Category: Buzz’s Beatles Book/ Print Blog

John Buzz Bezzini

The blog is designed to feature both old and new Beatles-related print material including books, magazines, posters, or correspondence with people that have a Beatles connection or association. The blog will also feature books from people that have worked with the individual members of the group during their solo careers! Looking forward to seeing you here! Looking forward to your participation and feedback on the blog!

John “Buzz” Bezzini has one of the world’s largest collections of Beatles books and he will share his thoughts and opinions on some of the more rare and unusual Beatles titles.

John taught a course in 1984 called “The Beatles in Retrospect” marking the 20th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in America.

John also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication.

Enjoy Buzz’s Beatles Book Blog.

The images shared here are part of John’s private collection and are shared under Fair Use/ Fair Dealings. If you have any questions, contact the administrator.

If you would like to receive notifications of all new posts to this blog, you will need to register or subscribe. Then you will be kept up-to-date by email that new posts have appeared! If you enjoy the page, please pass the word on to your fellow Beatle Fan Friends! Thank you!

Don’t forget that there are hundreds of Blog Posts here, so check them out on the Index at the bottom of the page!

Contact Buzz

Posted on 22/09/202422/09/2024 by Buzz — 5 Comments

TEA AND THE BEATLES “THE TEATLES” MAGAZINE

Several years ago, when I was still on Facebook, through networking and the many connections you establish through having common interests, I learned of a new Beatles magazine/ fanzine that seemed to have an unusual theme – The Teatles (The Beatles and Tea).

Being very curious, I decided to investigate and purchased a sample issue and was extremely delighted with the results. So much so, that I decided to purchase all of the back issues and all of the new ones when they were issued. One of the obsessions of collecting is, if I start collecting a magazine with a numerical sequence, I want to make sure I can collect all of the issues to have a complete set. I was fortunate enough to have been able to do so with this fine magazine.

The Teatles

The Teatles always featured articles that were of interest to me. Featuring a variety of skilled writers, editor and publisher Huw Spink, a Welshman, who has chosen to reside in Liverpool, retains what seems to be a common quality for Liverpool residents, a great sense of humor (or humour) as the originators of the English language would spell the word.

The concept of tying in the Beatles with tea was intriguing as obviously both are forever linked with English cultural heritage and then I remembered a funny segment from the Rutles which sarcastically references the importance of tea in the Rutles history…

See the Wiki link to the Rutles and Tea below:

Tea | The Rutles Wiki | Fandom

When I asked Huw if he would be interested in having a blog post about his excellent magazine he seemed to be delighted with the prospect, so I asked him a few basic questions to get things started:

Q: Why the tea theme coalescing with the subject of the Beatles?

A: “An accident really. I really love both tea and Beatles. Once I began noticing how much the Beatles loved tea I realised that I could combine two of my great passions!“

Q. What prompted you to start your own Beatles fanzine/magazine? Motivations-Reasons

A: “Initially just as an antidote to boredom. But I didn’t realise that it would become such a lovely and fun thing to do. As hobbies go, its been a really good one!”

Q. What have been a few of your favorite pieces/articles appearing in the magazine thus far? Why are they special to you?

A: “Oh gee…where to start! Kate Gietkowski wrote beautifully about being a Polish Beatles fan. Rob Power had a Beatle/tea family connection! Mark Raven wrote beautifully about a personal connection with Beatles and tea. Rose wrote candidly about anxiety and George. Teresa Brader, Mark O’Callaghan and Jamie Osborne came back time and time again with beautiful, insightful pieces. But the one piece that stands out? Ruby Smith. Issue 5. Heartbreaking.”

Q. What has been the most satisfying aspect for you in doing the magazine? Conversely, what is the biggest hassle? For example, postage costs around the world?

A: “The greatest joy has been the sense of community and collaboration. Feeling a part of something is lovely, but being part of something so creative, open and welcoming is just the loveliest.

The worst part – yeah. Charging more for postage than for the zine. Ah well. What can you do?”

Q. Please give the contact information you would prefer if people have questions etc”

A: teatlemania@outlook.com or find theteatles on instagram

Q. What’s in store for the future?

A: “The Teatles Books ended at issue 20. I started back with the (slightly) different TEATLES. Issue 4 will be out later this year.”

