Beatles ’64: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Beatles’ Historic Visit to the US
In the documentary “Beatles ’64,” director David Tedeschi brings viewers back to the legendary day in 1964 when the Beatles arrived in the United States. Told through a blend of modern interviews, archival videos, and footage from the era, the film offers a unique glimpse into the Beatles’ first trip to America and how fans reacted to their arrival.
The documentary features new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as stories from fans who saw the Beatles firsthand in 1964. Tedeschi and producer Margaret Bodde worked tirelessly to find fans who were affected by the Beatles’ music and experience, including Vickie Brenna-Costa, who was outside the Plaza Hotel when the Beatles arrived. The film also includes fascinating stories from musicians, including Sananda Maitreya, who credits his early memory of hearing “I Want to Hold Your Hand” on the radio as the inspiration for his own music career.
According to Tedeschi, the biggest challenge he faced as a solo director was the responsibility of having to make creative decisions without his co-director, Martin Scorsese. Tedeschi, who co-directed with Scorsese on previous projects, admits that it was a bit of a learning curve but credits Bodde for being a great creative producer who helped him navigate the process.
The film’s unique approach to storytelling includes visually presenting the context of the Beatles’ arrival in the United States, just a few months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Bodde explains that the goal was to visually capture the devastation and sadness of the time and show how the Beatles’ arrival brought a sense of hope and joy to the nation.
The documentary also ensures that all four Beatles feel equally represented, with stories from John Lennon and George Harrison included through archival and interview footage. According to Bodde, the film’s goal was to present the Beatles as a cohesive unit, despite their differences.
As for what got left on the cutting room floor, Tedeschi hopes that nothing did. However, the documentary was edited to focus on the Beatles’ story, leaving out some non-Beatles moments. Despite missing some of these moments, Tedeschi and Bodde agree that the final product is a leaner and more effective film.
“Beatles ’64” will be available on Disney+ on November 29.
