On July 17th, 1968, The Beatles presented their animated musical fantasy film Yellow Submarine to the world for the very first time. Making its initial premiere at the London Pavilion on Piccadilly Circus, the film received huge praises of success from its multifaceted audiences. Critics and fans alike were eager to see the British rock band’s masterpiece, and it was positively accepted by the general public.
Taking a real step forward by incorporating animated motion as a serious art form, Yellow Submarine explores the concepts of Time, Science, Monsters, Nothing; and beyond. While fighting music-hating “Blue Meanings” and navigating the depths of the sea, the film incorporated Beatles hits like “Eleanor Rigby”, “A Day In The Life”, “All Together Now”, “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”, and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” to lead the characters through their picturesque journey.
While apparently less-than-willing to be involved with such a film, The Beatles only participated in the closing scene, despite being promoted as actors in the film. In any such way, their compositions and performances led the beauty of the film through a smashing success that brought them back into the spotlight, after their trip to India and the recording of the White Album.
Let’s take a “sail up to the sun” with this scene from the film:
Yellow Submarine
[Video: The Beatles]