Help! 1965

This film presents a tale far from ordinary. After receiving a ring from an enthusiastic fan, Ringo unwittingly finds himself entangled in a perilous situation as the target of a sinister eastern cult. The legendary Fab Four — John, Paul, George, and Ringo Starr — embark on a chaotic journey to rid themselves of this deadly ornament. They encounter mad scientists, the vigilant Scotland Yard, an entire cohort of Nassau police officers, and even a wayward long-distance swimmer along the way.

As the narrative unfolds, we learn of an extravagant religious cult led by the bombastic Clang, portrayed by Leo McKern, who is fervently involved in its annual ritual of sacrificing a young nymph to appease the god Kieli. However, complications arise when they discover that the sacrificial ring, crucial to the ceremony, is not adorning their chosen maiden but is instead perched on Ringo’s finger. Without delay, the cult sets in motion a frantic mission to retrieve the ring, resorting to desperate measures to ensure that the sacrificial occasion goes off without a hitch. Thus, the stage is set for a series of adventures in Help!, as this quirky group aims to satisfy their god’s demands, brandishing an array of sharp implements in a comical pursuit of the Beatles.

The driving force behind the Beatles’ antics hinges upon removing the ring from Ringo’s hand to return it to the cult before they meet an untimely end. The situation gets more complicated when a charming cult member named Ahme, played by Eleanor Bron, begins to take a liking to the Fab Four, especially to Paul, and takes it upon herself to thwart the cult’s relentless efforts. Time and again, the group’s attempts to seize Ringo are foiled, either due to the Beatles’ clever evasion tactics or the cult’s own comical ineptitude.

In their desperation, the Fab Four seek the assistance of a delusional scientist, Professor Foot, portrayed by Victor Spinetti, who has his own ambitions for the ring’s power—he believes it will grant him the ability to “rule the world” while escaping the torturous demands of government grants for research. As the Beatles shift their focus to Scotland Yard, a pompous police inspector, played by John Bluthal, devises a scheme to ensnare the cult. Yet, much to his chagrin, Ringo becomes ensnared regardless, leading the cult to set up an impromptu beachside sacrificial site with aid from their nation’s militia.

Amidst their frantic escape from England to places like Austria and the Bahamas, it becomes evident that there’s always a perfect moment for one of their iconic musical performances to break the tension. The blend of absurdity, wit, and catchy tunes creates an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Fab Four, reminding us that the storyline, while chaotic, serves merely as a backdrop for delightful nonsense.