Please note: I have also gotten the three issues of the new Teatles magazine and they are just as interesting and enjoyable as the original 20 issues. There is actually significantly more content in the new format.

Huw was interviewed a while back in an excellent piece posted by The Daily Beatle about his wonderful magazine. This piece displayed a photo of Patti Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife holding a copy of The Teatles magazine and also acknowledges that the official John Lennon webpage enjoys this delightful magazine.

The Daily Beatle Huw Spink Interview

The Teatles phenomenon – an interview – The Daily Beatle (webgrafikk.com)

Contact Name – Editor and Publisher of the “The Teatles”: Huw Spink

Contact information regarding The Teatles Magazine teatlemania@outlook.com or find theteatles on instagram

Here are photos of all 20 issues of Huw’s original Teatles magazine. The photos of the actual magazines shown here were taken by the editor himself, Huw Spink! The actual photos of the Beatles were taken by numerous other photographers. Set to a similar format to the original Beatles Monthlies, these magazines are a delight to have in my collection!

Special kudos are extended to Huw for having such an extensive collection of photos of the Beatles enjoying their tea, their cohorts, also enjoying the beverage, and their companion teacups!

Issue #1

Issue #2

Issue #3

Issue #4

Issue #5

Issue #6

Issue #7

Issue #8

Issue #9

Issue #10

Issue #11

Issue #12

Issue #13

Issue #14

Issue #15

Issue #16

Issue #17

Issue #18

Issue #19

Issue #20

This post is respectfully dedicated to all of the teetotalers in the WORLD!!!

What is your favourite Beatles fanzine?

Buzz

The Beatles

Books about The Beatles as a group

Shop now

Posted on 20/09/202420/09/2024 by Buzz — 3 Comments

“MAUREEN STARKEY” and “RINGO” OR IS IT “TINGO”?

This post was inspired by a recent Beatles novelty record that I was able to acquire about Maureen Starkey and her husband Ringo. While purchasing the novelty record at the record search service of Discogs, I was able to find one of the things that interests me as a collector of Beatles-related oddities or mistakes that occasionally appear on those records. I refer to the novelty record “Treat Him Tender, Maureen (Now That Ringo Belongs to You) by Angie and the Chicklettes. This record appeared after Ringo had asked Maureen Cox to become his first wife in 1965.

Here is the song as it appears on a YouTube post that I was able to find:

Angie & The Chicklettes – Treat Him Tender, Maureen (Now That Ringo Belongs To You) (Apt 25080) 1965 – YouTube

This is a photograph of the novelty record that I purchased with the correct label and with Ringo’s name spelled correctly for the release:

Here is the oddity; On this copy of the 45, a misspelling of Ringo’s name as “Tingo” appears:

This type of error is especially appealing to me as a collector. First of all, most novelty records do not sell well at all so there are not many copies in existence in the marketplace. Mistakes associated with those records are even more obscure and difficult to find or obtain!

Apple Records

When the Beatles had formed Apple Records, those that are experts know that the first catalog number was Apple 1. However the Apple 1 recording never appeared to the public-at-large. Ringo was aware that his wife Maureen was an intense Frank Sinatra fan. So, for her impending birthday, Ringo through his celebrity connections was able to request for Sinatra to record a special birthday song for Maureen. Songwriter, Sammy Cahn was able to modify one of Sinatra’s big hit songs with a new set of lyrics adapted for Maureen’s birthday.

Frank Sinatra

Supposedly, only one copy was officially printed by Apple of the Sinatra recording which Ringo presented to Maureen as a birthday gift. The one copy supposition is just that, as numerous others claim multiple copies were printed for close Beatles associates. Maybe Mark Lewisohn knows what the true story actually is…?

Years later, an enterprising collector in the Netherlands created a reproduction Apple 1 record of what they suspect it may have looked like. They were offering several copies for sale on their website and I bought a copy, knowing it was a reproduction but I enjoyed the song and the story associated with it.

