If you are one of those who knows very little about the Beatles or even if you think you already know all the legends and lore about the English foursome who changed popular music, this two-hour documentary is a must-see movie. Using footage from concerts, television appearances and archival material, director Patrick Montgomery has fashioned an enlightening, consistently colorful and always moving overview of the Beatles — from their early days in Liverpool through their unprecedented worldwide success and their breakup in 1970.
Malcolm McDowell narrates David Silver's script which zeroes in on the Beatles' charm, their musical magic, the industry's appropriation of their talent, and Western culture's response to it. Best of all is the astute and insightful commentary offered by George Martin, the Beatles' gifted record producer. He outlines the different stages in the evolution of their artistry and articulates the reasons for the eventual dissolution of the band.