A Hard Day’s Night (1964, b/w)

BBC TWO, 12.20PM ★★★★★

Over 54 years later, the first and best of the five Beatles films feels fresher and cheekier than ever. It follows the band on a brief trip from Liverpool to London, where they play at a televised concert. Its visions of Britain and stardom are as peculiar and vivid as they were years ago, and it all remains roaringly funny. The songs kindle the mood, amp up excitement and urge everything forward to the joyous concert finale.