Remember When: The Beatles Heard It from the Critics About Their 'Magical Mystery Tour' Film
The Beatles skated through much of their career, getting nothing but the most laudatory notices from the press. Their music was hailed and set apart as an ideal by music critics. But they eventually took some hits from the press about the quality of their work, especially upon the release of their 1967 television movie Magical Mystery Tour.
The group made the movie themselves and attempted an avant-garde production with a non-linear plot and trippy filming techniques. Unfortunately, the public and the press were expecting something much different. Here is the story of the rare Beatles’ project that was, dare we say it, labeled a flop at the time of its release.
Making the Movie
The Beatles’ first project following the August 1967 death of their manager Brian Epstein, Magical Mystery Tour was planned out just a month later at a group meeting. Filming began almost immediately and continued into October. The group would record six new songs for inclusion in the soundtrack.
Most of the “plot” revolves around a “magical” bus trip featuring The Beatles and a bunch of random passengers. Although there was a rough plan mapped out by the group for what was to be filmed and when and where, they also left room for happy accidents to make their way into the movie. Occasionally, sequences were filmed separate from the bus trip.
Filming didn’t go smoothly, as the band failed to realize the logistics of putting together a film and handling the demands of cast and crew. It didn’t help that the press were following their every move, making it difficult for them to locate the spontaneity they desired. On top of that, arguments between group members about the filming and editing added to the general chaos.
The Reaction
On December 26, 1967, Magical Mystery Tour was broadcast across the United Kingdom. Many fans tuned in excitedly, having heard the songs from the film, including soon-to-be-classics like “I Am the Walrus” and “Fool on the Hill.” But they just weren’t prepared for what they were about to see, and that went double for the critics preparing to review the film.
Source: Jim Beviglia/americansongwriter.com