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Still fab after 60 years: how The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night made pop cinema history

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alison-blair-223267">Alison Blair</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a> I first saw A Hard Day’s Night at a film festival over 20 years ago, at the insistence of my mum. By then, it was already decades old, but I remember being enthralled by its high-spirited energy. A Beatles fan, mum had introduced me to the band’s records in my childhood. At home, we listened to Please Please Me, the band’s 1963 single, and the Rubber Soul album from 1965, which I loved. Television regularly showed old black-and-white scenes of Beatlemania that, to a ten-year-old in the neon-lit 1980s, seemed like ancient history. But then, I’d never seen a full-length Beatles film. I had no idea what I was in for. When the lights went down at Dunedin’s Regent Theatre, the opening chord of the film’s title song announced its intentions: an explosion of youthful vitality, rhythmic visuals, comical high jinks and the electrifying thrill of Beatlemania in 1964. This time, it didn’t seem ancient at all. Since that first viewing, I’ve returned to A Hard Day’s Night again and again. I now show it to my students as a historically significant example of pop music film making – visually inventive cinema, emblematic of a fresh era in youth culture, popular music and fandom. <h2>Beatlemania on celluloid</h2> A musical comedy depicting a chaotic 36 hours in the life of the Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night has now reached its 60th anniversary. Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0504513/">Richard Lester</a>, the film premiered in London on July 6 1964, with its first public screening a day later (incidentally, also Ringo Starr’s birthday), and the <a href="https://www.discogs.com/master/24003-The-Beatles-A-Hard-Days-Night">album of the same name</a> released on July 10. The band’s popularity was by then reaching dizzying heights of hysteria, all reflected in the film. The Beatles are chased by hordes of fans, take a train trip, appear on TV, run from the police in a Keystone Cops-style sequence, and play a televised concert in front of screaming real-life Beatles fans. Side one of the album provides the soundtrack, and the film inspired pop music film and video from then on, from the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060010/">Monkees TV series</a> (1966–68) to the Spice Girls’ <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120185/">Spice World</a> (1997) and music videos as we know them today. <h2>The original music video</h2> Postwar teen culture and consumerism had been on the rise since the 1950s. In 1960s Britain, youth music TV programmes, notably <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196287/">Ready Steady Go!</a> (1963–66), meant pop music now had a developing visual culture. The youthful zest and vitality of ‘60s London was reflected in the pop-cultural sensibility, modern satirical humour and crisp visual impact of A Hard Day’s Night. Influenced by <a href="https://nofilmschool.com/french-new-wave-cinema">French New Wave</a> film making, and particularly the early 1960s work of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000419/">Jean-Luc Godard</a>, A Hard Day’s Night employs <a href="https://indiefilmhustle.com/cinema-verite/">cinéma vérité</a>-style hand-held cinematography, brisk jump cuts, unusual framing and dynamic angles, high-spirited action, and a self-referential nonchalance. The film also breaks the “fourth wall”, with characters directly addressing the audience in closeup, and reveals the apparatus of the visual performance of music: cameras and TV monitors are all part of the frame. Cutting the shots to the beat of the music – as in the Can’t Buy Me Love sequence – lends a visual rhythm that would later become the norm in music video editing. Lester developed this technique further in the second Beatles film, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059260/">Help!</a> (1965). The closing sequence of A Hard Day’s Night is possibly the film’s most dynamic: photographic images of the band edited to the beat in the style of stop-motion animation. Sixty years on, it still feels fresh, especially as so much contemporary film making remains hidebound by formulaic Hollywood rules. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/604790/original/file-20240704-17-ov77mn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/604790/original/file-20240704-17-ov77mn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/604790/original/file-20240704-17-ov77mn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/604790/original/file-20240704-17-ov77mn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/604790/original/file-20240704-17-ov77mn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=569&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/604790/original/file-20240704-17-ov77mn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=569&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/604790/original/file-20240704-17-ov77mn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=569&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A Hard Day's Night movie poster" /><figcaption>A new pop aesthetic: original film poster for A Hard Day’s Night. Getty Images</figcaption></figure> <h2>Slapstick and class awareness</h2> As with much popular culture from the past, the humour in A Hard Day’s Night doesn’t always doesn’t land the way it would have in 1964. And yet, there are moments that seem surprisingly modern in their razor-sharp irony. In particular, the band’s Liverpudlian working-class-lad jibes and chaotic energy contrast brilliantly with the film’s upper-class characters. Actor Victor Spinetti’s comically over-anxious TV director, constantly hand-wringing over the boys’ rebelliousness, underscores the era-defining change the Beatles represented. Corporate pop-culture consumerism is also satirised. John Lennon “snorts” from a Coca-Cola bottle, a moment so knowingly silly it registers as more contemporary than it really is. George Harrison deflects a journalist’s banal questions with scathingly witty answers, and cuts a fashion company down to size by describing their shirt designs as “grotesque”. And there is Paul McCartney’s running joke that his grandfather – played by Wilfred Brambell from groundbreaking sitcom <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057785/">Steptoe and Son</a> (1962–74) – is “very clean”. Even the film’s old-fashioned visual slapstick still holds up in 2024. Showing the film to this year’s students, I didn’t expect quite as much laughter when Ringo’s attempts to be chivalrous result in a fall-down-a-hole mishap. In 2022, the <a href="https://www.criterion.com/">Criterion Collection</a> released a high-resolution restoration of the film, so today A Hard Day’s Night can be seen in all its fresh, black-and-white, youthful vigour. Happy 60th, A Hard Day’s Night. And happy 84th, Ringo. Both still as lively and energetic as ever.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/228598/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alison-blair-223267">Alison Blair</a>, Teaching Fellow in Music, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a> Image credits: THA/Shutterstock Editorial This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/still-fab-after-60-years-how-the-beatles-a-hard-days-night-made-pop-cinema-history-228598">original article</a>. </div>

