Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Cathy Wurzer

Magical Mystery Tour film was a rare Beatles dud

Magical Mystery Tour
The Beatles look out of the Magical Mystery Tour coach skylight, on location in England in September 1967.
Apple Films Ltd/Channel Thirteen, via NPR

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

"The Magical Mystery Tour" debuted on BBC television 50 years ago Tuesday.

The 52-minute film was conceived by the Beatles and mostly improvised as they drove around England with a busload of people.

Critics panned the film and Paul McCartney later apologized for it.

One of the more unusual scenes was filmed at Raymond's Revuebar in London. The Beatles are part of a crowd watching the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. That group shares the stage with a burlesque dancer and the song they perform would later inspire an indie-rock band to call themselves Death Cab for Cutie.

Hear the full Morning Edition music segment by using the audio player above.