Having already dominated radio and record sales in 1964, The Beatles did the improbable and took over the movies as well. A blast of wit, energy, enthusiasm, and music that somehow hasn’t abated in the past 61 years, A Hard Day’s Night remains an easy contender for the greatest rock ‘n’ roll film of all time.

From the very first scene, in which the gleeful Beatles try to outrun their shrieking fans in a train station, the movie soars. The Beatles were lucky enough to connect with director Richard Lester (and he with them!). The American expat had worked on BBC radio’s The Goon Show (The Beatles’ favorite show) with Peter Sellers, so his sensibilities were right in line with the Fab Four.

The Beatles couldn’t be having more fun, and it’s totally infectious. It’s an exhilarating romp, one high point after the other (oh, to have been at that party!), punctuated by scenes of music-making that are still remarkable.

In his rave review, Roger Ebert said, “Even in a film with so many riches, it’s easy to pick the best scene: The concert footage as The Beatles sing ‘She Loves You’ (is) one of the most sustained orgasmic sequences in the movies.”

If you’ve never seen this film, it’s hard to explain the treat you’re in for. And be warned: we’ll be playing it LOUD!