Candle in the Wind.” During a 1974 interview with Rolling Stone, John discussed working on a song with Taupin for a former Beatle.
“We’ve also written a song for Ringo, ‘Snookeroo,'” he said. “He said, ‘Listen, make it nice and commercial,’ so we did. Bernie wrote really simple lyrics,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Above: 1963 German re-release poster by Heinz Edelmann for Kind Hearts and Coronets.If you are near Berlin during the next four months there is a movie poster exhibition that you must not miss. It opens today at the Kulturforum and it is called Grosses Kino: Filmplakate aller Zeiten, which translates as The Big Screen: Film Posters of All Time.Grosses Kino has been curated by Dr. Christina Thomson and Christina Dembny of the Kunstbibliothek, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (the Art Library at the Berlin State Museum) in collaboration with the Berlin International Film Festival and the Deutsche Kinemathek. The Kunstbibliothek has an extraordinary collection of over 5,000 film posters, 300 of which—dating from 1905 to 2023—have been selected for the exhibition. Earlier this year I was asked to be one of 26 “film industry experts” from the fields of acting, directing, cinema management, film studies, art, and graphic design selected to choose one...
- 11/8/2023
- MUBI
Because the band’s influence extends beyond music, The Beatles‘ Yellow Submarine influenced a portrayal of the Joker from the Batman franchise. An actor drew inspiration from a Yellow Submarine character to play the Clown Prince of Crime. Interestingly, the song “Yellow Submarine” became a hit multiple times in the United Kingdom.
Mark Hamill said his version of the Joker was inspired by The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’
Mark Hamill is most known for portraying Luke Skywalker, the hero at the heart of the Star Wars franchise. His second most famous role is the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series. During a 2021 interview with ComicBook, Hamill discussed landing the latter role.
“I remember when I auditioned for the Joker, I wasn’t able to see any of the episodes, I wasn’t able to read the script, it was like a three- or four-page audition scene, but they had one, black-and-white drawing of the Joker,...
Mark Hamill said his version of the Joker was inspired by The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’
Mark Hamill is most known for portraying Luke Skywalker, the hero at the heart of the Star Wars franchise. His second most famous role is the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series. During a 2021 interview with ComicBook, Hamill discussed landing the latter role.
“I remember when I auditioned for the Joker, I wasn’t able to see any of the episodes, I wasn’t able to read the script, it was like a three- or four-page audition scene, but they had one, black-and-white drawing of the Joker,...
- 10/29/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even today, The Beatles‘ butcher cover is one of the most controversial album covers in classic rock history. John Lennon once explained how Salvador Dalí inspired the Fab Four’s disturbing album art. He also contrasted the reception of that album cover with another one created by Yoko Ono that features a nude Richard Nixon.
Boredom and Salvador Dalí inspired The Beatles’ butcher cover
The Beatles’ butcher cover shows the Fab Four dressed like butchers, smiling, and covered in raw meat and dismembered baby doll parts. It’s pretty unsettling, especially for a band once known for cute hits like “Eight Days a Week!” During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John gave fans insight into the image.
“That was a repackage for the Americans called Yesterday and Today,” he recalled. “The original cover was The Beatles...
Boredom and Salvador Dalí inspired The Beatles’ butcher cover
The Beatles’ butcher cover shows the Fab Four dressed like butchers, smiling, and covered in raw meat and dismembered baby doll parts. It’s pretty unsettling, especially for a band once known for cute hits like “Eight Days a Week!” During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John gave fans insight into the image.
“That was a repackage for the Americans called Yesterday and Today,” he recalled. “The original cover was The Beatles...
- 10/29/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney have known each other for the vast majority of their lives. They worked together closely in The Beatles, but they’ve collaborated, on and off, in the decades since the band broke up. Most recently, McCartney wrote Starr a song for his EP Rewind Forward. He even recorded a version for Starr that featured himself singing and playing the instruments, including drums. Starr joked that McCartney’s drumming was not up to his standards.
Ringo Starr joked about the quality of Paul McCartney’s drumming on a song he wrote
Starr’s 2023 EP Rewind Forward features the song “Feeling the Sunlight,” which McCartney wrote. For years, Starr has trusted McCartney to write him songs.
