Beatles Cartoon - Penny Lane

Horrors! The Beatles are losing their female fans to "England's greatest detective" -- James Blond! Then they overhear some thieves making plans to "rob Penny Lane", and they figure that, if they catch the crooks, they'll outshine their new rival. So, they make haste back to the street in Liverpool, and look around for "strange-looking characters"...
Of note: I added an alternate song ending to the credits.

[@freddyratly]

this one is just so great. i love when ringo says "Why be a handsome hero? I'd rather stay as I am, handsome."

[@declancave]

It’s so cool reading the comments of people who grew up with the Beatles while they were around. I grew up with the Beatles too, yet decades after the 60s, but still enjoy these classics!

[@jimmcclellan1384]

This is wonderful, as a child in 1964 this was a show I did not miss.

[@iriemon1796]

I love that piccolo trumpet ending the song at 5:21. That was the way I heard "Penny Lane" growing up in 1967. But on all stereo remakes, that little closing lick on the piccolo trumpet is absent. The song never seems to end right without it.

[@alanr4447a]

I love it as well, and agree that the ending doesn't seem right without it! Curiously, it only appeared on a U.S. "promotional" single - you were lucky if your local radio station kept playing that version in the ensuing months! It was missing from the end of even subsequent "regular" mono mixes, such as on the UK single, and the "main" U.S. single; that mono is all you ever actually heard in the U.S. until _Rarities_ in 1980 (which had the piccolo trumpet ending spliced onto the first-ever U.S. release of the song in stereo): The 1967 _Magical Mystery Tour_ album, even the "stereo" version, used a plain-ending mono mix of the song, presented in FAKE stereo. And the 1973 "Blue Album" in the U.S. just presented the song in mono (still "plain-ending"). Meanwhile, an early-70s version of the MMT album in West Germany used only true-stereo versions of songs, but, as you say, with a plain ending for "Penny Lane". Likewise, the UK version of the "Blue Album" used the plain-ending stereo version. Then when the MMT CD came out in '87, the plain-ending stereo was used 'round the world.

[@iriemon1796]

@@alanr4447a Thanks, really great info!

[@roydidlock1867]

According to the book , "The Beatles Recording Sessions" by Mark Lewisohn, the Piccolo trumpet at the end of the song was an edit piece on the mono version. When the song was mixed for stereo, the engineers forgot about it. This apparently did not concern The Beatles, so it is missing from the stereo version.

[@kbob1163]

@@alanr4447a Okay, but in the video from the cartoon: Was the "spliced" ending really used for the ending credits, or did somebody just add that to the video recently? It seems odd that the "plain ending" is there for the song, but the "spliced" ending is there for the closing credits.

[@alanr4447a]

@@kbob1163 The "spliced" ending was NOT used in the cartoon. I dubbed that in myself because I thought it would be a treat to hear the "trumpet coda"! (In fact I shortened it by editing out "There beneath the blue suburban skies".) BTW the trumpet coda may have been an "edit piece on the mono version" as Lewisohn said, but the only place it was USED in the 1960s was on the U.S. PROMOTIONAL single, and NOT on the main-release single (which was mono) in either U.S. or UK, nor in any mono mix appearing on the MMT album in the U.S. (which was not issued in the UK), either the mono or "stereo" version of that album (which used the NO-trumpet-end mono mix in FAKE stereo), nor even on the U.S. release of the "Blue" album in 1973, which again used the no-trumpet-end mono mix!

[@davalles15906]

Every evening after school I was maybe 8 or 9 yrs old, sitted in front of the TV and watch those cartoons with a little white ball jumping over the lyrics. That was the way TV teached latin kids to learn english. Eso pasaba en Puerto Rico en los 70's

[@ftsjr]

What a great blast from the past. Each Saturday morning, at the height of Beatlemania, I'd watch these classics!