Movies

Body language specialist gives her take on Fab Four

A body language expert has shared what she believes was happening for Prince William, Kate, Harry and Meghan during Wednesday’s lying-in-state ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II. Body language and connection specialist Katia Loisel told 7News that William and Kate seemed “highly distressed” and “struggling to hold it together” during the procession at Westminster Hall, pointing to their lowered heads, furrowed brows and tension in the neck and mouth as indicators. “The more pronounced the lip compression, as is the case with Prince William - his lips pressed together, rolling inwards until they have completely disappeared - indicate extreme levels of discomfort and stress,” she said. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan holding hands - which is a break with formality - was a sign they had a “desire to connect and be close to one another”. One photo where William and Kate looked forlorn and Harry and Meghan were behind them looking at each other offered an “interesting non-verbal perspective” on the difference between the couples according to Loisel. “Prince Harry and Meghan use both contact tie signs, such as holding hands, and non-contact tie signs, such as postural echoing, their bodies orientated inwards towards one another, and mutual gaze in a mutual display of support and reassurance,” she said. “Prince Harry and Meghan use both contact tie signs, such as holding hands, and non-contact tie signs, such as postural echoing, their bodies orientated inwards towards one another, and mutual gaze in a mutual display of support and reassurance.” Loisel added that the couples’ differences were more evident in moments where William and Kate stood apart while Harry and Meghan held hands. She explained that the separation between the newly-appointed Prince and Princess of Wales was “reflective of their roles and the seriousness of the occasion”. The expert noted Kate’s downcast eyes, lack of facial muscle tones, slightly compressed lips, swallowing and rapid blinking, which she said suggested the royal was “on the verge of tears”. William shared a similar expression, reflected in the tightness of his eyebrows, droopy upper lids, compressed lips and lowered corners of his mouth. After Harry and Meghan kept a “more formal distance” during the ceremony, Loisel said their move to join hands showed they were “non-verbally seeking each other out” in an attempt to reduce stress and share “support and reassurance” with each other. Loisel noted that the former prince was more visibly relaxed upon reconnecting with his wife, after exhibiting signs of being visibly in distress, including a heightened blink rate, lowered head, shifting weight, swaying, lip licking, swallowing, and use of pacifying gestures. She also commented on a now-viral clip of the two couples greeting fans outside Windsor Castle, where Kate flashed a stern look at her sister-in-law. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> One day satan going to deal with Kate Middleton. This woman hates Meghan and had be pulled into being in the same space <a href="https://t.co/iooEBItfeg">pic.twitter.com/iooEBItfeg</a> — Thando - Ntsikasaunty (@ntsikasaunty) <a href="https://twitter.com/ntsikasaunty/status/1568722440003387394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2022</a></blockquote> Loisel said the interaction would undoubtedly have affected Meghan’s self-confidence, noting that she appeared uneasy during her public appearance with her husband, William and Kate. “Quite unlike the confident Meghan we know, Meghan appeared ill at ease during this encounter, which is not surprising given the recent criticism that she has faced,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/entertainment/royal-family/body-language-expert-decodes-kates-icy-stare-moment-c-8239742?fbclid=IwAR2SazRZ293BYA3FNmIKZiVNdaFIBQidZAZNM6RRnYh5OJDph05onMqggH8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seven News</a>. She added that Wiliam appeared to make an effort with Meghan, but claimed Kate was acting as though she was trying to “freeze out” Meghan. “On numerous occasions Meghan looked over at Kate, however, the gaze wasn't reciprocated,” Loisel said, going on to say Kate chose to “look through” Meghan instead. “Meghan's hand lifted hesitantly as if to wave, but stopped mid-air, rather pausing to adjust her hair, her head and gaze lowered, before looking up and giving a quick wave, her arm coming back to rest in front of her body in a partial arm barrier,” Katia added, pointing out that Harry seemed to notice, touching her arm gently and coming to her side to protect her. The group outing marked the first time all four have been spotted together in public since Commonwealth Day in 2020, just weeks before COVID-19 lockdowns were first introduced. Once dubbed the “fab four”, the royals were greeted with applause from the public as they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle. During the rest of the walk, believed to have lasted around 30 minutes, the couples appeared to remain separate and barely interact with each other. During certain points of the walk, all four split up to greet and speak with members of the public individually. Images: Getty Images

News

Shinzo Abe dies after fatal shooting

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest running prime minister, has died in hospital after being shot in the neck. The 67-year-old was confirmed dead by Japan's public broadcaster, saying doctors art the Nara Medical University Hospital were unable to save him despite their best efforts. The former PM was rushed to hospital after being shot while giving a campaign speech, and was bleeding profusely when he arrived to the hospital. Shinzo sustained bullet wounds to the right side of his neck, with doctors saying he had no vital signs upon his arrival. Despite a blood transfusion, the doctors were unable to save Mr Abe as the injuries he sustained during the shooting where deep enough to reach his heart. One doctor said, "Because of the large amount of haemorrhage, it was not possible for us to stop the bleeding." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement on Mr Abe's death, as he expressed his condolences for "one of Australia's closest friends". He said, "The tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news. On behalf of the Australian Government and people, we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mrs Abe and to Mr Abe’s family and friends, and to the people of Japan." "He will be greatly missed." New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shared a tribute to the leader, writing on Twitter, "So deeply shocked to hear about the past PM of Japan-Shinzo Abe. He was one of the first leaders I met when I became PM. He was deeply committed to his role but also generous & kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan." "Events like this shake us all to the core." Japan's leader Fumio Kishida said the attack on Abe during an election campaign was an attack on “the very foundation of democracy”. “This barbaric, malicious act in the middle of an election cannot be tolerated,” he said. A 41-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the shooting. Image credits: Getty Images

News

How Shinzo Abe has fumbled Japan’s coronavirus response

As countries around the world debate when and how to ease pandemic restrictions, <a href="https://toyokeizai.net/sp/visual/tko/covid19/en.html">coronavirus infections continue their steady rise</a> in Japan. On April 16, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was forced to <a href="https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0006492744">declare a national state of emergency</a> until at least May 6, covering all 47 prefectures. This extended an initial state of emergency declaration on April 7 for seven prefectures, including the cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. Two medical groups <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/coronavirus-infection-surge-threatens-to-collapse-japan-hospitals-20200418-p54l1a.html">have also warned</a> that a “collapse in emergency medicine” has already happened as hospitals are being forced to turn away patients, presaging a possible collapse of the overall health care system. How did Japan get to this point? The country had initially been held up as having one of the more effective responses to the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic. Yet, its curve <a href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1048/">has not even started to flatten</a> like those of its neighbours, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The relatively low rate of infections from January to March was <a href="https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200418/p2g/00m/0fe/059000c">credited by some</a> to Japanese societal norms: bowing instead of handshakes and hugs, the use of masks in flu season and generally high standards of personal hygiene. Japan has long had a reputation for conformity and adherence to rules, so a high level of compliance with public safety directions was expected. However, overconfidence in these practices, and the ongoing lack of firm direction from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government, may have lulled many Japanese into a false sense of security. This has been starkly demonstrated in recent weeks as <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2020/03/24/820109359/tokyo-cherry-blossom-festival-draws-crowds-despite-coronavirus-warnings">crowds have flocked</a> to parks to view the cherry blossoms, ignoring requests from local authorities to stay home. Opinion polls now <a href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1029/">show</a> at least half of Japanese disapprove of the government’s handling of the crisis and believe Abe’s national emergency declaration came too late. Erratic decision-making from the start From the start of the pandemic, Abe’s government has been criticised for being too offhand in its response and erratic in its decision-making. Japan’s first major misstep occurred in early February, when the Diamond Princess cruise ship was quarantined in Yokohama. At least 23 passengers were <a href="https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/coronavirus-infections-keep-mounting-after-cruise-ship-fiasco-japan">allowed to disembark</a> and go home without being tested, and around 90 government employees returned directly to their Tokyo offices after visiting the stricken vessel. More than 700 cases were eventually linked to the cruise ship, in total. Weeks later, Abe then ordered schools to remain closed until the end of the spring break in April, a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51663182">sudden decision</a> that caught both teachers and parents by surprise, leaving them little time to plan and prepare. Then came the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-havent-the-olympics-been-cancelled-from-coronavirus-thats-the-a-20bn-question-133445">lack of decisiveness</a> on the Tokyo Olympics. Abe reluctantly announced in late March that the games would be postponed in 2020, but only after countries began to pull out and the government was accused of dragging its feet. Abe’s government has also faced criticism over relatively low levels of testing. Over 112,000 tests <a href="https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/newpage_00032.html">have been conducted</a>, at a rate of around 7,800 per day in April. But the government’s decision to <a href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1038/">restrict most tests</a> to highly symptomatic patients means actual cases are likely being under-counted. At a press conference in mid-April, Abe pledged to rectify shortages of personal protective equipment for medical workers and ramp up testing. As an interim measure, two cloth masks are being mailed to every household, an unpopular gesture <a href="https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200416/p2a/00m/0na/010000c">widely lampooned</a> on social media as “Abenomasks”. Even when Abe has tried to send the right message, the tone has been off. This was perhaps best symbolised by the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3079761/abe-arisnitocrat-japan-pms-stay-home-twitter-appeal-amid">mocking reaction</a> to his well-intentioned “stay home” Twitter post, which portrayed him drinking tea and patting his dog. Critics said it showed just how out of touch he was with the lives of ordinary Japanese. Tokyo’s governor outshines Abe As cases began to spike in late March, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike <a href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_34/">held an emergency press conference</a> to urge residents refrain from nonessential outings, such as visits to parks to view cherry blossoms. But despite rising concerns from medical authorities, as late as March 31, Abe’s government still <a href="http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13259581">denied</a> there was a need for a national state of emergency. When the state of emergency was finally declared in mid-April, many feared it still wasn’t enough. Under the law, governors can requisition property and medical supplies to use to treat COVID-19 patients, but crucially, police have no enforcement powers to close businesses or restrict the movements of individuals. People and companies <a href="https://www.nippon.com/en/news/fnn2020040529068/emergency-but-no-lockdown-the-impact-of-the-new-pandemic-measures.html">can only be asked</a> to voluntarily comply. The Japanese government could interpret two articles in the constitution to impose a stricter lockdown, as long as appropriate legislation is passed in the Diet, Japan’s parliament. However, Abe has thus far avoided doing so. He seems to be bowing to pressure from the Keidanren, a major corporate lobby group and donor to his party, out of fear the economy could descend into an even deeper recession than the <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/JPN">-5.2% reduction in economic growth</a> projected by the IMF. Demands have been increasing from health authorities, prefectural governments and opposition parties for Abe to take more forceful action. Revealing his diminishing political authority, he is <a href="http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13302380">even being pressed</a> by both senior figures and rank-and-file members within his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The LDP’s junior coalition partner, the Komeito party, also threatened to break from the ruling coalition. The move forced Abe to <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/04/19/national/politics-diplomacy/komeito-cash-handout-shinzo-abe-power-coronavirus/#.Xp7aWcgzbIU">extend a planned income support scheme</a> for low-income households into a universal payment of 100,000 yen (nearly A$1,500) to all citizens, as part of the government’s record 117 trillion yen (A$1.7 billion) <a href="https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Japan-to-boost-stimulus-to-%C2%A5117-tril-due-to-cash-payouts-to-ease-virus-pain">emergency stimulus spending</a>. And while Abe has floundered, Koike, his <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-japan-koike/tokyo-governor-koike-a-pm-abe-rival-takes-tough-stance-on-coronavirus-idUSKCN21V0EI">longtime rival</a>, has <a href="http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13294064">emerged as a strong leader</a> during the crisis, praised for her <a href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/04/4476dc6b7ab1-tokyo-governors-call-for-social-distancing-sparks-viral-hit-game.html">clear public communication</a> and decisive action. Abe’s third consecutive term as LDP president expires in September 2021, around the time national elections are due. Even if Japan recovers by then, his <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3038417/abe-japans-longest-serving-pm-extent-his-legacy">legacy</a> as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister is now surely being tarnished.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/136860/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/craig-mark-3560">Craig Mark</a>, Professor, Faculty of International Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/kyoritsu-womens-university-2953">Kyoritsu Women's University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-shinzo-abe-has-fumbled-japans-coronavirus-response-136860">original article</a>.

International Travel

Royal Fab Four’s new video sends mental health website into a crash

A new video narrated by the Royal Family’s ‘Fab Four’ has sent a UK government website into a crash as more than ten million people rushed to view it online. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have joined forces to voice a short film for the Public Health England’s new platform, Every Mind Matters. Written by Love Actually screenwriter Richard Curtis and directed by British photographer Rankin, the clip also featured celebrities such as Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Sir Bradley Wiggins and more. The three-minute ad, which was broadcast across multiple British TV channels, is aimed at encouraging people to take simple steps to look after their mental health and boost their wellbeing. “Everyone knows that feeling, when life gets on top of us,” Prince William could be heard saying in the ad. Prince Harry added: “We feel stressed, low, anxious or have trouble sleeping. Me, you, your brother, your mother, your friend, colleague, or your neighbour… “We think there’s nothing to be done, nothing we can do about it.” <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ThvogdoC-q4"></iframe></div> “There’s a new way to help turn things around,” Duchess Meghan said. “Every Mind Matters will show you simple ways to look after your mental health.” Duchess Kate concluded, “It will get you started with a free online plan designed to help you deal with stress, boost your mood, improve your sleep and make you feel more in control.” According to <a href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2019100778657/prince-william-kate-middleton-meghan-markle-harry-reunite-nhs/">HELLO!</a>, the launch of the initiative follows 18 months of planning and piloting with the help of clinical and academic experts, national mental health charities and input from people with experience of poor mental health. The Every Mind Matters website crashed following the broadcast, with users being shown an error page that read: “Something went wrong. Please refresh the page or try again later.” A Public Health England spokeswoman said: “We’re back up and running now. We think it was due to high [traffic]. We had technicians working on it immediately and we’re back up and running now.” A Public Health England survey of more than 3,000 adults found that 83 per cent of people had experienced early signs of poor mental health in the last 12 months, including feeling anxious, stressed, having low mood or trouble sleeping. <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/every-mind-matters-advert-demand-to-view-royal-couples-mental-health-campaign-ad-crashes-website-a4256311.html">More than a quarter of these</a> waited longer than six months before addressing the issue, with more than half reporting coping mechanisms such as smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating and avoiding social situations.

News

Latest ABS stats reveal top killer of middle aged men

Over three people a day died in Australia last year from the use of opioids mainly from the use of legal painkillers such as OxyContin. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ released a Causes of Death report today which revealed more than half of the drug-induced deaths in 2018 were linked to opioid drugs. The majority of deaths were accidental overdoses mainly amongst middle aged men and more than 70 per cent were related to the use of pharmaceutical opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, tramadol, pethidine and tapentadol. According to the ABS, opioids were responsible for 1123 drug-induced deaths in 2018 out of 1740. “Of these deaths, the most common were accidental overdoses among middle-aged males,” said James Eynstone-Hinkins, ABS director of health and vital statistics. Other leading causes of death in Australia include heart disease, despite decreasing by 22.4 per cent since 2009. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s is the second most common cause of death and figures have increased by 68.6 per cent since 2009. Also taking the lead in deadliest killers was stroke, lung cancer and lower respiratory diseases. Cancer still made up for more than 30 per cent of all deaths in 2018.

Body

Royal news: Fab foursome make incredible announcement

Royal fans rejoice! The fab four are back again with an incredible announcement for the world. Prince William, Duchess Kate, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan may be heading their separate ways with their own charities ahead of the recent news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were splitting form the Royal foundation, but that doesn't mean they won’t continue to do incredible work together. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.2187812187812px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829121/fab-four-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b01e946709ff42999ba1ec758538a142" /> The two royal couples took to Instagram on July 31 to share some heartwarming news about an initiative the foursome started together a few months ago. Give Us A Shout is a charity launched by the fab four and helps people when they are in a moment of crisis or need immediate help. It was launched by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in May and has just reached 100,000 conversations – a positive sign help is being given to those who truly need it. "Congratulations to the incredible team of @giveusashoutinsta volunteers, who have now taken 100,000 text conversations," Kensington Palace announced on Instagram. The @SussexRoyal Instagram page shared their own inspiring message, writing: "Sending a big shout out and congratulations to the @giveusashoutinsta team." They also added additional information about the work Give Us A Shout does. "Life can feel overwhelming for so many reasons. Our Crisis Volunteers are there for you 24/7 & will talk to you about whatever is troubling you: stress, relationships, anxiety, loneliness, sexuality, bullying, self-harm & depression." Earlier this month, the Sussexes announced they would be going their own separate ways from the Royal Foundation – a longstanding project between Prince William and Prince Harry. The foundation will now be headed by Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, while Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex are in the works to set up their own charity.

Mind

From drab to fab: Why fashion in your 60s doesn’t have to be boring

Just because you are in your golden years, doesn’t mean you have to have a boring or restricted relationship with fashion and seasonal trends. There is a wealth of experience, emotions and styles that you have encountered throughout your life, and that should shine through your style. If you feel like your wardrobe is in need of a pressing transformation, the good news is that it is never too late to work at decluttering the drab pieces and start investing in new clothing. Here we look at three new collections from Australian women’s fashion label <a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/">Black Pepper</a> – which has just relaunched its brand with a fresh new look – to see how you can make fashion fun again. 1. Throw out the rulebook In order to transform your wardrobe, it is important to make sure you aren’t being intimidated into buying fashion you know you won’t feel comfortable wearing. But don’t let that insecurity stop you from walking into a trendy shopping store. Recently, Black Pepper relaunched with a completely new fashion look. Customers can now expect to find nice classic pieces and outfits for all occasions which can be worn again and again, season after season. Black Pepper offers a variety of styles and patterns so shoppers can find investment style pieces that flatter their body type. Black Pepper understands how hard it can be for women in their golden years to find stylish pieces, so it has curated three collections – Platinum, Style and Classic – to ensure shoppers can find trendy items without compromising on comfort and functionality. The <a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/collections/platinum">Platinum collection</a> provides a wide range of fun pieces for special occasions. The Platinum range also features shimmer and sparkle so that you can mix-and-match whatever materials you like to achieve a look that suits your personality no matter the dress code.<img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821989/1-black-pepper-platinum.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/44f10a971aa9409392e424768ba360b1" /> The Platinum collection: Veronique Top, $89.95; Veronique Skirt, $89.95. (Available in store and online from November 30, 2018.) 2. Get colourful Clothing retailers will always have an endless supply of neutral colours with black, brown and navy-blue tones always considered ‘on trend’. However, although those colours are safe, if you don’t show off a little bit of colour in your outfit, it can make your wardrobe look tired. Black Pepper isn’t only renowned for its unique fabrications but also the wide colour range it offers. Colours not only can be used to reflect your mood but can be used to make subtle nods to the current season or the theme of an event you are going to. Experimenting with different colour and print combinations can turn the simple task of getting dressed into an exciting creativity challenge. Don’t smother your beauty in dark colours – have fun and let your personality shine through your ensemble. Black Pepper’s <a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/collections/style">Style collection</a> has an assortment of prints, colours and layers which are perfect for those who want to look trendy but still get creative with different combinations. <img style="width: 333.239px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821990/1-black-pepper-style.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e9518f41b737465f89a1e0a98a44e5bb" /> The Style collection: Mali Lavina Dress, $129. 3. Always wear confidence Clinical psychologist Dr Jennifer Baumgartner said: “Our clothes help place us where we think we want to be.” If you feel like certain items in your wardrobe don’t make you feel great, be bold and throw them away. If you have the budget, consider investing in new staple pieces that you can wear on a day-to-day basis to spice up your wardrobe. Often we think about saving for an outfit for a special occasion that we then neglect updating the items that we live in each day. If your clothes help you to feel confident and self-assured, you will be able to project those feelings onto others no matter what your itinerary for the day looks like. Black Pepper’s <a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/collections/classic">Classic collection</a> is built around providing everyday pieces that exude a feminine touch, so that you can look good and be comfy all the time. <img style="width: 333.239px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821991/1-black-pepper-classic.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/34c7148ad6da4b41ac1f951b03f3f33f" /> The Classic collection: Primula Shirt, $89.95; Liberty Pant, $79.95. What are your tips for avoiding a boring wardrobe? Let us know in the comments below. This is sponsored content brought to you in conjunction with <a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/">Black Pepper</a>.

Beauty & Style

Brooke Shields' shows off incredible bikini body: "Fit and fab at 52"

The Suddenly Susan actress, whose career spans over four decades, is confidently flaunting her body at the age of 52. The mother-of-two featured in Swimsuits for All’s new “Power Suit” campaign in a bikini and looks as confident as ever. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjCzJKhnwyb/" target="_blank">A post shared by Swimsuits For All (@swimsuitsforall)</a> on May 21, 2018 at 8:00am PDT </div> </blockquote> The star admitted that she battled many years of feeling insecure before she was able to feature in a campaign like this. "At 52 years old, I finally feel comfortable and proud of all the hard work I’ve put into my body," she told <a href="http://people.com/style/brooke-shields-shows-abs-in-bikini-new-campaign/" target="_blank">PEOPLE</a>. "Feeling disconnected from my own body, it took me years to separate the opinions of others from my own." <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 35.41666666666667% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjCvrFfB6YC/" target="_blank">A post shared by Swimsuits For All (@swimsuitsforall)</a> on May 21, 2018 at 7:30am PDT </div> </blockquote> After sharing the photo on Instagram, the actress's followers were quick to compliment her. "Stunning, stunning, stunning, and brings back such amazing memories from seeing you in so many covers of Seventeen," wrote on fan. "Holy moly — fit and fab at 52," wrote another. Shields said that her physique is due to her exercise regime, which includes a lot of cycling classes. The star also advocates a balanced diet, explaining that she will also enjoy a glass of red wine after doing a few laps in the pool. "There’s no set way to be healthy and fit, it really is finding what works for you," she said. "I always try to drink a lot of water, get a good night’s sleep, and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Body

15 rare photos of the Beatles behind the scenes

Anyone who was an avid fan of The Beatles probably thinks they’ve seen it all when it comes to the Fab Four, but a series of resurfaced photos from the iconic fan magazine The Beatles Book show a never-before-seen side to John, Paul, George and Ringo. Shot by photographer Leslie Bryce, who travelled with the band throughout the 1960s, the candid images were recently republished in the book <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Flooking-through-you-andy-neill%2Fprod9781468312751.html" target="_blank">Looking Through You: Unseen Photographs from The Beatles Book Archive</a>, edited by Andy Neill. <ol> <li>Goofing around backstage, 1963.</li> <li>On the set of Help! in Austria, 1965.</li> <li>Ringo on stage in Wolverhampton, 1963.</li> <li>George reading a fan letter, 1963.</li> <li>John with his son Julian, aged 4, 1967.</li> <li>The band hanging out between shows, 1963.</li> <li>Having a meal in London, 1963.</li> <li>Shooting a scene for A Hard Day’s Night, 1964.</li> <li>John at EMI studios, 1966.</li> <li>Ringo in his new car, 1965.</li> <li>Ringo waving from his new car, 1965.</li> <li>Paul styling Dusty Springfield’s hair, 1964.</li> <li>Performing in Munich, 1966.</li> <li>John and George sipping milk in the Netherlands, 1964.</li> <li>Rehearsing at EMI studios, 1965.</li> </ol> See the images above and tell us in the comments below, what’s your all-time favourite song by The Beatles? Images: Leslie Bryce/Beatles Book Photo Library.

Music

The new Absolutely Fabulous movie trailer is here

“You’ve killed Kate Moss!” – with a line like that, we’re already hooked. The first full trailer for the Absolutely Fabulous movie was released yesterday and looks to be just as outrageous as the hit TV series. Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joann Lumley) make their silver screen debut accompanied by an impressive list of 60 celebrity cameos – that’s right, 60! Some stars making appearances include Barry Humphries (as Dame Edna Everage), Dawn French, Graham Norton, Jean Paul Gaultier, Joan Collins and Stella McCartney. The film is set to be released in Australia and New Zealand on 11 August. Take a look at the hilarious trailer above. Related links: <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/04/best-romantic-comedy-films/">The 6 best rom-coms of all time</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/03/bridget-jones-baby-trailer/">The first trailer for “Bridget Jones’s Baby” is here</a> <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/03/harrison-ford-new-indiana-jones-movie/">Harrison Ford set to return for fifth Indiana Jones movie</a>

Movies

Never-before-seen footage of The Beatles having fun behind-the-scenes

Cheeky new footage has emerged from the Australian National Film and Sound Archive of the Beatles goofing off in their dressing room before a 1965 BBC TV special, The Music of Lennon & McCartney. Australian dancer and makeup artist, Dawn Swane, shot the video when she was working at Granada TV in Manchester, UK. She says the Fab Four began playing around with her camera while they sipped on champagne. "I don't know if it was John or if it was Ringo but they took the camera off me and said, 'This is no way to use a camera' and they sort of jiggled it upside down and inside out a bit, and everybody was just mucking around," Swane told the NFSA. "But that was great. I mean they were a nice group of people. They really were." Source NFSA Australia Related links: <a href="/entertainment/music/2016/04/paul-mccartney-and-john-lennon-secret-fight/">Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s secret feud</a> <a href="/entertainment/music/2016/03/surprising-facts-about-the-beatles/">8 facts about The Beatles most people don’t know</a> <a href="/entertainment/music/2016/03/video-of-the-last-time-the-beatles-played-together/">Video of the last time The Beatles played together</a>

Music

The Godfather actor Abe Vigoda passes away, aged 94

Acclaimed character actor Abe Vigoda, who found fame in his senior years with iconic roles in The Godfather and in the TV series Barney Miller, has passed away age 94. Mr Vigoda died of natural causes on Tuesday morning at his home in New Jersey. Mr Vigoda began his professional acting career in 1947, making a career out of various supporting roles in theatre and television before getting his big break in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 mafia film, The Godfather. Here he played the role of the scheming mafia villain Sal Tessio. <img width="500" height="290" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14516/salvatore_tessio_500x290.jpg" alt="Salvatore _Tessio (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Mr Vigoda was living proof that sometimes your best years are ahead of you, telling Associated Press, “If you don’t make it in your youth, you can make it in your middle age or even old age. You believe in yourself, you should pursue it to the end of time, as long as you’re on this earth.” Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/01/maggie-beer-popular-aged-care-food-course/">Maggie Beer to take popular aged care food course Australia wide</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/overpriced-abosch-potato-photograph/">Ridiculous amount someone willing to pay for photo of potato</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/crocodile-takes-morning-dip-swimming-pool/">This crocodile takes morning dip in swimming pool</a>

News

ABS reveals results showing Aussies don’t eat enough veggies

The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently questioned over 12,000 Aussies about their daily food and drink intake, and the recently released results show that only about one in 20 people are eating the recommended amount of vegetables each day. Interestingly, the results also showed that Tasmanians were the biggest tea drinkers in the country, while people from the ACT love their wine more than the rest of us. Fewer people in the Northern Territory drink coffee than the rest of us, but their percentage of people who drink beer is almost 12 per cent higher than the next-closest beer-lovers, Queensland. More than half of Australians are eating the recommended two serves of fruit per day, while 20.5 per cent of Tasmanians admitted to eating chocolate in the 24 hours before the survey. Play around with the graphs below to see where your state sits in consumption of different kinds of food and beverage. <iframe src="http://cf.datawrapper.de/oodk8/2/" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" width="643" height="400"></iframe> <iframe src="http://cf.datawrapper.de/xwej3/1/" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" width="643" height="400"></iframe> <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/4364.0.55.0092011-12?OpenDocument">You can read more in-depth information about the survey results here.</a> Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/06/woman-says-booze-secret-to-ageing/">This 100-year-old woman says booze is her secret to a long life</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/06/bing-crosby-mansion-for-sale/">Check out Bing Crosby's $5 million mansion</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/06/smaller-carry-on-bags/">Airlines are going to make you take smaller carry-on luggage</a>

News

5 DIY fixes that will take your home from drab to fab for less than $30

If you’re looking for some cheap and cheerful ways to add some flair to your home, we’ve got five simple ideas that you can create yourself this weekend.1. New handles on your bedroom doorsYou can often find these at vintage or second hand stores and they are not expensive.<img width="500" height="750" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/3198/door-handle.png" alt="Door Handle">Source: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/107382772336673258/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>2.  Update your shower curtainOpt for a fun or quirky design to brighten up your bathroom. Kmart, IKEA and Target all have great options that won’t break the bank.<img width="499" height="665" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/3199/shower-curtain_499x665.jpg" alt="Shower Curtain">Credit: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/395894623467686174/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>3. Wallpaper a chest of drawersJazz up some old drawers with wallpaper – it is sure to give them an instant wow factor.<img width="499" height="480" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/3200/wallpaper-drawers_499x480.jpg" alt="Wallpaper Drawers">Credit: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/346917977519036199/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>4. Paint the floorsBrighten up a linoleum floor by painting it in a bold stripe or bright colour.<img width="480" height="640" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/3201/stripe-floors.png" alt="Stripe Floors">Credit: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/538039486706150401/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>5. Just add colourPaint a bright colour in a small space for an instant freshening up. <img width="375" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/3202/colour-wall.png" alt="Colour Wall">Credit: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/268104984042205454/%20" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>If you're a craft-lover, you'll love <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2014/12/diy-photo-wall/" target="_blank">our how-to DIY photo wall</a> article.Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.vissbiz.com/polka-dot-shower-curtain-turn-your-fun-bathroom-space/cool-polka-dot-shower-curtain/" target="_blank">Vissbiz</a>

Home & Garden

DIY: 3 fab ways to upcycle Mason jars

Classic Mason jars can be quickly transformed into scene-stealing décor items. Here we show you three uses that will take your jars from everyday items to simply chic in a few minutes.Pump it up Turn your old Mason jars into soap, hand cream or body cream dispensers in your bathroom. You’ll need to drill a hole to fit the width of a soap dispenser pump. Tip: use pumps from old lotion bottles.Cool side of stylish Old-school drink trays, straws and drinks labels have come back in fashion – so too have classic glass milk jugs and Mason jars as a way of serving drinks. Simply poor in your favourite drink and add colourful straws. Voila!In full bloom Create rustic metallic vases or votives by using a foam brush to apply gold, silver or bronze paints to the outside of a mason jar. Either colour the entire jar or just apply rough brushstrokes for a vintage look.

Home & Garden

DIY: 3 fab ways to upcycle Mason jars

Home & Garden

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Still fab after 60 years: how The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night made pop cinema history

Body language specialist gives her take on Fab Four

Shinzo Abe dies after fatal shooting

How Shinzo Abe has fumbled Japan’s coronavirus response

Royal Fab Four’s new video sends mental health website into a crash

Latest ABS stats reveal top killer of middle aged men

Royal news: Fab foursome make incredible announcement

From drab to fab: Why fashion in your 60s doesn’t have to be boring

Brooke Shields' shows off incredible bikini body: "Fit and fab at 52"

15 rare photos of the Beatles behind the scenes

The new Absolutely Fabulous movie trailer is here

Never-before-seen footage of The Beatles having fun behind-the-scenes

The Godfather actor Abe Vigoda passes away, aged 94

ABS reveals results showing Aussies don’t eat enough veggies

5 DIY fixes that will take your home from drab to fab for less than $30

DIY: 3 fab ways to upcycle Mason jars

DIY: 3 fab ways to upcycle Mason jars

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