“Well, he’d written me a couple of good songs, you know, like ‘Yellow Submarine,'” Starr told Billboard. “I thought, ‘He can do this.'”
Starr explained that McCartney went...
Ringo Starr joked about the quality of Paul McCartney’s drumming on a song he wrote
Starr’s 2023 EP Rewind Forward features the song “Feeling the Sunlight,” which McCartney wrote. For years, Starr has trusted McCartney to write him songs.
“Well, he’d written me a couple of good songs, you know, like ‘Yellow Submarine,'” Starr told Billboard. “I thought, ‘He can do this.'”
Starr explained that McCartney went...
- 10/19/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Yellow Submarine” was unquestionably a highlight of Ringo Starr’s career but he said it wouldn’t have been as popular if its lyrics were slightly different. He thought fans would have been put off if the submarine was “deep purple.” Interestingly, The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” originally started with a 30-second intro that was very different from anything in the final version of the song. Ringo said the tune came from a period in the Fab Four’s career where they were heavily influenced by a very 1960s muse: drugs.
Paul McCartney decided The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ should focus on the color yellow
During a 2022 interview with USA Today, Ringo discussed his recollections of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” from 1966. “The boys used to write a song for me and they’d present whatever they thought would be good for me,” he said. “They had this song and they decided to liven it up.
Paul McCartney decided The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ should focus on the color yellow
During a 2022 interview with USA Today, Ringo discussed his recollections of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” from 1966. “The boys used to write a song for me and they’d present whatever they thought would be good for me,” he said. “They had this song and they decided to liven it up.
- 10/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The son of a famous producer found a demo of The Beatles‘ “Yellow Submarine” with John Lennon singing the lead vocal. The demo includes some morose lyrics. Ringo Starr revealed that other members of the band decided to “liven up” the song before they had him sing it.
Producer George Martin’s son compared The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ demo to gold
In 2022, USA Today reported John moped a lot in a demo of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.” In the demo, he sangs lines like “In the place where I was born, no one cared, no one cared,” “and the name that I was born, no one cared,” and “in the town where I come from, no one cared.”
Giles Martin, son of Fab Four producer George Martin, discussed the demo. “I had no idea it existed,” he said. “It was a complete discovery and I was surprised. One of the...
Producer George Martin’s son compared The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ demo to gold
In 2022, USA Today reported John moped a lot in a demo of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.” In the demo, he sangs lines like “In the place where I was born, no one cared, no one cared,” “and the name that I was born, no one cared,” and “in the town where I come from, no one cared.”
Giles Martin, son of Fab Four producer George Martin, discussed the demo. “I had no idea it existed,” he said. “It was a complete discovery and I was surprised. One of the...
- 10/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Yellow Submarine” is, by far, the most famous song with Ringo Starr performing a lead vocal. In terms of popularity, it outshines all of his other Beatles songs, as well as the songs from his solo career. In a recent interview, Ringo revealed what he thinks of the song now. Surprisingly, “Yellow Submarine” was conceived as a more somber tune than it is today.
How Ringo Starr’s new song is connected to The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’
During a 2023 interview with Billboard, Ringo revealed he has frequent conversations with Paul. During one of those conversations, Ringo discussed his new EP, Rewind Forward. “We were Facetiming each other — we do that quite a bit — and I say, ‘I’m doing an EP. Write me a song,'” Ringo recalled. “And he said, ‘Ok.’ And he not only wrote it, he’s on bass, he’s singing on it. He’s all over it.
How Ringo Starr’s new song is connected to The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’
During a 2023 interview with Billboard, Ringo revealed he has frequent conversations with Paul. During one of those conversations, Ringo discussed his new EP, Rewind Forward. “We were Facetiming each other — we do that quite a bit — and I say, ‘I’m doing an EP. Write me a song,'” Ringo recalled. “And he said, ‘Ok.’ And he not only wrote it, he’s on bass, he’s singing on it. He’s all over it.
- 10/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Being a classic rock star wasn’t always as easy as it looked. Donovan said getting famous was difficult for himself and “even fatal” for The Beatles. George Harrison discussed the morbid way fans reacted to the Fab Four. The “Got My Mind Set on You” wondered if Fab Four fans wanted the band to meet a grisly end, like Elvis Presley.