[@YellowYoshi398]

I never understood the voice they gave George in these cartoons. What even IS that accent? It sounds like a Peter Lorre impression! Not even vaguely British, much less Liverpudlian.

[@Some_danish_guy]

To me it sounds like he’s Chinese or something.

[@David-yw2lv]

John Lennon's high pitched voice is very inaccurate.

[@TheMadcap919]

That’s what I was thinking when I first heard George’s accent in the cartoon. I think “What the fuck is this accent?!”.

[@user-fp5ex7ml1e]

Sounds Irish to me

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

​@@TheMadcap919these cartoons were made in America, two guys voiced the Beatles, there was no effort to make anything close to "authentic" other than "make'em sound English" ...

[@alanr4447a]

From the Beatles Cartoon series that began in 1965; this episode was made in 1967. I taped the rerun off MTV about 20 years ago.

[@WellAlwaysHaveParis]

Probably the BEST interpretation of Penny Lane I have ever heard by Howard Goodall...“By the time The Beatles discovered mid-song key changes, Classical music had long since abandoned them. McCartney in particular had become intrigued by modulation as a device. But he seemed instinctively to know that the best modulations occur by stealth, when mood and color change unperceptively, as if by magic. It may surprise you to learn for example that in the cheerful, happy-go-lucky song ‘Penny Lane’ he pulls off clever immensely satisfying key changes no less than 7 times. Almost without you noticing. This is the work of a composer who really knows what he’s doing. What effect then does this modulation have on a song? Well for one thing, it alters our perception of the chorus. Listen to what it sounds like without the modulation. (plays music). Its fine isn’t it? But it’s not very surprising. In the proper version, there’s much more of a shifting gear as we move into the chorus. (plays music). It is, of course, quite common in a pop song for the voice to rise up to a higher range for the chorus to sound more celebratory, more frenzied, more desperate, or more passionate. And McCartney’s voice does indeed rise predictively upward for the chorus. But here’s the clever bit…while the voice is rising upwards for the chorus, the modulation is actually a DOWNWARDS shift (plays music). Moving the key downwards has the subconscious effect of making us feel slightly wistful - as if the ‘joy’ isn’t a ‘total joy’ but a joy experienced that is slightly removed from the events it portrays. Since the song is about McCartney’s memories of growing up in suburban Liverpool, this makes perfect emotional sense to us as we listen. There’s one other by-product of this downward shift…at the end of the chorus we’re forced to move back UP a gear as the verse starts again. Because we’re now modulating upwards, the incoming verse greets us like a new day…full of optimism and youth. (plays music). A lesser writer than McCartney would have left it at that. But Penny Lane is about journeys…into the past, down a street, through suburban Liverpool. And so the harmony goes on a journey too… in the very final chorus, McCartney surprises us once more, and lets the harmony shift again - this time upwards into the chorus - and the result is gloriously celebratory!!! Penny Lane is one of the most magical, life-affirming songs in The Beatles repertoire. It also features a baroque piccolo trumpet solo inspired by Paul McCartney hearing one on a TV broadcast of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. McCartney’s thirst for knowledge and understanding of Classical music was extremely influential in The Beatles work. Divisions between Classical and Popular seemed to dissolve in their later recordings. In this respect, McCartney was way ahead of his time. Anticipating a future that didn’t recognize artificial barriers between musical styles.”

[@geoffolehane]

Despite all of the cartoon's other flaws, the closing credits do include the second trumpet blast on the song, which was only released to radio stations back during the day.

[@user-vj9tf8eu6d]

There is a special MAGIC in the Beatles , mono recordings. They are beautiful !

[@KatieTheRockNRoller]

I love this song. It always puts me in a good mood when I listen to it!

[@hmoy24677]

Took me back to my early childhood. Thank you so very much for posting.

[@jaybird31453]

very good, Great quality, I never knew they had such a big selection of Beatles cartoons. Great!!

