Product Description

Dubbed 'the Citizen Kane of juke-box movies', voted among the top 100 British films of all time, accorded a high-profile release on DVD, A Hard Day's Night, the Beatles' film debut of 1964, has proven to be that rare event - an exploitation 'quickie' that has firmly entered the cultural canon. A Hard Day's Night was shot, edited and distributed in a matter of weeks early in 1964 to cash in on a passing local fad. Yet by the time of its release the Beatles had conquered America, and their film debut was instantly recognised as a major movie phenomenon. Placing the film in its social context, Stephen Glynn relates it to other examples of the genre, discusses its frantic making and its euphoric critical and popular reception. He analyses the film in depth, highlighting the 'revolt' in its depiction of youth, class and sexuality, and the style in director Richard Lester's Pop Art visual correlation to the myth-making soundtrack of Beatlemania. Essential reading for students of film, fans of popular music and the fab four and those interested in the Sixties, Glynn's guide also explores the legacy of A Hard Day's Night from the Monkees through to MTV and beyond.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #663691 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
The Bookseller: "offering enthusiasts 'fashionable and lively guides' to classic films." The Veteran, Summer 2005: 'Glynn's narrative is a concise and perceptive addition to a multitudinous literature on the subject.' In the Picture, No. 51: 'Glynn's very good at unpicking the film's simultaneously subversive and conservative character.' Film International, Issue 18 2005: '...Glynn skilfully places A Hard Day's Night within the context of British rock music films... the rapid rise of English youth culture and the rise to fame of the Beatles themselves.' '... (an) intelligent take on the film...' 'The author's historical contextualization...is well researched and compelling.' 'The significance of A Hard Day's Night is beyond discussion, and it is fitting that a publication as strong as Glynn's should mark its recognition.' - K.J. Donnelly, Journal of British Cinema and Television

About the Author
Stephen Glynn heads the Language faculty at Oakham School, Rutland and teaches film and television at the Open University.