Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)

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 Amazon.com

Feel Good

If you like the B.G.'s , the Beatles, Aerosmith ,Steve Martin, Alice Cooper and many more - this is the movie for you - - It was over too soon. Fun and easy on the eye's - - October 21, 2008

2 hours of fun!

I know a lot of people are looking for plot to this movie. Hey now, in Classic Beatles movie style, it has no particular plot or story much like Magical Mystery Tour. The movie's feature is the music, and if watched in a slightly altered state, it's a blast. I personally have avoided this movie for a long time, based on critics' reviews. However, I love the Beatles music too much and I was curious about the Bee Gees Role in this flick. I was impressed. I think they were actually playing and singing in their songs! Maurice was especially awesome as Ringo! He was hitting the beats and didn't look silly. The updated renditions were really good for 1978, I was expecting it to be more disco. A lot of the artists came up with very neat arrangements in updated fashion. I think you need a sense of humor to enjoy this movie. There is a serious side to this movie that craps on the record industry. The segment where they get drugged by the big chiefs at BD Records and sign a Contract under the influence has probably happened more times than we would want to know. If it's true that careers were ruined by this movie, I think this is a shame. It looks like it was all in fun with no big agenda other than a grand tribute to the late 60's Beatles. All the songs have a little story line to them and someone needed to interpret them in a visual way. This is as good as any, because the Beatles never did after MMT. It's no more silly than Yellow Submarine and people praise this cartoon. Give it a try and smile! October 18, 2008

Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

I HAD great expectations about this dvd.. cause I dearly love the Bee Gees, but to me, I didnt get pass 30 minutes, and just ejected it...
October 10, 2008

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

I loved this movie the first time I saw it and I love it still. I am a big fan of musicals August 2, 2008

Cult classic- expect cheesiness!

If you expect this movie to be a prolific account of the Beatles catalog, expect to be disappointed. This is by far, the cheesiest movie I have ever seen. What I love about it, is the way it captures the pop culture scene of the late 70s. With the idolatry of artists like Elvis, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin... I think the late 70s really taught us to enjoy a whole type of music. Incorporating the Bee Gees, Frampton, Aerosmith, Earth Wind & Fire into one movie breaks down the barriers of music.

The only speaking part in this film goes to the wonderfully entertaining George Burns. Giving Robin Gibb a speaking part probably would have ruined the movie, but the covers are beautiful. Aerosmith 'Come Together' and EW&F 'Got To Get You Into My Life' remain radio hits, and the reason I wanted to see the movie.

And besides, where else can you find a Star Wars-like battle between a demented Steve Martin and 70s heartthrob Peter Frampton?

Enjoy- I sure did! July 17, 2008

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