I have seen several posts of the number on YouTube and this is one of them:

Frank Sinatra The Lady’s A Champ Apple Records 1 – YouTube

This is a picture of the Apple 1 reproduction offered by the collector in the Netherlands:

Another Interesting Maureen Starkey story:

This is a special item I acquired from the UK company called Tracks back in 2019. It is an invoice that Maureen Starkey signed on December 21, 1966. On that day, the Beatles were in the studio recording the song “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

Ringo and Maureen were to have three children, Zak, Jason and Lee. Years later in 1975, they were to divorce and Maureen was to marry Isaac Tigrett one of the founders of the Hard Rock Cafe in 1989. Maureen was to pass away from cancer in 1994. Her husband Isaac and her children were with her when she passed as was her former husband, Ringo.

Ringo’s good friend, Paul McCartney, wrote a beautiful tribute song for Maureen following her passing. The song was called “Little Willow”. It is only fitting that the final words to this post are in the song….

Paul McCartney – Little Willow – YouTube

Paul’s Tribute to Maureen Starkey

Buzz

Books About Ringo at The Beatles Bookstore

Ringo Starr

Books about Ringo Starr

Shop now

Posted on 18/09/202418/09/2024 by Buzz — Leave a comment

FEST-IVE SIGNATURES – FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

The Fest for Beatles Fans (formerly known as Beatlefest) has been delighting Beatles fans for more than 50 years. Mark Lapidos, the founder of the Fest got personal approval from none other than John Lennon back in 1974 to put on an official gathering to celebrate the musical legacy of the lads from Liverpool. Mark and his wife Carol do a splendid job, on an annual basis, creating a party like atmosphere for dedicated Beatles fans. Going to a Fest gives you clear proof and affirmation of the Beatles cross-generational appeal as the age of their audiences run the full spectrum from toddlers to senior citizens.

Beatles Collectors

These Fests are so successful, they are run on a yearly basis in cities like Chicago and NY/NJ. There are many repeat attendees and there is a significant amount of new participants each year as well. As a collector I was amazed, particularly at many of the early conventions, of the dealer’s room where you could purchase items that you had been searching for a considerably long time.

The wonderful opportunity of meeting people in the Beatles inner circle over the years was another fascinating appeal of the conventions. If they were promoting a book, you were able to obtain their autograph. The Fest has a periodic catalog they issue to inform Beatles fans of popular new Beatles-related items. (link provided at the bottom of this post).

Beatles Scholars

There are many Beatles discussion groups featuring various Beatles scholars who often give fascinating presentations. There are rare films presented and there is much live and entertaining musical performances performed by Beatles cover bands and many of the musical celebrities that are guests at the Fests. At the conventions, they also produce a yearly program which talks about the scheduled guests appearing at the Fests. For those who can’t attend the conventions personally, Mark and Carol have also made arrangements for digital remote hook-ups where you can view many of the main Ballroom events first hand from afar and online. There is so much to do at these conventions, you will be thoroughly amazed at how quickly the time goes by and as the conventions wind down, many people are already inquiring about the following year’s festivities.

The Lapidos Family Fest

Here are a few samples of some of the Fest’s programs distributed at the conventions: Special commendation goes out to Carol Lapidos for her program and artistic designs over the years. The conventions put together by the Lapidos family are true full family affairs as the two Lapidos daughters are also greatly involved with the Fest’s operation and organization!

Program sample #1:

Program Sample #2:

Program Sample #3:

Signatures

In a few recent posts on Buzz’s Beatles Book/ Print Blog, I posted the signatures that I had purchased from a Beatles collector in NJ of many of the supporting actors and actresses that had appeared in “A Hard Day’s Night”, “Help”, “Magical Mystery Tour” and some of the people involved in the production of the animated classic, “Yellow Submarine.” For privacy purposes, we will call him Jim D. Jim D. acquired quite the signature collection in the movie item signatures that I mentioned above and now I would like to present another item I acquired from him (shown below).

These are signatures that he obtained personally at the Fests, asking the people to sign the Fest program. (Purchasing the 2 scrapbooks of autographs that Jim had obtained was one of my favorite acquisitions for my collection.) Many of the people that signed his programs are no longer alive, but with these signatures they live on in another way. As a collector of Beatles print-related material, I depend upon The Fest for Beatles Fans as a primary source to purchase and obtain signed books by the authors of new Beatles books.

