1970 - LET IT BE, legendary unseen Beatles documentary is finally seen.

The director, Michael Lindsay-Hogg probably had his hands full during the making of this Beatles documentary which turned out to be filmed as the group was finally breaking up.  Let It Be is supposed to be about the Beatles but the film should probably be called Let It Be starring Paul McCartney with featured players The Beatles because McCartney really dominates the film. 

You really don't get a sense of George Harrison's discontent during the recording sessions, he actually quit the group for a few days until he was lured back.  It's clear during one point in the film Harrison isn't crazy about McCartney telling him how to play his guitar.  McCartney is plainly in the "I'm taking over The Beatles," mode.

John Lennon looks mighty disengaged during the sessions.  The presence of his girlfriend Yoko Ono who hovers next to him during the recording sessions is almost like she was super glued to him.  Yoko doesn't utter a word but she does seem kind of intimidating throughout the film.  Ringo is Ringo.

 

The film was rescued by Peter Jackson and remastered with his company's usual technical wizardary.  It's been playing on the Disney Channel.  If you are a Beatles fan and interested in the group's history you can give it a look but there doesn't seem to be much here.  The film was clearly heavily edited to present The Beatles in the best light that was possible at the time of filming. It's probably amazing they got a film out of these recording sessions at all.

The film runs 80 minutes.