Filming: A Hard Day’s Night

The Beatles had filmed scenes at Gatwick Airport for the ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ sequence of the A Hard Day’s Night film on 13 March 1964. More footage was needed, however, which was captured on this day.

Filming took place on Thornbury Playing Fields in Isleworth, south London. A fake helipad was constructed, and The Beatles were filmed running around and acting up. John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison were also filmed jumping from a wooden ladder held in place by an on-set electrician, with the cameraman situated at ground level.

A children’s playground was later built on the spot where the helipad was constructed. The shoot ended at 1pm, but Lennon had to leave early to attend a Foyle’s literary luncheon held in his honour.