Just got back from the screening of the American Masters documentary 'LennoNYC' at the Paley Center in New York City tonight. In celebration of John Lennon's 70th birthday, the Paley Center has an exhibition entitled 'This Boy...John Lennon in Liverpool', with many great photos of the young John Lennon during his years in Liverpool. There's even a display of his Liverpool school tie which he wore during the 'Double Fantasy' sessions. The TV monitors in the exhibit show a short documentary of John's Liverpool years with archival Beatles interviews and new interviews with the Quarrymen along with scenes from the film 'Nowhere Boy'. Other Lennon documentaries are part of the celebrations.
'LennoNYC' is a must-see documentary that covers John Lennon's New York City/Lost Weekend/House Husband years. Lots of great footage and photos with John's music as it's soundtrack. The sound system in the Paley Center auditorium was excellent and in the moments when they played segments of John in the studio, you feel like you're in the studio with John. In dealing with John's tragic death, the screen goes dark and you hear the wailing of a police siren which drives home the impact of the sadness of that night.
After the film there was a Q&A moderated by Mitch Axelrod of the Fab Fourum and all of the Fab's were there. Mitch's panel consisted of Michael Epstein who directed the film, American Masters producer Susan Lacy, former WNEW-FM DJ Denis Elsas who conducted the classic 1974 'Walls and Bridges' interview with John, and talk show legend Dick Cavett who conducted John & Yoko's first American TV interview after the Beatles split. The panel answered questions about the making of the documentary and Denis and Dick gave their personal recollections of John. After the screening was done I got together with my friends in the Fab Fourum and Beatlefan writer Al Sussman who also attended. Also in the audience was Beatlefest producer Mark Lapidos whom Mitch acknowledged.
It was a great evening and the film is a moving tribute to John. The film will also be shown in Central Park on October 9th, John's birthday. For those in the NYC area try and attend and don't forget to catch 'LennoNYC' when it airs on PBS stations in November.
Denis Elsas, Dick Cavett, Susan Lacy (Producer), Michael Epstein (Director), Mitch Axelrod
The Fab Fourum: Rob Leonard, Tony Traguardo, Mitch Axelrod, Ken Michaels
The Fab Fourum with Dick Cavett
The Fab Fourum with Old Fred
Old Fred with Al Sussman and Ken Michaels
Old Fred at 'LennoNYC' screening.
