UK premiere of the “Let It Be” film
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The film Let It Be was premiered in Liverpool and London, but none of the Beatles turned up to see it.
The film had its première on Wednesday 20 May 1970 and although The Beatles didn’t attend, some figures of their world were present: Cynthia Lennon and Jane Asher, Richard Lester, Mary Hopkin, several members of The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac.
Wednesday May 20 The Let It Be film opens today in Britain with special simultaneous Gala North–South premiere events. In the South, crowds surge upon the London Pavilion where guests include Spike Milligan, Mary Hopkin, Julie Felix, Sir Joseph Lockwood, Richard Lester, Simon Dee, Julie Edge and Lulu. Not to mention fifty dancing members of the Hare Krishna group and various members of The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac pop groups. Most noticeable in the crowd are women no longer involved with The Beatles, John’s ex-wife Cynthia Lennon and, two years after her split from Paul, the actress Jane Asher. Before entering the cinema, Spike is playfully pictured by the press, alongside the police, trying to hold back the large excited crowds. At the conclusion of its first week at the 1,004-seat cinema, where Let It Be was screened a total of 41 times, the film nets approximately £6,229. Brian Millwood, on behalf of UA, announces: “We’re happy with the start made by the film. It’s by no means the biggest take for the house, but it’s nevertheless good.” Let It Be will run at the London Pavilion for five weeks until Tuesday June 23, when it is replaced by the Mick Jagger film Ned Kelly. Meanwhile in Liverpool, the northern premiere takes place with a comparatively quiet, invitation only, event at the Gaumont in Camden Street, London Road. (The screenings at both cinemas commence at 8:45pm.) Let It Be will eventually go on to be released in 100 major cities around the world.
Badman, Keith. The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After The Break-Up 1970-2001 . Music Sales. Kindle Edition.
The Beatles’ Let It Be film is premiered in London at the London Pavilion and in Liverpool at the Gaumont in Camden Street…
Badman, Keith. The Beatles: Off The Record 2 – The Dream is Over: Dream Is Over Vol 2 (p. 14). Music Sales. Kindle Edition.
The four Beatles skipped the 1970 premiere of “Let It Be.” Was that in protest?
As we now know, the Beatles were in the process of breaking up when the film was getting ready to go. People were feeling perhaps rancorous toward each other; they weren’t getting on. They announced their breakup in April 1970, and “Let It Be” was released in May. “Let It Be” was collateral damage. People didn’t see it for what it was, and went looking for what it wasn’t.
Michael Lindsay-Hogg – Interview with New York Times, April 16, 2024
Last updated on April 17, 2024