The Fest performs a wonderful service in doing that for their customers. I can’t tell you how many times that I have had email conversations with Mark about a forthcoming Beatles book and he does everything he can to obtain signed versions of the book for his customers in his Online and print catalogs. I will always be grateful for this service. As it turns out these signatures are not in a book but they were obtained through the Fest through another collector.

Here is a description of some of the signatures that Jim was able to acquire in the Fest’s various programs:

Geoffrey Ellis (deceased-2018) – a friend of Brian Epstein’s and co-Director of NEMS. Later, Ellis was to work for Dick James!

Pauline Sutcliffe (deceased-2019) – Stu Sutcliffe’s sister. She had published several books about her artistic brother over the years.

Alan Clayson – author who has written several Beatles-related books over the years.

Delbert McClinton: The gentleman who gave some harmonica tips to John Lennon around the time Bruce Channel’s “Hey Baby” was becoming a hit single. Delbert was in Bruce’s band.

Alistair Taylor (deceased): The Beatles Mr. Fix-It. Alistair worked for Brian Epstein and accompanied him to the Cavern to hear the Beatles for the first time.

Mike McCartney: (also known as Mike McGear) Paul McCartney’s brother. Has several wonderful photography books including a very beautiful Genesis Publications Limited edition title. He of course is also a musician who has had several hits. He played in the group Scaffold.

Al Brodax (deceased-2016) – involved with the production of the Beatles cartoons and the Yellow Submarine film.

Tony Barrow (deceased-2016) – Beatles publicist. Has written several books about the Beatles and one about Paul McCartney

Gordon Waller: (deceased-2009) the other half of the famous duo, Peter and Gordon. They had many giant hits in the sixties.

Doris Troy (deceased-2004) prominent singer and musician known for the hit “Just One Look.”

Tony Bramwell (deceased-2024)- produced and filmed many of the Beatles early promo films. Also wrote a Beatles book.

Neil Innes (deceased-2019) – member of the Rutles and the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. Funny guy who will be missed by many. A biography written by the wife of Innes is due soon.

Larry Kane – accompanied the Beatles on their 64 and 65 tours. Wrote a couple of interesting Beatles-related books.

Jim Horn: horn player who was one of the few musicians to have been involved with musical projects with every member of the Fab 4.

Hamish Stuart-former member of the Average White Band, Hamish played guitar and did vocal harmonies for one of the band incarnations of Paul McCartney. Still awaiting the release of the full orchestral version of Hamish’s and Paul’s beautiful tune “Is It Raining in London.”

Sid Bernstein (deceased-2013) produced the Shea Stadium concert-also has written a book with his many Beatles stories.

Robbie McIntosh-lead guitarist for Paul McCartney during one of Paul’s many band configurations over the years!

Sam Leach -(deceased-2008) promoter of the Beatles in Liverpool. Wrote a book entitled “The Birth of the Beatles.”

Martin Lewis–British host and humorist, radio announcer and producer. Served as a consultant of many Beatles projects including “The Beatles Anthology.”

Victor Spinetti (deceased-2012)-noted British actor and comedian. Appeared in “A Hard Day’s Night”, “Help” and “Magical Mystery Tour.”

Greg Hawkes-keyboardist for “The Cars” who were heavily influenced by the Beatles.

Mark Hudson-record producer, and musician. Produced Ringo on several albums. Played in the Roundheads. Produced a Joey Molland LP among his many accomplishments in the music industry as well as being a member of the Hudson Brothers who had a major hit with ” And So You Are a Star.”

The Hudson Brothers – So You are a Star – YouTube

Three members of the Quarrymen Colin Hanton, Len Garry, and Rod Davis: John Lennon’s first band

Norman “Hurricane” Smith (deceased-2008) one of the Beatles first engineers. Later became a producer and wrote and performed a hit single “Oh Babe, What Would You Say.”

Terry Sylvester: Member of the Escorts and the Hollies

Mark Hudson: producer of many Ringo Starr LP’s, produced Joey Molland, musician songwriter who was heavily influenced by the Beatles.

Bob Gruen: Noted and well-known photographer who took many legendary photos of both John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Has produced numerous photography books about his work over the years!

Three members of the Smithereens: Pat Dinizio (deceased-2017), Dennis Diken and Jim Babjak. A group heavily influenced by the Beatles. Covered numerous Beatles songs over the years.

