Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

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If it weren't for a couple of inspired performances, as well as the time-capsule weirdness of it all, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band would be definitively unwatchable. This misguided effort to dramatize the classic Beatles album (the Fab Four had nothing to do with it, thank goodness) also includes tunes from other Beatles LPs, strung together in lumbering '70s rock-opera style. Peter Frampton, then at the crest of his brief run at the top, stars as Billy Shears, with the Bee Gees wearing the glossy day-glo band jackets from the Pepper album cover. Earth, Wind & Fire turn in a spirited revamp of "Got to Get You into My Life," and Aerosmith thrash their way through "Come Together"; but most of the performances are pretty awful. Out-and-out novelties include Steve Martin doing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and George Burns (but of course) warbling "Fixing a Hole." This high-profile 1978 flop helped kill the hot streak (Saturday Night Fever, Grease) of record and movie producer Robert Stigwood and sink his RSO movie-music empire. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

For the benbfit of Mr. Kite.......2007-09-03

I loved this show ever since I was a kid. One of the few times big name bands worked together to produce a movie. It may be the last time we see something like this come together.

Musical, Fun and Campy.......2007-07-28

Although the Beatles are not performing, the Bee Gee's and Peter Frampton do a wonderful job singing the Beatles' songs. Most of the familiar songs are included. My favorites are all on this DVD. My original was VHS and I remember when we watched it as a family it became a sing-a-long. Also performing in the movies were: Steve Martin, George Burns, Billy Preston, Aerosmith, and Earth Wind and Fire. It is an enjoyable movie and has become a favorite of our teenage grandsons, who have heard of, but were born too late to experience the great talents of the original Fab 4.

bee gees.......2007-06-08

great to have - the boys are at their best and it is a good rememberance piece

Rating of zero is generous.......2007-05-24

I'll challenge anyone who may think they are a bigger fan of the Beatles than myself, however, this is the absolute WORST movie I had ever had the displeasure of viewing in my life. I simply cannot understand how the Beatles could have given the rights to their music to an outfit who could make such a disaster. This is actually painful to watch; you'd get more enjoyment out of watching paint dry. Don't waste your money.

Hidden classic.......2007-05-14

I had known that The Beatles made movies to go a long with some of their albums, like Help! and Yellow Submarine, but I had never heard of this one. My husband had seen it as a child and recently made me rent it and boy am I glad! This movie is amazing! We ended up purchasing it shortly after. It stars the Bee Gees and Peter Frampton with tons of special guest stars. This may sound strange, but their performances are amazing and they add a whole new dimension to the album. The whole movie seems to parallel The Beatles rise to fame and the sex, money and corruption that goes along with it. I think this movie is a classic and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

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