A conversation that I’ve frequently had in The Nag’s Head is the ever contentious subject of The Rolling Stones or The Beatles? What follows can range from a pleasant discussion about music to an argument as heated as Question Time and a family dinner combined.
However when people have ultimately accepted that The Beatles are the right answer (I never said I was the good guy in this story). The far more interesting conversation that follows is Who is your favourite Beatle.
There are ways to approach this conversation.
Some decide based on whoever wrote the most of their favourite songs, in which case it’s probably Lennon or McCartney for me.
Some might base it on their solo work outside of the Beatles in which case its Harrison or Starr for me.
Some might prefer to root for the Underdog! In which case Pete Best is the only option.
Actually the most fun way to decide on your favourite Beatle is by critiquing who they are as people. Because judging others will always be a fun if unhealthy pastime!
Of course a film blog debating the favourite Beatle might come across as a little off topic, but it is easy to forget the incredible mark that one Beatle made on the British Film Industry with the production company HandMade Films.
George Harrison by 1990 had earned 28 Producer Credits.
Starting out with music films like Let It Be and Magical Mystery Tour. Which were less about filmmaking and more an extension of his musical career. Harrison would go on to Executive Produce 23 Feature Length Films among other projects, including classic films Life of Brian, Withnail and I and The Long Good Friday.
The “World’s Most Expensive Cinema Ticket”
Harrison’s first film Feature Length film was the British Comedy Drama Little Malcolm and his Struggle against the Eunuchs, which was largely lost and was later eclipsed by the success of HandMade films, the production company founded by Harrison and his business partner O’Brien. It would produce several films ranging including comedy (Life of Brien) Crime (The Long Good Friday) fantasy (Time Bandits) and Drama (The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne).
The world renowned biblical parody by Monty Python was saved from development hell and ultimate shelfing by Harrison after EMI Films had withdrawn their backing due to the controversial subject matter and a fear of box office retribution from a religious audience.
With only days until principal photography was to begin and now without a budget, George Harrison allegedly mortgaged his house to ensure The Life of Brian was possible simply because he wanted to see the film. Which in the day of cynical studio executives rinsing franchises and making life otherwise difficult for independent film, is a lovely thing to look back at. Because really the only reason to make a film should be “Do I want to see this film”.
Perhaps even then Harrison new that Controversy can pay as theatre goers turned out in droves to see the Monty Python comedy, regardless of chastising from religious leaders, politicians and PTA groups and The Life of Brian would gross over $20,000,000.
Monty Python alumni would further the success of HandMade Films with their comedy film Time Bandits.
HandMade films would sustain the British film industry through the eighties, producing some of the time’s most memorable films including the Five Corners, Mona Lisa and possibly the most iconic since their Life of Brian debut; Withnail and I a film still taught about in film schools across the country.
Alas, the ending is not a happy one.
Box Office Bombs would create a difficult financial situation for HandMade Films and as a result Harrison himself, causing his relationship with his once close friend and business partner O’Brian to sour and become entangled in lawsuits.
Ultimately the company was sold to Paragon Entertainment Corporation and brought Harrison’s involvement in the industry to a close.
Although despite the overwhelming difficulty of the situation Harrison never expressed any regret at his venture into filmmaking and is celebrated now not only as a driving force in the music of the time, but also a pillar of film history.
Decades after his untimely death, George Harrison’s name will always be on the films he made possible, careers were launched because of him, audiences were awed because of him, budding filmmakers were inspired because of him and the world will be a slightly better place because of his willingness to take a risk with a biblical comedy.
More producers like this please!
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T H E N A I V E F I L M M A K E R 