Larry Kane: Appears once again, a member in our large cast of characters. Was on both the 64 and 65 Beatles tours as a reporter and observer.

Paul Saltzman: Can’t determine what Paul wrote in place of his signature on this page. Paul took some of the most beautiful photos of the Beatles ever taken, in India (1968). He is a film producer and has written a couple of books about the Beatles and their journey to India.

Joey Molland one of the last surviving Badfinger original members. Has released an album produced by Mark Hudson in the last couple of years entitled “Be True to Yourself.” Julian Lennon took the cover photo and sang backing vocals on three of the songs.

Gary Wright (deceased-2023) musician and keyboard player wrote the classic song “Dream Weaver.” Played with George Harrison on a few of his LP’s and also with George with the group Wonderwheel on the Dick Cavett show

Two Faced Man – Gary Wright and the Wonder Wheel featuring George Harrison – YouTube

Freda Kelly-the Beatles fan secretary for many years. Produced an excellent dvd documentary about her involvement with the Beatles over the years.

Mark Hudson: See descriptions in the notations above

Denny Seiwell: former Wings drummer who appeared on the Ram album

Mark Hudson-Former Ringo producer, musician and songwriter

Spencer Davis (deceased-2020)-played with Traffic’s Steve Winwood and also visited the Beatles while they were filming “Magical Mystery Tour.”

Chris Montez-had a hit with the 1962 record “Let’s Dance.” early tours. He was one of the last acts that the Beatles would open for.

Here is an interesting story about Chris Montez and the Beatles:

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE BRAWL BETWEEN JOHN LENNON & CHRIS MONTEZ IN 1963! EXCLUSIVE! (pleasekillme.com)

Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits-one of the few people still around that knew both John Lennon and his father Freddie Lennon. Was the lead singer of Herman’s Hermits. Had numerous hits in the 60’s and is still very active both in personal appearances and Online.

Billy J. Kramer-the Beatles wrote several hit songs for him including “Bad To Me.” Still active in making personal appearances and he recently released a new LP.

Ken Scott-engineered some of the Beatle recordings. Produced a great book entitled “From Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust.”

Chas Newby (deceased-2023)-a bass player who was to sit in with the Beatles on a few gigs as the Casbah Club back in 1960.

A few more signatures that collector Jim from NJ acquired of musician Gary Wright and photographer Allen Tannenbaum who took some of the last photos of John Lennon.

Micky Dolenz-the last surviving member of the Monkees and a Beatles friend. The Monkees were one of the most popular bands of the 60’s. Despite the accusations that they were a manufactured group by Hollywood’s musical magnates, they managed to record and perform many memorable hit songs that live on through the years.

Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon: The other half of the Peter and Gordon duo who performed on so many hits written by Paul McCartney in the 60’s. Peter later became a legendary record producer. He has written a few books in recent years!

Henry McCulloch: (deceased-2016) former member of Wings . The lead guitarist who performed the memorable “My Love” solo.

Denny Seiwell: former drummer for Wings. Played on the Ram album

Rob Shanahan: photographer who has photographed both Ringo and Paul on numerous occasions! I have both Vol 1 and Vol 2 of his hardback photography books. Great photos!

Mark Hudson: (See the description of Mark in the notations above.)

Roger Farrington: The photographer who took the first officially sanctioned photos of John Lennon when he came out of retirement in 1980.

Allan Tannenbaum: Another photographer who took some of the last professional photographs of John Lennon!

A photo of Nancy Lee Andrews who at one time was going to marry Ringo Starr. This photo was obtained by Jim D. and was included in the scrapbook I bought from him.

Until I recently noticed this signature I did not realize that I also have the signature of bass player Chas Newby(deceased), who performed with the Beatles on a couple of rare occasions

Someday I need to find my signatures obtained at the Fest on one of their programs of Vince Calandra, the gentleman who along with Neil Aspinall, subbed for George Harrison at the rehearsal of the first Beatles Ed Sullivan show. George was back at the hotel as he was very ill and there are pictures of Vince standing in for him. I also have Walter Shenson’s signature the producer of the “Hard Day’s Night” film on a Fest program. However most of the signatures I have obtained over the years from the Fest is from signed books either by mail order or in person.

