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20130914

The Beatles transformed the way we hear music. But their five films - most notably ‘A Hard Day's Night' and ‘Help!' - also changed the way youth culture was portrayed in the movies. Miranda Sawyer explores The Beatles' foray into film, its wider cultural impact and the financial rewards for the British film industry of the time.

Throughout the 1960s, film was central to the Beatles' career and, although their time together was short lived, no fewer than five of their record releases were in support of films - A Hard Day's Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine and Let It Be.

Beatles' authority Mark Lewisohn and film lecturer Steve Glyn help put the group's movies into context.

We also hear from directors Dick Lester (A Hard Day's Night and Help!) and Michael Lindsey Hogg (Let It Be) who had the pleasure or challenge of directing the Fab Four. Poet Roger McGough talks about his role as script editor for the cartoon animation Yellow Submarine, and editor Roy Benson explains the preparation of Magical Mystery Tour for TV broadcast on Boxing Day in1967.

Producer: John Sugar
A John Sugar production for BBC Radio 4.

Miranda Sawyer explores the impact of the Beatles' movies on popular film and culture.

2013091420140308 (R4)

The Beatles transformed the way we hear music. But their five films - most notably ‘A Hard Day's Night' and ‘Help!' - also changed the way youth culture was portrayed in the movies. Miranda Sawyer explores The Beatles' foray into film, its wider cultural impact and the financial rewards for the British film industry of the time.

Throughout the 1960s, film was central to the Beatles' career and, although their time together was short lived, no fewer than five of their record releases were in support of films - A Hard Day's Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine and Let It Be.

Beatles' authority Mark Lewisohn and film lecturer Steve Glyn help put the group's movies into context.

We also hear from directors Dick Lester (A Hard Day's Night and Help!) and Michael Lindsey Hogg (Let It Be) who had the pleasure or challenge of directing the Fab Four. Poet Roger McGough talks about his role as script editor for the cartoon animation Yellow Submarine, and editor Roy Benson explains the preparation of Magical Mystery Tour for TV broadcast on Boxing Day in1967.

Producer: John Sugar
A John Sugar production for BBC Radio 4.

Miranda Sawyer explores the impact of the Beatles' movies on popular film and culture.