The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)

About The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years is a 2016 documentary film, directed by Ron Howard. The film dives into the history of The Beatles from 1962 to 1966 during their touring years, when the band became a worldwide phenomenon. The film uses a combination of fan footage, television appearances, and other performances to give a detailed depiction of the Beatles' rise to fame.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by Apple Corps Ltd., White Horse Pictures, and Imagine Entertainment under the executive production of Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Michael Rosenberg, and Guy East. The film, edited by Paul Crowder, presents the early Beatles in all their freshness and energy, capturing the chaotic whirlwind of the "Beatlemania" era.

Actors

• John Lennon - Himself (archive footage). Lennon's charismatic personality and poignant songwriting is showcased brilliantly through the archival footage.
• Paul McCartney - Himself. McCartney shares insights into the band's experiences, his charm and musical genius apparent all throughout.
• George Harrison - Himself (archive footage). Harrison's quiet demeanor and brilliant guitar skills are spotlighted in the film.
• Ringo Starr - Himself. Starr, the ever-so-lively drummer, provides fascinating insights into their journey.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie marked the first time that 'The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl' recording had been officially released since the original 1977 LP.
• Surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr participated in interviews for the movie.
• The title of the movie was inspired by "Eight Days a Week," a popular song of The Beatles.

Awards

The film won a Grammy Award in 2017 for Best Music Film. It also won the Best Documentary award at the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards.

Quotes

• "We were kids. We were all pretty scared." - Paul McCartney
• "We had each other and we brought that to the music." - Ringo Starr
• "We were just a band that made it very, very big, that's all." - John Lennon

Music, Soundtrack

• "A Hard Day's Night" - Opening scenes and title song of the film.
• "Help!" - Played during several concert sequences.
• "Twist and Shout" - Energetically performed at various shows.
• "Eight Days a Week" - The song that inspired the title of the film, it is prominently featured.