The Beatles: The Night That Changed America – A GRAMMY Salute – Meet Vince Calandra (youtube.com)

Neil Aspinall standing in for George:

Vince Calandra standing in for George Harrison at the rehearsal for the Ed Sullivan show:

The Fest for Beatles Fans

In summary, the Fest for Beatles Fans has provided me with a motherlode of signature acquisitions for my Beatles collection for which I will always be grateful to the Lapidos family.

For further information about the catalog that the family sends out on a regular basis, please go to this site and happy Beatles hunting!!! Thanks Mark and Carol for helping to keep the magic of the Beatles alive and kicking!!!

Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

Have you been to the Fest? How many times? Who was your favourite guest?

Buzz

The Beatles

Books about The Beatles as a group

Shop now

Posted on 12/09/202412/09/2024 by Buzz — 2 Comments

YELLOW SUBMARINE AND MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR – A SIGNATURE POST

The Beatles personal involvement in Yellow Submarine was somewhat minimal. They did not even do their own voices in the animated feature until a cameo appearance at the end of the film. However, John Lennon did express frustration because he felt that some of the ideas that the Beatles had suggested for the film which were actually being used in the feature, were not being given the official acknowledgment that he felt was deserved.

As time passed and the Beatles fully came to the realization that this was becoming quite the unique groundbreaking and trailblazing animated film, they made a cameo appearance at the end of the feature! The film has received tremendous accolades over the years.

Years later Robert Zemeckis planned to do a darker version computer generated remake of the film but the project was abandoned when his studio closed shop:

Here is the story:

The Cursed History of The Beatles and Robert Zemeckis’ CGI ‘Yellow Submarine’ Movie (collider.com)

Possibly the most important contributor to the film “Yellow Submarine”, was Heinz Edelmann, whose character design set the tone for this marvelous fantasy feature. Below is a rare signature as Heinz rarely signed Yellow Submarine related items.

Heinz Edelmann was a Czechoslovakian/German illustrator and designer who passed away in 2009.

The voice of Paul:

Geoffrey William Hughes who passed away in 2012 was an English actor.

The voice of Fred: Lance Percival

John Lancelot Blades Percival who died in 2015, known as Lance Percival, was an English actor, comedian and singer.

The voices of Jeremy Hilary Boob, Lord Mayor, and Max: Dick Emery

Richard Gilbert Emery who passed away in 1983 was an English comedian and comic actor.

The voice of John: John Clive

John Clive who passed away in 2012, was an English actor and author.

Al Brodax

Instrumental in the creation of the Beatles Cartoon series, Al Brodax was also heavily involved in the creation of the film. Here is one of his signatures that I have:

Albert Philip Brodax who passed away in 2016, was an American film and television producer who in Beatles circles will always be remembered for his production of the Beatles cartoons and the highly successful Beatles animated film entitled “Yellow Submarine.”

Erich Wolf Segal who passed away in 2010 was an American author, screenwriter, and educator.

Erich Segal, a Yale University English professor and author who wrote the screenplay for the hit movie “Love Story”, was also involved as being one of the writers for the Yellow Submarine feature film. HIs involvement in the film according to several YS books was very stressful, but you will need to read the Bob Hieronimus “Yellow Submarine” books to find out why. This is one of Erich’s signatures in my collection:

While Mr. Segal was at Yale, the Yale Literary Magazine in their March 1968 issue did a feature cover story about the Beatles animated film. I acquired a copy of this magazine a few years ago and it can be very expensive to acquire now!

Considered the first Beatles failure, though in recent years there has been a reevaluation of the merits of the film.

Magical Mystery Tour

Nat Jackley as “The Rubber Man”:

Nat Jackley born as Nathaniel Tristram Jackley Hirsch passed away in 1988 was an English comic actor who starred in variety, film and pantomime from the 1920s to the mid-1980s.

Nat Jackley again:

Ivor Cutler: As well as being a comedic actor, Ivor was also a musician

Ivor Cutler born as Isadore Cutler, who passed away in 2006, was a Scottish poet, singer, musician, songwriter, artist and would also be considered a humorist.

