"Paperback Writer" and "Rain" broadcast on UK television • The Paul McCartney Project

Timeline More from year 1966

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The Beatles were unwilling to appear on television to promote their upcoming new single, “Paperback Writer / Rain.” Instead, they took part in a two-day shoot, on May 19 and May 20, 1966, which produced seven promotional films for the two songs.

According to Mark Lewisohn, in his book “The Complete Beatles Chronicle“, those promotional films were broadcast on UK television at the following dates:

June 2, 1966: “Paperback Writer – Version 4” (Top of the Pops)
June 3, 1966: “Paperback Writer – Version 3” and “Rain – Version 2” (Ready Steady Go!)
June 9, 1966: “Rain – Version 3” (Top of the Pops)
June 23, 1966: “Paperback Writer – Version 4” (Top of the Pops – rediffusion)
June 25, 1966: “Paperback Writer – Version 2” (Thank Your Lucky Stars)

However, these dates do not match what was published in the UK musical press at the time, most articles pointing to a first broadcast of “Paperback Writer” and “Rain” (unknown versions) in Top of the Pops on June 9, the day before the release of the single in the UK.

Although they were unwilling to go on TV, The Beatles agreed to appear on Top of the Pops on June 16, 1966, where they performed mimed versions of “Paperback Writer” and “Rain.”

Version	Filmed	Color or B&W?	Description	Broadcast
Version&nbsp1	May 19, 1966	Colour	The Beatles are seated in this version and are wearing coloured sunglasses. John and Paul are without jackets. This version was included in the three-disc versions of the compilation “1+”, released in 2015.	June 5, 1966, in “The Ed Sullivan Show“, in the US
Version &nbsp2	May 19, 1966	Black & white	Take 1 N&B. The Beatles are seated, only John Lennon is wearing sunglasses and his jacket.	June 25, 1966, in “Thank Your Lucky Stars“, in the UK
Version &nbsp3	May 19, 1966	Black & white	Takes 2 N&B and 3 N&B were edited together. A take 4 was unused. The Beatles are standing.	June 3, 1966, in “Ready Steady Go“, in the UK
Version &nbsp4	May 20, 1966	Colour	The Beatles are filmed at Chiswick House. This version was included in the three-disc versions of the compilation “1+”, released in 2015.	June 2, 1966, in “Top Of The Pops“, in the UK (in black & white)

“Paperback Writer” promo films

Version	Filmed	Colour or B&W?	Description	Broadcast
Version &nbsp1	May 19, 1966	Colour	The Beatles are standing.	June 5, 1966, in “The Ed Sullivan Show”, in the US
Version &nbsp2	May 19, 1966	Black & white	Two takes of “Rain” were edited together to create this version. A brand new restored edit, taken from both takes, was released on the compilation “1+”, released in 2015.	June 3, 1966, in “Ready Steady Go“, in the UK
Version &nbsp3	May 20, 1966	Colour	The Beatles are filmed at Chiswick House. This version was included in the three-disc versions of the compilation “1+”, released in 2015.	June 9, 1966, in “Top Of The Pops“, in the UK

“Rain” promo films

BEATLES FILM INSERTS FOR ED SULLIVAN, TOP OF THE POPS TV

THE BEATLES began filming a colour insert for Ed Sullivan’s U.S. TV show yesterday (Thursday) at a London studio, where they are also telerecording inserts for use next month in British TV shows! John, Paul, George and Ringo are doing both sides of their forthcoming single for the sequence which will be the highlight of the Sullivan Show on Sunday, June 5.

Late on Wednesday, because of New York commitments, Ed Sullivan cancelled plans to fly to London to appear with the Beatles in the film they were making for him.

The Beatles are almost certain to be seen (on film) in BBC-1’s “Top Of The Pops” on June 9 — the day before the record “Paperback Writer”/“Rain” is issued in Britain. Negotiations are taking place for a different insert to be used in ABC-TV’s “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” possibly on June 18 (19th in London), but the NME understands that Rediffusion is not prepared to make an exception in its policy of not using filmed items on “Ready, Steady, Go !”

NO NEGOTIATIONS

A spokesman for ABC-TV’s “Eamonn Andrews Show” said that there had been no negotiations between its producer and Brian Epstein for the Beatles to make an appearance in the programme, in connection with the release of the new single.

Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, as well as Peter and Gordon, will join the Beatles on their German concerts next month at Munich (24th), Essen (25th) and Hamburg (26th).

The Beatles’ Far East dates have all been brought forward by one day, and their concerts at the 33,000-capacity Budo Kan Stadium in Tokio are now on June 30, July 1 and 2. Their performance at Manila’s national football stadium will be on July 4.
From New Musical Express – May 20, 1966

Beatles’ TV

BEATLES spent last week taping inserts for TV programmes to promote their new single “Paperback Writer” and “Rain.’’ They will be used on “Top Of The Pops” on June 9. And there is a possibility of a “Thank Your Lucky Stars” appearance on June 19.
From Disc And Music Echo – May 28, 1966

Beatles’ TV spots fixed!

BEATLES’ filmed inserts to promote “Paperback Writer” and “Rain” will be shown on “Top Of The Pops” tonight (Thursday) and next week (June 9).

Beatles will also be on “Ready, Steady, Go!” (10), “Scene At 6.30” (13) and “Thank Your Lucky Stars” (25).

A colour sequence of the insert, filmed in the grounds of Chiswick House last month, is to be shown on America’s Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday (5).

Brian Epstein, who has been holidaying in Spain, left Madrid on Monday to fly to New York for talks about the Beatles’ August visit to America.
From Disc And Music Echo – June 4, 1966

TV DATES

The boys thought they’d like to film their TV appearances which are due to come up with the release of their new single, so on May 19th and 20th they were in front of the cameras at EMI studios and Chiswick House in London. You will see the result on Top of the Pops on BBC TV on June 9 as well as other shows. And the Americans — lucky devils — will see the film in full colour on the Ed Sullivan show on June 5.
From The Beatles Monthly Book – June 1966