Meet the Beatles secretary - "Good Ol' Freda"
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I watched it on iTunes just now. It's very well done. Everyone needs a friend as loyal as Freda in their life.
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Oh bloody heck, can't help wishin' Freda would hop on the Beatle book bandwagon and come out with a telling tome of her own
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I went up to the Sundance Theater in West Hollywood on Saturday to see the film. I walked into the lobby to pick up my tickets and there's Freda Kelly right at the box office desk. Like a dork I waved and smiled at her. She waved back with a puzzled expression. I felt like I knew her because I have seen the previews for the movie so many times. Then, before the movie started, I decided to get myself a drink at the snack bar--they serve wine and beer at this theater. Who am I in line behind but Freda and the assistant director of the film. As Freda ordered their drinks I couldn't believe that they weren't being "comped". So, being the bold person that I am--I got my charge card out and started waving it so the bartender could see that I wanted to take care of their round. It took a while before the bartender got it. "Uh, you want to buy their drinks?" Freda turned around and said "Oh, no, no!" I said "Yes, yes. Let me do this since you always took such good care of our boys!" She seemed embarassed but said "Alright, but you must have a photo of us together." So, we had the assistant director take a couple of photos of us. What a nice lady. I also ended up sitting right behind them in the theater. I thought the film was wonderful. I felt like it could've gone on another hour--I'm sure there was plenty more they could've covered. Luckily the director said that there will be a lot of extras on the DVD. Can't wait to see more!!
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Now that's a great story!!
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I think it's coming on DVD in the extras. and trust me. She won't kiss and tell. I've heard some have held her down and tickled her and she still wouldn't spill the beans
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Kathryn O:
I think it's coming on DVD in the extras. and trust me. She won't kiss and tell. I've heard some have held her down and tickled her and she still wouldn't spill the beans
I'm quite sure she has some juicy tales that she will take to the grave!
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Didn't she raise some $60,000.00 from donations from fans to make this movie? And yes, I agree she will take some secrets to the grave. Darn!
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oobu24:
Didn't she raise some $60,000.00 from donations from fans to make this movie? And yes, I agree she will take some secrets to the grave. Darn!
I wouldn't be surprised if that much came from fans. (Darn is right!)
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Interview with Freda from Rolling Stone magazine: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beatles-secretary-recalls-madness-of-early-days-20130911
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Sgt._Pepper:
I went to LA screening last night! The director and Freda were there, and Chris Carter, host of "Breakfast with the Beatles" did the Q&A.
YES as soon as I heard "gooood evening, Apple Scruffs!" i knew it was him! I didn't know Chris Carter would be there, but who better than him to field questions?
I thought he was overly curious about Cavern Club food though
McFangirl:
I went up to the Sundance Theater in West Hollywood on Saturday to see the film. I walked into the lobby to pick up my tickets and there's Freda Kelly right at the box office desk. Like a dork I waved and smiled at her. She waved back with a puzzled expression. I felt like I knew her because I have seen the previews for the movie so many times. Then, before the movie started, I decided to get myself a drink at the snack bar--they serve wine and beer at this theater. Who am I in line behind but Freda and the assistant director of the film. As Freda ordered their drinks I couldn't believe that they weren't being "comped". So, being the bold person that I am--I got my charge card out and started waving it so the bartender could see that I wanted to take care of their round. It took a while before the bartender got it. "Uh, you want to buy their drinks?" Freda turned around and said "Oh, no, no!" I said "Yes, yes. Let me do this since you always took such good care of our boys!" She seemed embarassed but said "Alright, but you must have a photo of us together." So, we had the assistant director take a couple of photos of us. What a nice lady. I also ended up sitting right behind them in the theater. I thought the film was wonderful. I felt like it could've gone on another hour--I'm sure there was plenty more they could've covered. Luckily the director said that there will be a lot of extras on the DVD. Can't wait to see more!!
That's amazing!!!! and so nice of you! If I only I liked alcohol, I would've liked to do such a nice gesture for Freda.
I wanted to ask the director about where he found some of the photos for his film (I love building my memory bank of Beatles pictures
) but lots of people were asking him questions and my brother was standing awkwardly to the side. so I just left afterwards. I was seated a couple seats away from Angie McCartney! When Freda mentioned that she had a story about Ruth to share, Angie shouted, "OH NO YOU WON'T!" LOL I have the audio to prove it! I pretty much recorded all of the Q&A with Freda on my cameras (my point-and-shoot battery died towards the end, so it's a good thing I always bring a second camera :lol
. I just had to record everything Freda said. her stories are precious and need to be documented! I'm sure there are plenty of stories that she's reluctant to share...if only! the DVD is being released in December btw.
