On March 9, 1965 (56 years ago today!), The Beatles spent their final day of filming scenes in the Bahamas for their second feature film, Help!, which was, in part, a satire of the James Bond series of films.
In America, the Bond connection came complete with the uncredited instrumental intro based on the “James Bond Theme” preceding the title song. I am playing the seven songs from the soundtrack album … but sparing you the selections from the film’s orchestral score.
The album cover showed the Beatles with their arms positioned to spell out a word in flag semaphore. According to cover photographer Robert Freeman, “I had the idea of semaphore spelling out the letters ‘HELP’. But when we came to do the shot, the arrangement of the arms with those letters didn’t look good. So we decided to improvise and ended up with the best graphic positioning of the arms.”
On the UK Parlophone release, the letters formed by the Beatles appear to be “NUJV”, while the slightly rearranged U.S. release on Capitol Records appeared to indicate the letters “NVUJ”, with Paul McCartney’s left hand pointing to the Capitol logo.
Your Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
Beatles’ Help Medley
Good Morning, Ray. How can you go wrong with an all Beatles medley? I don’t think you can. What’s to argue about? The order of the songs? Which era to choose? Should they all be Lennon/McCartney? All George? All Ringo? (Maybe not). Ray this medley seems like a win. I remember when the movie came out, everyone was so excited! Hard Days Night was so much fun! How could they top that? Why even try to top it? Just put the boys on the screen and charge admission. The movie was a silly bit of nonsense but no one cared. It was a series of what would become music videos strung together with a thin attempt at forming a plot. In other words, a new way to see the world’s favorite band covorting on a beautiful beach. We all felt we got to know the Lads from Liverpool a little better. ( and in COLOR!). I know I didn’t ask for my money back. Thank you Ray for a little bit of fun to get everyone going on a Tuesday.
Thanks, Don.
The plot was thin but the scenery of the Bahamas and Austria (which gave us the “fiendish thingy” curling scene) was wonderful!
And the music wasn’t bad, either. 🙂
ROCK THIS WONDERFUL DAY!
HELP! I need to get ready for work but want to listen again! I will have to tune in again later in the day. As a proud Beatle Baby, you must know I totally loved this medley! You sure do know your onions about the Fab Four! You’re practically a scouser yourself! Someday I need to see this movie! Have a great day and enjoy the weather! 🙂 XOXOXOXO 🙂
Thanks, Wendyl! 🙂
And yet another movie we have to watch together!
Jolly what!
SOAK UP THE WARMTH!
❤️XOXOXOXO❤️
Great Beatles medley … of course have listened to a few times already. Thanks Ray, you ROCK as always!
Thank you, Penny ❤️
Can’t go wrong with the Fab Four!