[@destronia123]

LOL! I thought i IMAGINED seeing this insipid cartoon a a young kid. Thanks for the proof that it actually existed!

[@VIncentSunflowers]

I watched these Beatles cartoons when I was in Kindergarten! I guess Ringo was the only one of the four who was easily impersonated vocally!! George sounds as if he's from India!

[@kevinkeenan-2.1]

Very good episode 👍🏻, that the Beatles not only sing the song but we’re actually at the place.

[@Markieo]

The ending of this reminds me of the end of "The New 3 Stooges" cartoons where Moe Larry and Curly Joe's shadows always run off into the sunset! Also, adding the 7 extra note "Penny Lane" is a nice touch! Thank You for sharing ;)

[@ileanafalconnat8380]

Gracias por subir este dibujo sobre The Bealtes con uno de mis temas preferidos!!

[@chumshot1]

The voices are way off but this is hysterical! I love John's face when he's talkin about the thieves

[@8mmhomemoviechannel]

thanks for uploading these. it inspired me to do the same with all 39 full length episodes. classic stuff. the music sound great in the 60's coming through the mono speaker of my console tv!

[@BeatlesAmiYumi]

LOL!! Wow! I just love this cartoon! It's so funny I can hardly help but laugh! I'm so glad you posted this! Thanks again!

[@MelyClaire]

Oh god, they're so adorable even as cartoons! I love how Ringo talks, lol -3

[@alanr4447a]

Yep, it was a Saturday morning cartoon series on ABC, beginning in 1965, with a few new episodes produced through 1967 (which year this was one of).

[@geor67]

Wow! That was exactly 4 years before I was born. Also Paul McCartney was knighted on March 11 1997. Being that March 11 is my birthday, I think that's pretty cool!

[@ElfDude2112]

I'm old. I remember being a pre-schooler and watching these in the late 60's. And I thought they were SO COOL! Good times.... :o)

[@Nefarioso]

Why does George sound like Peter Lorre?

[@thatcrazeerandomgirl]

loving the struggling musician . The drain cover was a stroke of genius

[@RageInstinct]

cool, never knew there is a Beatles Cartoon with their music, coz i'm too young, awesome :)

[@Drewpleblanc]

I actually managed to find and buy a shirt for my son with the cartoon Beatles on it- and at the time I just thought it was cool, never having seen the cartoon for myself. Now I'm glad I've come across it; I'll be watching a bit more of this now (: IDK about the voices of the four, but i love that the songs are still legit!

[@HVoltage152]

hahahahahaha I love the stooges ending u put in here xD!! this carton is awesome. they should have done cartoons about other bands as well! anyone agree?

[@alanstrong55]

Penny Lane was such a fine hit single. Making a cartoon out of it was a good move. 😂😂

[@BeatlesAmiYumi]

LOL!! That's so funny! I must admit that the part at the end of the episode was a really shocking expierience, and that's the truth. Thanks so very much for posting this episode.

[@JeffR60]

dude the beatles rock thank you for posting these alan4447a

[@SCOTTpilgrimist12]

this is a hilarious episode :')

[@ItailianAmerican101]

This was a great video I think whoever made it should make a lot more of the videos.

[@AdventureDumbie]

Hahah I love how cartoony they look. Love the Beatles!

[@brahmadasbyron180]

watched this several days ago but the trumpet blasts are still haunting me, ringing in my ears, as it were.

[@JRF1961]

Man, this brings back memories!!!

[@danielatovardiaz]

I LOVE YOU FOR PUTTING THIS VIDEOO LOOVEEE IT

[@Katy021398]

Aw Paul.. You got SOME SPLANIN TO DO! ;)

[@DUDEFERRISTHEONEANDONLY]

How the fuck did I get here?

