Backbeat
“5 guys. 4 legends. 3 lovers. 2 friends. 1 band.”
Synopsis
Chronicles the early days of The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany. The film focuses primarily on the relationship between Stuart Sutcliffe, John Lennon, and Sutcliffe's girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
35mm Screenings | Interview with Director Iain SoftleyOfficial
Type: Featurette • Published 2024-09-17
Top Cast
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Sheryl Lee
Astrid Kirchherr
Stephen Dorff
Stuart Sutcliffe
Ian Hart
John Lennon
Gary Bakewell
Paul McCartney
Chris O'Neill
George Harrison
Scot Williams
Pete Best
Kai Wiesinger
Klaus Voormann
Jennifer Ehle
Cynthia Powell
Marcelle Duprey
Singer
John White
Sailor 1
Bernard Merrick
Sailor 2
Nicholas Tennant
Sailor 3
Finola Geraghty
Model
Rob Spendlove
Arthur Ballard
Charlie Caine
Lord Woodbine
Freda Kelly
Mrs Harrison
Paul Humpoletz
Bruno
Christiana Uriarte
Groupie
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 1, 1994
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Iain Softley
- Screenplay & Story
- Iain Softley, Michael Thomas, Stephen Ward
- Original Score
- Don Was
- Original Title
- Backbeat
- Country of Origin
- Germany, United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English, French, Russian, Hungarian, German
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Studios
- Universal Studios, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Scala Productions, Film4 Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Iain Softley
Iain Softley, Michael Thomas, Stephen Ward
Don Was
Ian Wilson
Martin Walsh
Hanno Huth, Nik Powell, Finola Dwyer, Stephen Woolley
Department Leadership Roster
Joseph Bennett
Production Design
Ian Wilson
Director of Photography
Martin Walsh
Editor
Don Was
Original Music Composer
Iain Softley
Screenplay
Michael Thomas
Screenplay
Stephen Ward
Screenplay
Finola Dwyer
Producer
Stephen Woolley
Producer
Iain Softley
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Backbeat.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Backbeat.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Backbeat
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Backbeat about?
Chronicles the early days of The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany. The film focuses primarily on the relationship between Stuart Sutcliffe, John Lennon, and Sutcliffe's girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr.
Who directed Backbeat?
Backbeat was directed by Iain Softley.
Who stars in Backbeat?
The principal cast of Backbeat includes Sheryl Lee, Stephen Dorff, Ian Hart, Gary Bakewell, Chris O'Neill.
When was Backbeat released and how long is it?
Backbeat was released in 1994 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for Backbeat?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Backbeat was composed by Don Was.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Backbeat?
Backbeat holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).