Magical Mystery Tour

摘要

Even before the histo- ry of the Beatles was recorded in The Beatles Anthology (Chronicle Books; 367 pages; $60), it was written on the faces of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Just look at the comedy-musical A Hard Day's Night (1964), from the dawn of Beatlema-nia: the footage is black and white, the lads are all in proper-looking suits, their hair cut just below their ears, their faces bright and clean shaven (except for McCartney's fake goatee in the opening scene). Then screen the edgier Let It Be (1970), the documentary that recorded the Fab Four's final days: the film is in gritty color, and the music is tougher. The lads are now men, their hair grown down to their shoulders. McCartney's full beard is real. The suits are long gone, and most of the smiles too.