The signature of Ivor Cutler:

Little Nicola –

Nikki Hale, courteously and kindly sent me these two signed photos. These two photos are respectfully dedicated to the memory of Nikki’s mom, Pamela Hale who passed away a few years ago.

Little Nicola Hale was only five years old when the magical Mystery Tour was filmed.

Vivian Stanshall, a member of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band:

Vivian Stanshall born as Victor Anthony Stanshall, passed away in 1995. He was an English singer-songwriter, musician, author, and poet. He is best known for his work with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

Derek Royle as Jolly Jimmy:

Derek Stanley Royle who passed away in 1990 was a British actor.

Spencer Davis,

from the Spencer Davis group was on the Magical Mystery Tour:

Spencer Davis born as Spencer David Nelson Davies, who passed away in 2020, was a Welsh musician. He founded the Spencer Davis Group which had several hits.

Victor Spinetti had the best dialog in MMT! LOL….

Victor’s biographical information appears on several other posts on this blog.

Neil Innes

The late great Neil Innes signed this Rutles promo. He was also in MMT as a member of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

Neil James Innes who passed away in 2019 was an English writer, comedian and musician. The songwriter in the Rutles, member of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and a contributor to the Monty Python shenanigans!

What are your thoughts on Yellow Submarine and mAgical Mystery Tour? Did The Beatles deserve the criticism they got? Let me know in the comments.

BUZZ

Biography

Biographical books about The Beatles or those associated with them

Shop now

Posted on 11/09/202411/09/2024 by Buzz — 5 Comments

HELP! EIGHT ARMS TO HOLD YOU…A LITTLE “HELP” COULD BE ON THE WAY!!!

This is part of one of the strangest items in my Beatles collection from the film Help! but strangely enough, one of the most appealing items to me. Several years ago on Ebay, I came across a Beatles collector located in NJ (New Jersey) who had a couple of scrapbooks for sale that featured the autographs/signatures of supporting actors and actresses from several of the Beatles movies. Some of these supporting actors like Eleanor Bron and Victor Spinetti played significant roles in the film. Many of the other actors/actresses only played small parts or simply were walk-ons.

Help! Film

However at the price that the collector was selling the scrapbooks at, I could not resist adding it to the collection. The theme of this post will be some of the signatures contained from the Beatles “Help!” film from the scrapbook. To me the item is special because it collects a good portion of the team of actors that contributed to the movie’s success. Gathering the signatures together to place them in a single document must have been a very difficult task. That is why it holds a special place for me in the collection!

Please note: Those who reside in the UK will have a much greater knowledge than me of the actors/actresses that are mentioned in the scrapbook that I was able to acquire. If you have additional information about them that you would like to share and that you would feel to be interesting to others, please share in the Comments section-Thank you!

Eleanor Bron as Ahme:

Eleanor Bron is an English stage, film and television actress, and an author!

Leo McKern as Clang:

Reginald “Leo” McKern, who passed away in 2002 was an Australian actor who appeared in numerous British, Australian and American television programs and films and performed on the stage many times during his career.

Victor Spinetti as Foot-

Victor was a Welsh born actor who passed away n 2012 and has the distinction of appearing in three of the Beatles movies:

John Bluthal as Bhuta:

Another actor other than Victor Spinetti who appeared in both “Help” and “A Hard Day’s Night.” John passed away in 2018.

Patrick Cargill as the Superintendent:

Patrick had roles in both “Help” and the Ringo Starr/Peter Sellers “Magic Christian film

Patrick Cargill who passed away in 1996 was a well-known British actor who appeared in quite a few hit television shows in the UK.

Roy Kinnear as Algernon.

He was also to play a supporting role in the “How I Won the War” film featuring Michael Crawford and John Lennon:

Roy Mitchell Kinnear who passed away in 1988 was an English character actor and comedian!

Warren Mitchell as Abdul:

Warren Mitchell aka Warren Misell; passed away in 2015 was a British actor well-known for his many UK TV appearances.

Alfie Bass as the Doorman:

Alfie Bass born as Abraham Basalinsky, passed away in 1987 was an English actor.

Peter Copley as the jeweler:

Peter Copley was an English television, film and stage actor who passed away in 2008.

