A week after his tragic death, an odd tribute.
Dec. 16, 1980 review
For Lennon Fans, Film Is Part of His Legacy
After a
week of grief over the death of John Lennon, the 700-plus fans who gathered in
Shea's Buffalo Monday night to see the Beatles' 1967 film "Magical Mystery
Tour" seemed more in the mood to celebrate.
More
than an hour before the projector started rolling, they lingered good-naturedly
in the lobby, sipping the free glass of wine that came with the price of
admission, nibbling at the trays of cheese and keeping half an ear on the
borrowed sound system, which blared Beatles hits and interviews from the
balcony.
Some
had been at Sunday's vigil for Lennon in Delaware Park. Many had been shaken
deeply by his murder. All had been touched somehow by his life and his music.
WGR
deejay Shane seemed to strike the right note as he introduced the film, saying
that we have not lost all of John Lennon as long as his music survives and how
this occasion should celebrate "the world we all hope for, living with
each other in peace someday."
"Magical
Mystery Tour" is the least-known, least-shown Beatles film. Sixth minutes
long, shot on videotape, intended for TV, it's full of arty camera angles and
quick cuts, a cross between the wacked-out humor of the Goon Show and the
pre-taped pieces groups make these days for televised rock shows.
It
starts out with great promise, the Beatles off aboard this brightly colored bus
with all these British tourist types. Ringo brings his fat Aunt Jessica. The
crusty Buster Bloodvessel falls in love with her. Fantasy and funning abound.
Lennon,
of course, was cheered loudly whenever the camera found him. In one scene, he
unsuccessfully tries a guessing game with a pre-teen girl. In another, he's a
slick-haired waiter dumping cake on fat Aunt Jessica's table with a shovel.
But
it's all scattershot comedy. Scenes are quickly milked for laughs and
abandoned. In other Beatles films, the quartet plays protagonists. Here they're
remote figures. Stardom has anesthetized them.
As they
cakewalk in white tuxedos down the big stairway for "Your Mother Should
Know," the movie's ambivalence between high seriousness and high mockery
hangs suspended for one moment of belief.
Then, without warning, the final credits flash. Like the Beatles, like
John Lennon, the end arrives too soon.
* * * * *
IN THE PHOTO: Film poster for "Magical Mystery
Tour."
* * * * *
FOOTNOTE: Tucked into a corner below the review was
this Associated Press story datelined New York:
"Yoko
Ono has sent her blessings and thanks to the hundreds of thousands around the
world who kept a silent vigil of affection and respect for her slain husband,
ex-Beatle John Lennon.
"In
a five-line statement sent to news media Monday, the widow told those who
observed the 10-minute vigil on Sunday:
"Bless
you for your tears and prayers.
"I
saw John smiling in the sky.
"I
saw sorrow changing into clarity.
"I
saw all of us becoming one mind.
"Thank
you."
The note was signed, "Love, Yoko."
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