Directed by Richard Lester and starring the Beatles at the height of Beatlemania, A Hard Day's Night isn't just an influential musical, it's an incredibly joyous one. In honor of the film's 50th anniversary, the Criterion Collection's released a new special DVD/Blu-ray edition of the movie, and a restored version is opening in theaters around the U.S. on July 4. Here are 19 reminders of why A Hard Day's Night isn't just for Beatles' fans, and why it's one of the most jubilant films of all time.
1. When the Beatles flee from their adoring fans during the opening credits.
2. When John snorts a bottle of soda.
3. When the Beatles tease a stuffy passenger.
"Hey mister, can we have our ball back?"
4. When Ringo shows off his dance-fighting moves.
5. When George gives a shaving lesson.
"Honestly, my mind boggles at the very idea."
6. When George takes a mean photo.
7. When John tells a reporter how he found America.
8. When Ringo's asked if he's a mod or a rocker.
9. When George is asked what he'd call the hairstyle he's wearing.
10. When John is a hopeless flirt.
11. When there's the greatest montage of silliness to "Can't Buy Me Love."
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"Sorry we hurt your field, mister."
12. When John's told he doesn't actually look like John Lennon at all.
13. When Paul has a Shakespearean moment.
14. When John, Paul, and George don't know how to split up.
15. When Ringo turns out to be terrible at striking out alone.
16. When Ringo turns out to be REALLY terrible at striking out alone.
17. When George does some DIY special effects.
18. When Ringo gets broken out of jail.
19. When the Beatles finally play their concert and the fans scream the world down.
