Help! is a musical comedy adventure film released in 1965. Directed by Richard Lester, the movie falls under the genre of slapstick comedy and is notable for being one of the earliest examples of the music video format. Help! was released during the height of “Beatlemania,” when The Beatles were at the peak of their popularity.
Richard Lester, an American director known for his innovative approach to filmmaking, helmed Help!. The screenplay was written by Marc Behm and Charles Wood. Help! was produced by Walter Shenson, who had previously worked with The Beatles on their first film, A Hard Day’s Night. The film was produced under the banner of Subafilms and distributed by United Artists.
Help! revolves around the iconic British rock band, The Beatles, who find themselves embroiled in a humorous and action-packed escapade. The story begins when Ringo Starr, played by himself, receives a sacrificial ring from a fan. Little does he know that the ring is wanted by an evil cult known as the “Kaili” who believe that it holds the key to world domination. As the members of the cult try to steal the ring, The Beatles are thrust into a series of misadventures across various exotic locations.
The film features all four members of The Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, each playing themselves. Eleanor Bron stars as Ahme, an Eastern cult member who helps The Beatles throughout their journey. Victor Spinetti plays the role of Foot, the leader of the Kaili cult. Leo McKern also appears in the film as Clang, another member of the cult.
Help! was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its vibrant energy, witty dialogue, and the infectious charm of The Beatles. Others felt that the film lacked a coherent plot and was merely a showcase for the band’s music. Despite the reviews, Help! was a commercial success, grossing over $12 million at the box office.
The film’s soundtrack, also titled Help!, features several hit songs by The Beatles, including the title track, “Help!”, and “Ticket to Ride.” These songs further contributed to the film’s popularity and showcased the band’s musical talent.
Help! has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It was one of the first films to blend music and comedy seamlessly and helped establish The Beatles as actors in addition to being musicians. The movie’s innovative music video-style segments influenced later music videos and paved the way for the rise of MTV in the 1980s.
While Help! did not spawn any direct sequels, The Beatles went on to star in their next film, Yellow Submarine, in 1968. Help! remains a beloved cult classic and a testament to The Beatles’ influence on both the music and film industries. Its catchy songs, iconic imagery, and comedic moments have made it a cherished part of pop culture history.
