Help! (1965)
-
91% of critics liked it
(22 reviews) -
85% of users liked it
(27,445 ratings)
In their second feature with director Richard Lester, who oversaw the massive hit A Hard Day's Night, the Beatles again aim for a mix of goofy comedy and sterling pop music. There is slightly more of a plot this time, though it is a patently ridiculous one: a sacred ruby ring comes into… More In their second feature with director Richard Lester, who oversaw the massive hit A Hard Day's Night, the Beatles again aim for a mix of goofy comedy and sterling pop music. There is slightly more of a plot this time, though it is a patently ridiculous one: a sacred ruby ring comes into Ringo's possession, attracting the unwelcome attention of an exotic religious cult and forcing the boys to go on the run. This chase narrative is thankfully never taken too seriously, serving mainly as an excuse for colorful excursions to international locations from Europe to the Bahamas. The musical numbers include such classic tunes as "Ticket to Ride," "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," and, of course, "Help!". ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Directed By
- Richard Lester
- Written By
- Marc Behm, Charles Wood
- Genres
- Musical & Performing Arts, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jul 29, 1965 Wide
Critic Reviews
-
Mark Bourne, Film.com
For casual viewers, the whole thing has a retro charm. For Beatles fans, it's a flawed but essential film.
-
Derek Adams, Time Out
A Hard Day's Night may be more primitive, but it also seems more spontaneous.
-
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
The boys themselves are exuberant and uninhibited in their own genial way. They just become awfully redundant and -- dare I say it? -- dull.
-
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Madcap, nonsensical romp with the Beatles.
-
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
A fascinatingly manic adventure-comedy that doesn't always work as well as it might, but has worn much better than some of the other films made in the same vein at the same time.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Beatles The
as Themselves
-
Leo McKern
as Clang
-
Eleanor Bron
as Ahme
-
Victor Spinetti
as Prof. Foot
-
Roy Kinnear
as Algernon
-
Patrick Cargill
as Superintendent
-
John Bluthal
as Bhuta
-
Alfie Bass
as Doorman
-
Warren Mitchell
as Abdul
-
Peter Copley
as Jeweller
-
Bruce Lacey
as Lawnmower
- Thomas Baptiste
- Ronnie Brody
-
Golda Casimir
as Cleaner in Temple
- Vera Cook
- Mary Ford
-
Gretchen Franklin
as Woman in Street
-
Andrea Malandrinos
as Austrian Waiter
- Zienia Merton
-
Dandy Nichols
as Woman in Street
- Jenny Till
-
George Harrison
as George
- John Lennon
- Jeremy Lloyd
- Paul McCartney
- Ringo Starr
- Ian Wilson
-
Rupert Holliday Evans
as Priest, Thug
- Blake Butler
- Eve Eden
- Joe Gibbons
- Stewart Guidotti
- Alex MacIntosh
- Susan Reid
- Edith Saville
-
Mal Evans
as Cross Channel Swimmer
- John Louis Mansi


