Just before the sexual revolution took root and the Love Generation began to show its skin, young teenagers across the U.S. were learning to swivel and sway along with Elvis and his blue suede shoes. In February 1964, four unassuming young men from Liverpool, England – John, Paul, George and Ringo – hit U.S. shores in the first wave of the “British Invasion.” Young filmmakers, Albert and David Maysles were there to document the moment, which just a year later was understood as “historic.”

In their signature direct cinema style, the Maysles captured the Fab Four on the brink of stardom—a moment that kicked off the first of many of the band’s transformations: from clean-cut to carefree, from insular to international, from a local barband to a global phenomenon. WHAT’S HAPPENING! is a freewheeling, light-hearted and candid account of The Beatles’ first arrival in New York City. Rare scenes capturing their crazed reception at JFK contrast with the quiet, private moments inside the Plaza Hotel in preparation for their landmark Ed Sullivan Show appearance. The Maysles chronicle both the emergence of their public personas and a last intimate glimpse at the rising stars who would soon become legends.

-Sky Sitney

 
Free outdoor screening on the Silver Plaza in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring on Friday, June 20 at 9:00 p.m.

Screening sponsored by: