Backbeat (Shout Select)

The early days of The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany, are recounted in this electrifying drama. The film focuses on the friendship between John Lennon (Ian Hart) and aspiring artist and original Beatles bass player Stu Sutcliffe (Stephen Dorff), as well as Sutcliffe's relationship with German photographer Astrid Kirchherr (Sheryl Lee). With Gary Bakewell, Chris O'Neill, Scot Williams; features early rock 'n' roll hits performed by a group of contemporary musicians. 100 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: English.