General Overview
HELP! is a 1965 British musical comedy film directed by Richard Lester and starring The Beatles. Based on a script by Marc Behm, with contributions from Charles Wood and Joseph Levine, the film follows The Beatles as they try to locate a missing ring to save an Indian actress from an evil cult. Released on July 29, 1965, HELP! was one of the few films that was shot entirely in color and remains The Beatles’ most successful movie in terms of box office gross.
The film was a box office success, eventually grossing $12 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest grossing films of 1965. Music from the film helped the Beatles achieve international stardom, including the singles “Help!” and “Ticket to Ride” which topped the charts in the United States and United Kingdom, respectively.
Plot
The plot focuses on The Beatles in pursuit of Ringo Starr’s missing sacrificial ring, stolen by an occult cult intent on using it to boost the soul of their deceased leader, Kashoggi. In order to save the day, the band travels to numerous exotic locations, including the Austrian Alps, Bahamas and a sub-aquatic laboratory. Along the way they are chased by various villains, as well as a relentless police inspector.
During their travels, The Beatles get saved by a stranger from the cult, Ahme, who is slowly revealed to be a scientist tasked with saving them. She leads them to a temple, where they must face the cult’s high priest. In the end, Ringo is saved and the cult is vanquished, allowing the band to go on to their next adventure.
Music
Music from HELP! helped launch the band internationally as a major sensation. “Help!” and “Ticket To Ride” topped the charts in the United States and United Kingdom, respectively. The soundtrack for the film was released on CD in 2005 and contains several previously unreleased recordings.
The music from the film also helped to cement the band’s popularity as a live act. The Beatles recorded “Help!” and “Ticket to Ride” on the same day in the studio and would later play them onstage at various concerts. These live performances of HELP! songs marked the first time The Beatles introduced their live act to an international audience.
Perceived Impetus
The film was initially seen as having been prompted by The Beatles’ desire to expand their reach beyond their native Britain. While there had been previous Beatle films, none before HELP! were shot entirely in color. The move into cinematic color was also seen as a way of increasing the international appeal of The Beatles and their music.
The story of HELP! saw The Beatles embark on a thrilling adventure that took them all over the world. This new cinematic style provided unfamiliar international audiences the chance to see the band in action and, consequently, gain a much broader appreciation for what The Beatles could do.
Global Reception
HELP! was met with generally positive reviews. Critics praised The Beatles’ comedic timing, energetic performances, and obvious enthusiasm. The unprecedented cinematic action sequences were an international show for the band’s abilities, and gave previously terra incognita music fans a chance to see what all the fuss is about.
Though the film was released in 1965, its soundtrack remains popular today. The Beatles’ classic hits, such as “Help!” and “Ticket to Ride,” sound just as fresh today as they did back then. It even helped to won over new music fans, such as current members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, who have cited HELP! as being an influence on their own music.
Real Life and Fantasy
Many viewers are drawn to the fantasy world of HELP! However, some have noted that the fantasy element of HELP!is a means of subverting the reality of their professional lives as a band. Although they are successful, the film provides a way for The Beatles to show that they are ordinary guys who still enjoy playing music and having fun.
At the same time, the film also serves as an escape from the inner angst of The Beatles. As the band continues to try and evade the various obstacles in their way, they can take refuge in the thrill of adventure and use it to help them cope.
Social Impact
HELP! resonated with audiences of all ages and demographics. The film presented its audience with a new format that combined music with action. This style was further adopted by future films such as The Monkees’ Head and Easy Rider and, today, it is a firm favourite among those wanting to relive the classic era of the British Invasion.
Furthermore, HELP! marked a turning point in musical history by bringing to the fore a new wave of rebellion, one driven by a combination of music and fashion. The film also epitomised the irreverence of The Beatles at the time, and helped to create a new template for contemporary music.
Continuing Legacy
HELP! continues to be remembered fondly by many. It stands out as a pivotal moment in the musical history of The Beatles as well as the boundary-pushing era of the British Invasion. Owing to its combination of musical soundtracks, action sequences, and comedy, it helped solidify The Beatles’ status as an iconic band that would be remembered long after their career had expired.
Today the film has been adapted for modern audiences by the Royal Shakespeare Company, expanding the reach of The Beatles’ cinematic legacy. It remains the most successful film in The Beatles’ career, and will likely continue to bring entertainment to generations to come.