Just in time for Crimble!! can't wait for the extras hope to upload the videos soon!
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polythenelucy:
Sgt._Pepper:
I went to LA screening last night! The director and Freda were there, and Chris Carter, host of "Breakfast with the Beatles" did the Q&A.
YES as soon as I heard "gooood evening, Apple Scruffs!" i knew it was him! I didn't know Chris Carter would be there, but who better than him to field questions?
I thought he was overly curious about Cavern Club food though
McFangirl:
I went up to the Sundance Theater in West Hollywood on Saturday to see the film. I walked into the lobby to pick up my tickets and there's Freda Kelly right at the box office desk. Like a dork I waved and smiled at her. She waved back with a puzzled expression. I felt like I knew her because I have seen the previews for the movie so many times. Then, before the movie started, I decided to get myself a drink at the snack bar--they serve wine and beer at this theater. Who am I in line behind but Freda and the assistant director of the film. As Freda ordered their drinks I couldn't believe that they weren't being "comped". So, being the bold person that I am--I got my charge card out and started waving it so the bartender could see that I wanted to take care of their round. It took a while before the bartender got it. "Uh, you want to buy their drinks?" Freda turned around and said "Oh, no, no!" I said "Yes, yes. Let me do this since you always took such good care of our boys!" She seemed embarassed but said "Alright, but you must have a photo of us together." So, we had the assistant director take a couple of photos of us. What a nice lady. I also ended up sitting right behind them in the theater. I thought the film was wonderful. I felt like it could've gone on another hour--I'm sure there was plenty more they could've covered. Luckily the director said that there will be a lot of extras on the DVD. Can't wait to see more!!
That's amazing!!!! and so nice of you! If I only I liked alcohol, I would've liked to do such a nice gesture for Freda.
I wanted to ask the director about where he found some of the photos for his film (I love building my memory bank of Beatles pictures
) but lots of people were asking him questions and my brother was standing awkwardly to the side. so I just left afterwards. I was seated a couple seats away from Angie McCartney! When Freda mentioned that she had a story about Ruth to share, Angie shouted, "OH NO YOU WON'T!" LOL I have the audio to prove it! I pretty much recorded all of the Q&A with Freda on my cameras (my point-and-shoot battery died towards the end, so it's a good thing I always bring a second camera :lol
. I just had to record everything Freda said. her stories are precious and need to be documented! I'm sure there are plenty of stories that she's reluctant to share...if only! the DVD is being released in December btw.
Just in time for Crimble!! can't wait for the extras hope to upload the videos soon!
Id love to see your videos!
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I saw the movie today at the Detroit Institute of Arts. It was a cute movie and she said it best - this is probably the last great documentary on the Beatles.
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Agreed, this is probably the last great insider's doc on the Beatles. Of all the docs I've seen on the Beatles this may well be my most favourite of all.
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McFangirl:
I went up to the Sundance Theater in West Hollywood on Saturday to see the film. I walked into the lobby to pick up my tickets and there's Freda Kelly right at the box office desk. Like a dork I waved and smiled at her. She waved back with a puzzled expression. I felt like I knew her because I have seen the previews for the movie so many times. Then, before the movie started, I decided to get myself a drink at the snack bar--they serve wine and beer at this theater. Who am I in line behind but Freda and the assistant director of the film. As Freda ordered their drinks I couldn't believe that they weren't being "comped". So, being the bold person that I am--I got my charge card out and started waving it so the bartender could see that I wanted to take care of their round. It took a while before the bartender got it. "Uh, you want to buy their drinks?" Freda turned around and said "Oh, no, no!" I said "Yes, yes. Let me do this since you always took such good care of our boys!" She seemed embarassed but said "Alright, but you must have a photo of us together." So, we had the assistant director take a couple of photos of us. What a nice lady. I also ended up sitting right behind them in the theater. I thought the film was wonderful. I felt like it could've gone on another hour--I'm sure there was plenty more they could've covered. Luckily the director said that there will be a lot of extras on the DVD. Can't wait to see more!!
That is so sweet - what a lovely thing to do for them. I saw it yesterday and it was such a fun film. Freda is adorable and charming. I felt like the film could have gone on for another hour. I loved hearing her stories and as much as I'd love the dirt I am impressed by her loyalty and integrity. She could have cashed in big time. I can't remember her quote exactly, but it hit me hard, something like "money won't cure cancer". It was really touching when she remembered everyone who has passed. I love Freda and hope this film is a huge success. Definitely see it. Anyone know why Paul didn't do a message in the film? Ringo's message during the credits was very sweet, I was waiting for Paul and a little sad that he didn't do it. Maybe it was because his step-mum was interviewed for it?
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dappa-macca:
McFangirl:
I went up to the Sundance Theater in West Hollywood on Saturday to see the film. I walked into the lobby to pick up my tickets and there's Freda Kelly right at the box office desk. Like a dork I waved and smiled at her. She waved back with a puzzled expression. I felt like I knew her because I have seen the previews for the movie so many times. Then, before the movie started, I decided to get myself a drink at the snack bar--they serve wine and beer at this theater. Who am I in line behind but Freda and the assistant director of the film. As Freda ordered their drinks I couldn't believe that they weren't being "comped". So, being the bold person that I am--I got my charge card out and started waving it so the bartender could see that I wanted to take care of their round. It took a while before the bartender got it. "Uh, you want to buy their drinks?" Freda turned around and said "Oh, no, no!" I said "Yes, yes. Let me do this since you always took such good care of our boys!" She seemed embarassed but said "Alright, but you must have a photo of us together." So, we had the assistant director take a couple of photos of us. What a nice lady. I also ended up sitting right behind them in the theater. I thought the film was wonderful. I felt like it could've gone on another hour--I'm sure there was plenty more they could've covered. Luckily the director said that there will be a lot of extras on the DVD. Can't wait to see more!!
That is so sweet - what a lovely thing to do for them. I saw it yesterday and it was such a fun film. Freda is adorable and charming. I felt like the film could have gone on for another hour. I loved hearing her stories and as much as I'd love the dirt I am impressed by her loyalty and integrity. She could have cashed in big time. I can't remember her quote exactly, but it hit me hard, something like "money won't cure cancer". It was really touching when she remembered everyone who has passed. I love Freda and hope this film is a huge success. Definitely see it. Anyone know why Paul didn't do a message in the film? Ringo's message during the credits was very sweet, I was waiting for Paul and a little sad that he didn't do it. Maybe it was because his step-mum was interviewed for it?
I wondered about Paul too. I saw an interview Q&A & they asked the same thing. They sidestepped the question & then ended up saying scheduling conflicts. hmmm...maybe it was because of Angie.
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Saw this Tuesday night in Santa Cruz, CA. Loved it...I wanted more. My only 2 slight critiques is that I wish there wasn't so much jumping around in years...from early '60's to ,late 60's and back to early '60's. Also wish the songs were the Beatles versions, such as "Twist n' Shout", "Boys", "Mr. Postman", etc. But overall I really enjoyed it. I would love to sit with Freda and have a cuppa tea and see if she would tell me more.
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~lady*madonna~:
Saw this Tuesday night in Santa Cruz, CA. Loved it...I wanted more. My only 2 slight critiques is that I wish there wasn't so much jumping around in years...from early '60's to ,late 60's and back to early '60's. Also wish the songs were the Beatles versions, such as "Twist n' Shout", "Boys", "Mr. Postman", etc. But overall I really enjoyed it. I would love to sit with Freda and have a cuppa tea and see if she would tell me more.
You saying having tea reminded me of Angie & Ruth McCartney. You can have tea with them for a mere $225.00. Or maybe a 10 person dinner for $550.00. The only good thing is that 1/2 of the proceeds are going to the Linda McCartney Centre.
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Tuesday 10 December More4 9pm-10.55pm http://www.channel4.com/programmes/good-ol-freda-the-beatles-secretary
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Thankfully i just set the sky box to tape it so ill watch it properly tomorrow,it does look good thats for sure,so Paul's not done anything for it? if so that's a shame frankly for someone an unsung as Freda you make time i don't care who you are (assuming of course he was asked and i'd be amazed if he wasn't) you find the time and contribute. Still i wsih her and the doc makers all the success in the world,hers is the last story to be told from a person who was in the inner circle and after 50 years she deserves her place in the Beatles Story.
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What a lovely lady Freda is
Stupidly I taped it only until 10pm
So hope it gets repeated again. I loved hearing all about The Beatles' parents too. You could tell from the docu that Freda did it for love ~ and she was probably the best they could've had.