The Beatles’ arrival in America is one of those events that continues to ripple through history, evoking emotions and nostalgia decades later. It’s often said, though no one can quite pinpoint who exactly first claimed it, that their American debut in February 1964—just three months after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy—served as a kind of emotional lifeline to a country still reeling from grief. This was more than just a musical breakthrough; it was the soundtrack to a nation’s attempt to heal and embrace the future. And while we might wonder if 2024 can bring a similar sense of renewal, it's clear that some people, understandably, are still fondly yearning for the magic of that era.
This very thought is revisited in a new documentary, Beatles ‘64, which premieres on Disney+ this Friday. It serves as a wonderful time capsule for the modern viewer, offering a chance to relive the excitement of the Beatles’ first U.S. tour. Produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi, this film reintroduces the invaluable footage shot by Albert and David Maysles during the Beatles’ legendary appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. For anyone familiar with The Beatles Anthology (1995) or Get Back (2019), this documentary might feel like an unexpected yet delightful Thanksgiving tradition in the world of Beatles lore.
The Maysles brothers—already known for their fly-on-the-wall "direct cinema" style—were the pioneers of a raw, unfiltered way of documenting events, something we often take for granted today in an age where every moment seems to be meticulously curated. The footage from their cameras has appeared in various Beatles-related documentaries over the years, including the BBC’s What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A., and the 1991 documentary The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit. This time, however, there's even more footage, as well as new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, offering fresh insights. They’re joined by memories from fans and friends who lived through those magical moments, along with archival interviews with George Harrison and John Lennon. A few social context tidbits from cultural figures like Marshall McLuhan and Betty Friedan are included, but thankfully absent are the modern pop stars doing karaoke renditions of Beatles classics.
The joy of Beatles ‘64 comes not just from the insights shared by the band members, but from the sheer energy of the time. Paul McCartney, ever the cheeky presence, offers a classic McCartney-ism when responding to a reporter’s question about the Beatles’ place in "Western culture." “You must be kidding with that question,” he says, “It’s not culture, it’s a good laugh.” This moment is a refreshing reminder of how the Beatles themselves saw their role in all of this—not as highbrow icons, but as a group having fun, making music, and connecting with the world in ways no one could have predicted.
The documentary primarily unfolds around the Beatles' stay at New York’s Plaza Hotel and their first American concert in Washington D.C. We also see glimpses of their performances at places like Miami Beach and Carnegie Hall, all interwoven with archival photos and interviews. These moments capture the whirlwind that was Beatlemania, with all the chaos, excitement, and rawness that came with it. The Maysles’ 16mm black-and-white footage transports viewers back to a time before everything was polished and curated. This was a time when rock stars let their guard down, and the camera was allowed to capture whatever came naturally, imperfections and all.
In stark contrast to the glossy documentaries we see today, where even the most casual moments are carefully edited for maximum effect, the Beatles of 1964 were still figuring out how to navigate their newfound fame. The documentary takes us behind the scenes, showing the Beatles' unfiltered interactions with the media and each other. At one point, we see McCartney, Lennon, and Starr happily tipsy and dancing at the Peppermint Lounge, blissfully unaware of the legend they were creating. This footage is a reminder of just how small and intimate the Beatles' operation was at the time—before their rise to global superstardom and before they became media magnates.
It’s these raw moments that make the documentary so captivating. The Beatles’ journey to fame wasn’t filled with grandiose plans or handlers keeping them in check. It was, in many ways, a more organic, almost accidental rise to the top. On their train rides between cities, they were playful and mischievous, clowning around in a way that feels so unforced. One memorable scene shows Harrison donning a porter’s uniform and serving drinks to the crew, while Starr, ever the jokester, drapes himself in camera bags, playing the part of the photographer. McCartney, ever the straight man, sits this one out, telling the crew, “I’m not in a laughing mood, even.”
But no matter how carefree the Beatles were in these early days, they were also acutely aware of the world around them. As they toured the U.S., they encountered a country still grappling with its own growing pains. The film shows teenage fans—mostly girls with schoolbooks in hand—crowding the Plaza Hotel, pressing their faces against the windows, and chasing the band’s car down the street. Their excitement is palpable, and through their New York accents, they explain why they love the Beatles so much. For these fans, the Beatles represented something new, something exciting—an exotic allure that was both European and American in its appeal.
For the Beatles themselves, their cultural significance was not lost on them. Yes, they were the fresh faces from England, but they were also incredibly attuned to the music they loved. The Beatles didn’t just create new sounds—they introduced a broader audience to the rich tapestry of Black American music that had deeply influenced them. Smokey Robinson recalls meeting the Beatles in England and how they were the first white band he had ever met who openly acknowledged their deep love for Black music. In fact, the Beatles were cultural curators as much as they were creators, bringing a new audience to the likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and the soulful sounds that had shaped their musical identities.
Yet, the band’s American debut was also marked by moments of innocence and joy. Ronnie Spector, a friend and collaborator, recalls taking the Beatles to Harlem for some authentic barbecue, where they reveled in the luxury of being treated just like anyone else. This glimpse into their lives shows how the Beatles, despite their unprecedented fame, were still grounded and curious, eager to experience the world around them in all its diversity.
Today, the Beatles remain an enduring symbol of popular culture. Their music is still celebrated, their influence still felt, and their place in history continues to grow. Even now, the band’s latest track, “Now and Then”—which combines the voices of all four Beatles—has been nominated for two Grammy Awards, nearly six decades after they first took the world by storm. The Beatles may have disbanded in 1970, and Lennon tragically died in 1980, but their music lives on, transcending generations.
In a world where musical legends often fade into obscurity, the Beatles stand as a testament to the lasting power of artistry. Their story, like their music, is timeless—woven into the fabric of modern history. And while Beatlemania may have waned, the love for their music remains steadfast. After all, somewhere, a child is likely still singing along to “Yellow Submarine” as if it were the first time they’d ever heard it.
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