Donovan said The Beatles ‘lost their private lives altogether’ due to their fame
During a 2012 interview with MusicRadar, Donovan discussed being a pop star in the 1960s. “Coming from art school, I had a great sense of style — as did The Beatles and The Stones — and I enjoyed projecting that,” he said. “Image, attitude, great music, and great lyrics — that was the ’60s.”
The “Mellow Yellow” singer said fame had downsides for himself and the Fab Four. “For The Beatles, it was dangerous, even fatal,” he said. “They lost their private lives altogether.
Donovan said The Beatles ‘lost their private lives altogether’ due to their fame
During a 2012 interview with MusicRadar, Donovan discussed being a pop star in the 1960s. “Coming from art school, I had a great sense of style — as did The Beatles and The Stones — and I enjoyed projecting that,” he said. “Image, attitude, great music, and great lyrics — that was the ’60s.”
The “Mellow Yellow” singer said fame had downsides for himself and the Fab Four. “For The Beatles, it was dangerous, even fatal,” he said. “They lost their private lives altogether.
- 10/13/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While many musicians practice diplomacy when speaking about their peers’ work, John Lennon never hesitated to call out a song he didn’t like. One of these songs was “We Love You” by The Rolling Stones. The band was one of The Beatles’ biggest competitors in the 1960s, and rumors frequently circulated about a rivalry between the two groups. Lennon publicly rolled his eyes at “We Love You” without mentioning that his voice was on the track.
John Lennon didn’t like a song, but he sang vocals on it
After The Beatles broke up, Lennon began airing many of his grievances from the 1960s in the press. One of his major problems was with The Rolling Stones. Lennon felt they knocked off The Beatles’ music, particularly with albums like Their Satanic Majesties Request.
“I was always very respectful about Mick [Jagger] and the Stones, but he said a lot of...
John Lennon didn’t like a song, but he sang vocals on it
After The Beatles broke up, Lennon began airing many of his grievances from the 1960s in the press. One of his major problems was with The Rolling Stones. Lennon felt they knocked off The Beatles’ music, particularly with albums like Their Satanic Majesties Request.
“I was always very respectful about Mick [Jagger] and the Stones, but he said a lot of...
- 10/4/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon made his name as a musician, but a friend said that he had early aspirations of success as an actor. Lennon realized this dream to some extent; he acted in films with The Beatles and took a handful of minor roles in other films. At no point did it seem that acting was his primary interest. According to a musician friend, though, Lennon dreamed of becoming an actor.
John Lennon had dreams of becoming an actor
In the early 1960s, Lennon met Cilla Black, another musician managed by The Beatles’ Brian Epstein. According to Black, Lennon had dreams of being an actor, even as The Beatles were rising to success.
“He talked about his songs, but the memory which stands out is the way he admitted he longed to become a famous actor one day,” Black said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
This may seem surprising,...
John Lennon had dreams of becoming an actor
In the early 1960s, Lennon met Cilla Black, another musician managed by The Beatles’ Brian Epstein. According to Black, Lennon had dreams of being an actor, even as The Beatles were rising to success.
“He talked about his songs, but the memory which stands out is the way he admitted he longed to become a famous actor one day,” Black said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
This may seem surprising,...
- 9/25/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
At last count, there have been nine studio-sanctioned feature films to have been adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth fantasy novels.
"The Hobbit," the first book in the series, was published in 1937, while a follow-up trilogy called "Lord of the Rings" was published in 1954 and 1955. Tolkien was both a linguist and a pacifist, so the books tended to lean toward elaborately constructed fantasy languages as well as antiwar themes. The mythology of Middle-earth was so vast and complex, Tolkien also wrote a book called "The Silmarillion" in which deep-cut details from within the "Rings" universe were laid out in excruciating, mythological detail.
For many years, multiple filmmakers and producers attempted to adapt the first book, "The Hobbit" to film. According to Brian J. Robb's and Paul Simpson's 2013 book "Middle-earth Envisioned: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: On Screen, On Stage, and Beyond," Walt Disney had considered...