[@yamil_Vndz]

I don't know

[@dyslexicbatnam1350]

By making all the correct decisions in life

[@ukamerica8]

That is a cute cartoon, that was brilliant :-)

[@GangstaBambi]

"James Blond, no. 00" "00 what?" "That's all, when the girls see him, they say "oh oh, heavan" " LOL . I'm so glad I found these cartoons :)

[@PatMunang]

Nice Cartoons!!♥

[@BuddyNovinski]

Wow! Does this video bring back memories of wasting Saturday mornings watching cartoons in early 1967!

[@KRPCVR]

i love how paul wears the fireman's helmet like a turtle's shell.

[@Shad0wSpill]

Damn...i didnt like the beatles until my boyfriend and i watched Yellow Submarine on our first date...now I cant get enough of them o.o Penny Lane...what a great song!

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1967 {March 11th} a video of the Beatles performing "Penny Lane" and the b/w, "Strawberry Fields Forever", was aired on late Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand'... One month earlier on February 25th the record entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; with "Penny Lane" peaking at #1 {for 1 week} on March 18th and "Strawberry Fields Forever" reaching #8... The Beatles, along with Elvis, never appeared live on 'Bandstand'... R.I.P. to The King, John, George, and Mr. Clark {1929 - 2012}

[@rebeccasabet2802]

The animated series was my intro to the Beatles. It was also one of my earliest memories.

[@gitte1958]

these are wuderbare cartons, the music of the beatles, is still the best there was. thank you for `s video - lg gitte

[@geor67]

Thank you. I had a wonderful birthday!

[@bellasawa97]

RINGO IS DA 1 WITH THE DEEP VOICE AND BIG NOSE; JOHN IS DA 1 THAT'S HANDSOME; PAUL IS THE 1 WITH THE ROUND BELLY; GEORGE HAS HIS BIG CHIN

[@misspepper42]

it's always paulie, innit? he always gets into trouble on these funny cartoons, just like on the "help!" episode ^^

[@KobeConfidence]

i luv how john is a smart alec in this cartoon!

[@ultimatecartoon2881]

I can't believe this. The girls are going crazy for that detective guy and yet not the Beatles. I find that stupid

[@jazzbo13]

I love how they worked the words "Finger Pie" into a kid's cartoon! Classic.

[@rockdontrun]

Very cool that you ended the cartoon with the trumpet solo from the Penny Lane promo single. I prefer that version and they should put it on CD. I have it on the US "Rarities" album.

[@estrelinha22ad]

this clip is so good, much better than them riding a horse through the street

[@rachelswensss]

How is it possible that even cartoon Paul can look at me with those eyes and make me swoon?

[@JonTheArtist2]

Nice song and nice work on that vid, man.

[@SmileAndSpeakEnglish]

this is GOLD

[@jonhayashi1]

David Mason, a classical musician who played the trumpet solo in the Penny Lane song in this cartoon, died April 29, 2011 at age 85. According to a Newsday obituary Paul McCartney saw Mason playing the trumpet on tv in a Bach concert and George Martin producer recruited Mason to record with the Beatles. R.I.P. David Mason.

[@obiwanobiwan13]

James Blonde and Cartoon Beatles... That's just about as awesome as the Brits can be represented in a cheesy cartoon series.. :D Agent oh-oh-heaven... and robbing Penny Lane (the Beatles' song, but also maybe Ms. MoneyPENNY?) LOL

[@RageCage64]

I've seen this episode at least 20 times over. Just this play through, I caught the James Bond references. I believe that classifies as EPIC FAIL!

[@AllieGreenleaf]

this is one of my favorite Beatles songs ^_^

[@MondoTheAlien]

i love this song i love the beatles ive listened to them since i waz 3 or 4 it brings tender memories

[@Muzzly1234]

You've got to love Ringo's nose.. a truly accurate portrayal xD

[@RaeNine]

this is the 1st Beatles cartoon i ever saw, and this became my favorite episode bcuz of the 1st impression (matchbox comes in 2nd) ^_^

[@KrystalLake]

"When the girls see him, they say _Oh! Oh!"_

[@Enderdragonfighter]

Heaven!

