Willy and the Poor Boys - A Beatle Secret

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Bill Wyman base player of the Rolling Stones asked if we would be interested to direct ‘Willie and the Poor Boys’ a half hour music special. The scene was to be nineteen fifty’s at Fulham Town Hall, London. When local bands would play on a Friday night at a local dance hall. Ringo Starr was going to play the janitor, a cameo role at the end of the film. We hired several professional dancers besides inviting the public to turn up in period costumes.

Like all films the music was pre-recorded and the many wonderful musician played along with soundtrack. (I have listed the musician below)


We had six cameras shooting the action but behind me where eight international news camera capturing the event with so many famous rock stars on stage. After the first take I took Bill on one side and told him they lacked energy. Expecting Bill to be diplomatic with the rock stars he walked back on to the stage and said, “The director thinks we stink and need to get some energy.” They did with great passion and camaraderie helping to produce an excellent music extravaganza.


Once the performance had been captured the dancers and public were released. Ringo Starr the true professional he is breezed through his part. We just needed the last shot of the film, his ringed fingers switching off the light. He added a comment to the script, which we kept in the film.


“That band will go far with a little practice.” He added “not far enough for Jimmy Hargreaves.” So who was this Mr. Hargreaves? Ringo finally several months late told me it was the mythical man the Beatles blamed for everything that went wrong. Since then I have always added it in the credits of the films I directed and/or produced. Thanking the mysterious Jimmy Hargreaves for helping me getting through the ordeal of making a film.


Willie and the Poor Boys Staring: Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Mickey Gee, Chris Rea, Andy Fairweather-Low, Geraint Watlins, Ronnie Wood, Terry Taylor, Mel Collins, Kenny Jones, Raf Ravenscroft, Henry Spinetti and Ringo Starr.

Written and Directed by Edward Arno and Markus Innocenti

Music Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w477FTZrlQ

DVD purchase Amazon (The DVD includes a making of Willie and the Poor Boys film):

http://www.amazon.com/Willie-Poor-Boys-Live-DVD/dp/B0006SSSSC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1298072686&sr=8-2

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