Filming: A Hard Day’s Night – George Harrison at Twickenham

Monday 13 April 1964 | Film, A Hard Day’s Night

On 13 April 1964, George Harrison filmed his solo scene for A Hard Day’s Night at Twickenham Film Studios, continuing production on The Beatles’ debut feature film. The previous day, 12 April 1964, had seen filming at Marylebone Station.

George Harrison’s Solo Scene

The sequence included one of Harrison’s most quoted lines from the film, delivered in response to being shown a trendy shirt:

“Oh, I’m not wearing that – that’s grotty!”

— George Harrison, A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Harrison later explained that the term “grotty” was introduced by screenwriter Alun Owen and subsequently entered wider usage following the film’s release. The scene reflected the informal and comedic tone of Owen’s screenplay, which drew heavily on The Beatles’ natural wit and Liverpudlian humour.

Afternoon: The Bathroom Sequence

In the afternoon, George Harrison and John Lennon filmed the bathroom sequence at Twickenham Film Studios. This scene continued the film’s semi-surreal, documentary-style approach to The Beatles’ personalities. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were not present during this filming session.

Production Context

A Hard Day’s Night was directed by Richard Lester and marked a turning point in The Beatles’ career, presenting them as both musicians and screen personalities during the height of Beatlemania. The film premiered on 6 July 1964 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest music films ever made.

Location

Also on This Day in Beatles History

• 13 April 1961 – The Beatles at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
• 13 April 1962 – The Beatles’ Star-Club Hamburg debut
• 13 April 1963 – The Beatles’ first national BBC TV appearance
• 13 April 1965 – Help! slow motion scene, Twickenham
• 13 April 1965 – McCartney buys 7 Cavendish Avenue
• 13 April 1965 – The Beatles on Pop Inn BBC Radio
• 13 April 1965 – Recording ‘Help!’ at Abbey Road
• 13 April 1966 – Revolver sessions: Love You To & Paperback Writer
• 13 April 1971 – Paul McCartney mixing RAM in Los Angeles

FAQ

Which Beatles filmed on 13 April 1964?

George Harrison filmed his solo scene in the morning, then joined John Lennon for the bathroom sequence in the afternoon. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were not present.

What is the ‘grotty’ scene in A Hard Day’s Night?

George Harrison’s solo scene in which he rejects a trendy shirt with the line “Oh, I’m not wearing that – that’s grotty!” The word “grotty” was coined by screenwriter Alun Owen and entered common usage after the film’s release.

Where was A Hard Day’s Night filmed on this day?

At Twickenham Film Studios in London.

When did A Hard Day’s Night premiere?

The film premiered on 6 July 1964 in London.

Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | The Beatles Films Hub | April in Beatles History | 13 April in Beatles History

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