[@THECLARENCES]

Love it! xoxo THE CLARENCES (robert, amanda, molly, gary & bleach)

[@Reenuh47]

Instead of all the shitty cartoons that are out now, and that will be out in the future, I'm showing these cartoons to my future children. Long live The Beatles

[@JJourdenaisART]

just love this!

[@AndrTob5]

first rate cartoon arts and sciences. I love it.

[@Kelter82]

I love how suave they make Paul look XD

[@sauquoit13456]

Thanks for the reply and Happy belated 42nd Birthday!!! Thanks again...

[@starcatcher1015]

AW man i love the beatles ;]. john ringo and george actually look like them haha!:D

[@alanr4447a]

Thanks! I've always preferred that myself! I had always thought the "normal" ending seemed a little 'flat', and when I first heard the 'trumpet coda', I thought, "THAT'S what it needed!" :) (I actually first heard it on station WMMS in Cleveland in 1979, during a "Buzzard Beatles Blitz". Of course I bought the U.S. "Rarities" when it came out the next year!) What I put here was actually from the Anthology 2 CD, with most of the other 'extra sounds' taken out.

[@YooTuba]

When the Beatles are standing around Penny Lane, the spired church building that pops up in the background here and there looks just like the actual church that stands near the actual roundabout in the actual Penny Lane.

[@yf6666]

Tears fall because it is wonderful.

[@24Joyjoy]

This is awesome! Haha, Ringo 8D

[@XshizzlecakeX]

"Did you hear that?" *extra extra close up zoom in of John's face* "some thieves are planning to rob Penny Lane!" i cracked up at that lol

[@bluecity75]

simply superb!!

[@skeaneable]

nice to know they not not singing this song in their 'Sgt.Pepper' appearance they look like their 1964 Hard Day's Night counterpart!

[@luengaga1978]

i am agree with Paul. The band did a lot of things to become one of the greatest bands and James Blond gets all the glory. I think James Blond didn´t play a guitar in all his life

[@alanr4447a]

John filmed "How I Won the War", where he started wearing his glasses in public, in the fall of '66, before the Beatles Recorded Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane, and well before the cartoon producers made the episodes; but the animators had decided not to change the "models" for the Beatles.

[@bannanabot]

ringo has a halarious voice i love this song

[@starrdust411]

ROFL! THis is ridiculously cute and campy! :D

[@ilovePAULMcCartney17]

john:the only strange looking characters around here are us!!! LOL for that!

[@AGClayMakers]

Hehe this is so... cute. I don't know any other word to describe it. :)

[@clemstevenson]

The piccolo trumpet player featured in the recording (whose work substantially added to the ambiance) was a highly skilled musician, to the point where some people questioned the authenticity.

[@andrew23947]

looking back I think its very clever fond memories from australia

[@Aleen166]

This. Is. Adorable! xD

[@bjoybeads]

All Right ! ha,Ha, Finally ! - the original trumpet ending of Penny Lane !! haven't heard it in decades BUT that's the ending on the single we bought in the US.

[@foreverandalwaysXD]

i love it when paul goes 'lets be off!' idk why.

[@alanr4447a]

Well, not actually as such, because the end-music here is the result of MY editing (replacing the standard cartoon closing theme)...BUT, the origin of the song ending with the extra horn is U.S. promotional copies of the "Penny Lane" single, so some Americans did hear that ending back in '67! Personally, I think the song ending is much better WITH the horn than without it!

[@davidmckee586]

Great to watch when stoned.

[@alanr4447a]

Thanks! :)

[@MerryWonderland]

@WeirdCandycain Gear means is cool, fab, awesome ect. It's used by Ringo in the movie A Hard Day's Night. He says: "Gear, I've been dying to do some work" It's a 60's slang like bird, fab or groovy. I hope that answered your question :)

[@ladymadonna55]

Better every time:)