The following is a guest post by Jenny Paxson of the Packard Campus.
Thursday, February 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Beatlemania on American Bandstand (1964)
This program will present a firsthand account of the effects that the Beatles had upon the youth of America in 1964, through performances culled from Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Included is a compilation of Beatles-related segments, as well as performances by The Beach Boys, Sam Cooke and Little Richard. Also on the program is a segment from Albert and David Maysles’ 1991 documentary The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit.
Friday, February 3 (7:30 pm)
Let it Be (United Artists, 1970)
In this rarely-seen documentary directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the Beatles are shown rehearsing songs for their album Let it Be at Twickenham Film Studios, followed by an unannounced concert on the rooftop of their Apple headquarters in London. Joined by Billy Preston, they perform “Get Back,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” “I’ve Got a Feeling,” “One After 909” and “Dig a Pony,” intercut with reactions and comments from surprised Londoners gathering on the streets below. It would be the last time the Beatles ever performed together in public. Although the film does not dwell on the discord within the group, it does provide some glimpses into the dynamics that would lead to the the group’s break-up. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr collectively won an Academy Award for best original song score for the film.
Saturday, February 4 (2:00 p.m.)
The NeverEnding Story (Warner Bros, 1984)