When the Beatles are about to enter their apartment in Help!, they encounter a couple of ladies who are their apparent neighbors. Here is the signature of Gretchen Franklin: In that Beatles apartment, the great video of them performing “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” was staged. ( the actual filming of the scene probably occurred at the movie studio)

Gretchen Franklin

She was an English actress and dancer with a career in show business spanning over 70 years. She passed away in 2005.

Dandy Nichols as the other neighbor:

Dandy Nichols born as Daisy Sander; passed away in 1986. She was an English actress.

Wendy Richard, one of the actresses who was a part of the fabulous UK cast of the show “Are You Being Served”, was also supposed to be in Help but the scene she was in was cut from the film:

A Missing Scene from Help! – YouTube

Wendy Richard

born as Wendy Emerton; passed away in 2009. She was an English actress.

Thomas Baptiste, one of the policeman near the end of the film:

Thomas Baptiste was a Guyanese-born British actor and opera singer who passed away in 2018.

Zienia Merton as a High Priestess in the film-apparently went uncredited in the movie:

Zienia Merton who passed away in 2018 was a British actress born in Burma.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Buzz

Art & Craft

Original art and craft related to Liverpool and the Beatles

Shop now

Posted on 09/09/202409/09/2024 by Buzz — 5 Comments

MALAPROPISM -“A HARD DAY’S NIGHT” – THANKS RINGO!!!

John Lennon gave Ringo credit for contributing the title A Hard Day’s Night for the Beatles first movie even though some fans have found a reference to the phrase in John’s first book. In either case, one can imagine Ringo saying something like that very casually, as an off-the-cuff response in a conversation with someone. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you one of my favorite items from my Beatles-related autograph collection.

Autographs from A Hard Day’s Night

This set of autographs is from the Beatles film “A Hard Day’s Night.” A few years ago I purchased this wonderful collection of photos in a scrapbook accumulated by a New Jersey Beatles collector of many of the signatures of the supporting actors and actresses appearing in the Beatles first film which many consider to be a cinematic landmark.

Autographs from Help!, Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine

What made this collection of signatures so special to me is acquiring the collection of cast autographs in a single setting and at what I considered to be a bargain price. In a couple of additional posts, I will show you the signatures from the movies “Help”, “Magical Mystery Tour and a few from “Yellow Submarine” which includes some of the actors who did a few of the Beatles voices. These signatures were also acquired in the same purchase from the NJ collector mentioned above. Hope you enjoy this journey down memory lane.

A Hard Day's Night Film Poster — A Hard Day’s Night Film Poster

Richard Lester

Richard Lester Liebman is a retired American film director who directed the first two Beatles films and also directed the anti-war film that John Lennon starred in with Michael Crawford called “How I Won The War.”

Vittorio Giorgio Andre “Victor” Spinetti was a Welsh actor who passed away in 2012. He has the distinction of appearing in three Beatles films, “A Hard Day’s Night”, “Help”, and “Magical Mystery Tour.” He was also heavily involved in bringing John’s book “In His Own Write” to the British Stage as a play with the cooperation of the legendary Laurence Olivier!

John Francis Junkin, who passed away in 2006, was an English actor and scriptwriter who had a long career in radio, television and film.

Henry Wilfrid Brambell, was an Irish television and film actor who played Paul’s grandfather in the film. Brambell was also to star in the hit UK television series “Steptoe and Son”, which was to inspire the hit US television show, “Sanford and Son.” Wilfrid passed away in 1985.

Derek Robert Nimmo was an English character actor, producer and author who passed away in 1999.

Deryck Bower Guyler was an English actor who passed away in 1999.

Norman Rossington was an English actor who passed away in 1999.

Anne Veronica Maria Quayle, known professionally as Anna Quayle, was an English actress who passed away in 2019.

Richard Vernon was an English actor who specialized playing aristocratic roles. He passed away in 1997.

Lionel Blair, born Henry Lionel Ogus, passed away in 2021 was a Canadian-born British actor and choreographer.

Kenneth William Michael Haigh was an English actor who passed away in 2018.

This photo in particular makes me feel the pangs of getting older. The actor who played this young boy, David Janson, is now in his 70’s.

David Janson is an English actor and theatre director: The segment he performed with Ringo in the film was unquestionably, my favorite scene!