LYNN — The Beatles’ animated feature film “Yellow Submarine,” celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will be shown on the big screen at Lynn Auditorium July 28.
“Yellow Submarine” features a silly but entertaining plot: The Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his Yellow Submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music-hating Blue Meanies.
The film has been restored in full 4K digital resolution, and to bring out the best sound of the film’s Beatles songs, including Fab Four faves “All Together Now,” “All You Need Is Love” and the title track, the auditorium will use its full PA system, usually reserved for the many concerts presented at the venue, said James Marsh, Community Development director and manager of the auditorium.
Marsh said the film is in limited release and theaters had to interview with the estate of those who own the rights to the film. “They wanted to know about our number of seats, demographic, past shows. They wanted to know we are the real deal.”
Marsh recalls watching “Yellow Submarine” on TV when he was 8 years old.
Mayor Thomas M. McGee remembers enjoying the film as a teen. “I was a Beatles fan — who wasn’t? — and have vivid memories of seeing ‘Help’ in 1965 at the Capitol Theatre on Union Street. I was 10.”
McGee is bullish about the burgeoning film series at the auditorium. He’s particularly enthusiastic about showing films that are tied to a particular time. For example, the Woodstock music festival took place in Bethel, N.Y., in August 1969, and McGee envisions the concert film of that event screening in the auditorium. “Come to Lynn, have dinner and see a movie, a fun, inexpensive night out,” he said.
Marsh agrees, saying it makes sense to screen movies on nights the venue isn’t booked. “It brings people into downtown Lynn, where they might go to a restaurant. And we offer popcorn, Sno-Caps and beer and wine at a low cost.
“The 50th anniversary of a film is a good reason to see it in a theater, especially if the star or the director is there for a Q&A or a VIP reception.” Screenings of “Darkest Hour” and “Ciao America” were well-attended.
The latter screening also featured a Q&A with filmmakers Joe and Frank Ciota, Lynn natives, the movie’s lead actor and the producer.
A screening of “The Breakfast Club” on its 30th anniversary featured a Q&A with actress Molly Ringwald. On July 21, John Cleese will appear on the Lynn stage after a screening of the classic comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
“My mom and I would watch those PBS British comedies, ‘Monty Python,’ ‘Fawlty Towers’ and laugh,” said Marsh, adding that the Cleese event is almost sold out, and it’s bringing people to Lynn who normally don’t attend the auditorium’s concerts or other events.
Marsh said Mel Brooks hit the road earlier this year, introducing his uproarious “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” Events like that are worth pursuing, he said.
Many local filmmakers have inquired about showing their movies at the auditorium as well, he said, and the possibility of a Lynn Film Festival is being discussed.
The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” at Lynn Auditorium, July 28, 8 p.m. Tickets, $3, will be available at the door, by calling 781-599-SHOW or at the Lynn Auditorium box office during business hours.