The Liverpool scene was buzzing with excitement last night as the Beatles returned for the northern premiere of their film A Hard Day’s Night. The band returned to their hometown after performing in foreign territories such as America, France, and even London. The Beatles’ manager, Mr Brian Epstein, went to great lengths to ensure the success of their return, with hordes of screaming teenagers and an excess of policemen present at the airport.
During the Liverpool civic reception, the band’s families were in attendance, including George’s mother and John’s uncle, who regaled the crowd with their humour. A number of personalities were also present, including the Liverpool-born playwright Alun Owen and television personality David Jacobs. The reception ended without any mishaps, and Paul thanked everyone in attendance before they departed. However, upon leaving, they noticed that all the doors had been locked, leading one attendee to joke that Epstein must have been worried about their reception.
The Beatles’ film, A Hard Day’s Night, premiered in London the same night, receiving a sustained scream from the audience that is sure to resound around Piccadilly for many months to come. The film, directed by Richard Lester, features excellent black and white photography and lighting by Gilbert Taylor, adding a worthwhile cinematic contribution to the band’s performance. Alun Owen’s script is light and assured, and the result is an 85-minute film in which the Beatles are themselves, deflating, mocking, and never boring. The band’s directness, niceness, and nous come over splendidly, along with their singing.
The Beatles’ hometown reception was a hugely successful re-entrance to Liverpool, and their popularity on Merseyside is certainly far from waning. Although the band has been playing in foreign waters, Liverpool will always be home, and the Beatles will always be as permanent a part of the city’s scene as the sight of ferry boats on the Mersey
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