"The Hobbit," the first book in the series, was published in 1937, while a follow-up trilogy called "Lord of the Rings" was published in 1954 and 1955. Tolkien was both a linguist and a pacifist, so the books tended to lean toward elaborately constructed fantasy languages as well as antiwar themes. The mythology of Middle-earth was so vast and complex, Tolkien also wrote a book called "The Silmarillion" in which deep-cut details from within the "Rings" universe were laid out in excruciating, mythological detail.
For many years, multiple filmmakers and producers attempted to adapt the first book, "The Hobbit" to film. According to Brian J. Robb's and Paul Simpson's 2013 book "Middle-earth Envisioned: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: On Screen, On Stage, and Beyond," Walt Disney had considered...
- 9/23/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
John Lennon‘s son, Sean Ono Lennon, first saw The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine on television years after its debut. The movie seems to have helped him reach a major epiphany about his father. Subsequently, the film influenced a lot of pop culture, including a television special co-starring David Bowie.
John Lennon’s son was introduced to The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ at a friend’s home
The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine came out in 1968. Sean wasn’t born until 1975. The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. During the interview, John discussed Sean. “Beatles was never mentioned to him,” he said. “There was no reason to.
“We never played Beatles records — unlike the story that went around that I was sittin’ in the kitchen for five years playin’ Beatles records like some kind of Howard Hughes,” he continued. “Once he...
John Lennon’s son was introduced to The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ at a friend’s home
The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine came out in 1968. Sean wasn’t born until 1975. The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. During the interview, John discussed Sean. “Beatles was never mentioned to him,” he said. “There was no reason to.
“We never played Beatles records — unlike the story that went around that I was sittin’ in the kitchen for five years playin’ Beatles records like some kind of Howard Hughes,” he continued. “Once he...
- 9/6/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It sometimes feels like every rock star once publicly trashed another musician’s work. For example, John Lennon criticized “On Top of Spaghetti” on a show about pop music. During his appearance on the show, he also attacked a famous Elvis Presley song. It’s surprising John had so many negative things to say about a beloved kid’s song.
John Lennon compared ‘On Top of Spaghetti’ to ‘a coach trip’
According to Salon, John appeared on the show Juke Box Jury in 1963. Juke Box Jury was a show where judges reviewed new pop singles. During John’s appearance, he dismissed every pop single discussed, including Elvis Presley’s “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise,” Julie Grant’s “Don’t Ever Let Me Down,” Paul & Paula’s “First Quarrel,” Miriam Makeba’s “The Click Song,” and Tom Glazer’s “On Top of Spaghetti.” For context, the latter is based on...
John Lennon compared ‘On Top of Spaghetti’ to ‘a coach trip’
According to Salon, John appeared on the show Juke Box Jury in 1963. Juke Box Jury was a show where judges reviewed new pop singles. During John’s appearance, he dismissed every pop single discussed, including Elvis Presley’s “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise,” Julie Grant’s “Don’t Ever Let Me Down,” Paul & Paula’s “First Quarrel,” Miriam Makeba’s “The Click Song,” and Tom Glazer’s “On Top of Spaghetti.” For context, the latter is based on...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
According to a Beatles audio engineer, John Lennon paid close attention when listening back to songs. Even though he derided some of The Beatles’ music after the band broke up, he was careful in the studio. While listening back to “Yellow Submarine,” Lennon realized that someone had made a mistake. His voice was missing from a part where it was meant to appear.
John Lennon realized his voice was missing from part of a Beatles song
The Beatles spent a good deal of time messing around in the studio while recording “Yellow Submarine.” Still, Lennon tried to keep them focused. He put a great deal of thought into the song and made several alterations. Not all of these made it into the song’s final version, though.
“At a certain point, John decided that the third verse needed some spicing up, so he dashed into the studio and began answering...
John Lennon realized his voice was missing from part of a Beatles song
The Beatles spent a good deal of time messing around in the studio while recording “Yellow Submarine.” Still, Lennon tried to keep them focused. He put a great deal of thought into the song and made several alterations. Not all of these made it into the song’s final version, though.
“At a certain point, John decided that the third verse needed some spicing up, so he dashed into the studio and began answering...
- 9/2/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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