“Let It Be” Director Gives Story Behind George and Paul’s Fight

Michael Lindsay-Hogg, director of the 1970 film Let It Be, downplayed the significance of a well-known spat between Paul McCartney and George Harrison captured during the making of the Beatles’ final album.

In an interview with Grammy.com, Lindsay-Hogg remarked that the exchange was typical of the band’s interactions. He explained:

“Nothing was going to be in the picture that they didn’t want.
“They never commented on that. They took that exchange as like many other exchanges they’d had over the years … but, of course, since they’d broken up a month before [the film’s release], everyone was looking for little bits of sharp metal on the sand to think why they’d broken up.”

The exchange in question happened during the often tumultuous recording sessions for the 1970 album. Harrison, frustrated with McCartney’s instructions, said:

“I’ll play, you know, whatever you want me to play, or I won’t play at all if you don’t want me to play. Whatever it is that will please you … I’ll do it.”

The restored version of the long-unavailable film recently premiered on Disney+. Peter Jackson, who led the creation of the 2021 miniseries The Beatles: Get Back, played a crucial role in restoring the film, which Lindsay-Hogg originally directed as the Beatles prepared to record a follow-up to The White Album.

Contrary to the common belief about the Beatles’ relationship during the film’s production, Lindsay-Hogg shared that after showing them a rough cut, the band members were in good spirits. He recalled:

“Paul said he thought Let It Be was good. We’d all done a good job. And Ringo [Starr] and [his wife] Maureen were jiving to the music until two in the morning.
“They had a really, really good time. And you can see like [in the film], on their faces, their interactions — it was like it always was.”

Lindsay-Hogg Thought the Film Would Never Be Released Again

Let It Be has been largely out of circulation since its 1970 premiere, with brief discussions in the early ’80s about a re-release. Lindsay-Hogg admitted he feared the film would never resurface. He noted:

“I went through many years of thinking, It’s not going to come out.
“Then suddenly the sun comes out. And someone opens the cell door, and Let It Be walks out.”

In addition to the restored film now available on Disney+, a new music video for the song “Let It Be” was created using clips from the movie and previously unseen outtakes. This fresh presentation offers fans a unique glimpse into the band’s final days together, celebrating their enduring legacy and musical genius.

With this renewed attention, Lindsay-Hogg hopes that viewers will appreciate the true nature of the Beatles’ interactions and the artistry behind their final project. The restored film stands as a testament to the band’s enduring impact on music and culture.