Filming: Help! – Slow Motion Sequence, Twickenham Studios

Tuesday 13 April 1965 | Film, Help!

On 13 April 1965, The Beatles completed the slow-motion sequence for Help! at Twickenham Film Studios. The sequence — featuring The Beatles under the effects of Professor Foot’s “relativity cadenza” — had begun during the previous day’s shoot on 12 April 1965 and was completed this morning.

The Slow Motion Sequence

The scene formed part of the film’s increasingly surreal narrative structure, blending musical comedy with action-adventure parody. Director Richard Lester used exaggerated slow-motion camera work to heighten comedic timing and visual distortion — a stylistic device used throughout Help!

Once the sequence was completed, Lester had no further requirement for The Beatles in that day’s remaining studio and location scenes, reflecting the segmented nature of the production schedule.

A Packed Day: Three Events on 13 April 1965

13 April 1965 was one of the busiest single days of The Beatles’ career, combining film work, a live BBC radio broadcast, and an Abbey Road recording session:

• Morning: Slow motion sequence completed at Twickenham Film Studios
• 1:45pm: Live BBC Pop Inn radio interview from the studio car park
• 7:00pm–11:15pm: Recording ‘Help!’ at Abbey Road Studio Two

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 1964 – George Harrison filming A Hard Day’s Night
• 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 Help! scene was filmed on 13 April 1965?

The slow-motion sequence involving Professor Foot’s relativity cadenza was completed on this day at Twickenham Film Studios.

Was this filmed in one day?

No. The sequence began on 12 April 1965 and was completed on 13 April 1965.

What else did The Beatles do on 13 April 1965?

After filming, they gave a live BBC radio interview for Pop Inn from the Twickenham car park, then recorded the ‘Help!’ title track at Abbey Road that evening.

Who directed Help!?

Richard Lester, who also directed A Hard Day’s Night (1964).

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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