We Can Work It Out (Intertel promo video - version 3)

On November 23, 1965, The Beatles gathered at Twickenham Film Studios to film a series of promotional films, later known collectively as the Intertel promos (named after Intertel, the video production company used for the shoot). Five songs were taped that day: their new double-A side single “We Can Work It Out” / “Day Tripper“, as well as earlier 1965 hits “I Feel Fine“, “Ticket to Ride” and “Help!“.

The Beatles filmed three promotional films for “We Can Work It Out.”

The third version opens with a still photograph of John Lennon holding a sunflower in front of his eye, before cutting to a live-action performance. The photograph was taken during the filming of [Help!] at Cliveden House. The Beatles then appear wearing the beige military-style jackets they had worn for their August 1965 Shea Stadium concert. John is seated, playing the harmonium, as is George on guitar, while Paul and Ringo remain standing.

The miming is deliberately light-hearted rather than serious. Paul struggles to keep a straight face as John plays the fool throughout the performance, and by the end Paul finally bursts out laughing.

It is believed, without certainty, that this version was broadcast on UK television in December 1965.

It was released on the 2015 “1+” DVD/Blu-Ray compilation.

In this promo film The Beatles are dressed in what are popularly referred to as their ‘Shea Stadium’ jackets – a reference to their record-breaking appearance at the New York Stadium show on 15 August 1965. The band had, in fact, already worn the hip-length Nehru jackets with their distinctive collars, back in April 1965 at the NME Poll Winners’ Show at the Empire Pool. Wembley and during the filming of Help! Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was photographed for Vogue magazine wearing a tailored jacket with a short stand-up collar in 1964, and the style was named after him. This clip id from the third version of a promo for “We Can Work It Out” shot that day.

From the liner notes of the 2015 “1+” DVD/Blu-Ray compilation.

The Intertel promo clips filmed on this day:

Official film releases (Full or Partial)

Going further

• https://www.beatlesonfilm.com/tb19651405a.html