Goofs
I obtained a copy of this film, but some scenes appear to be missing. I know its a biopic, but there were a lot of factual errors. You would think they would get some things right since Pete Best was a consultant. As well read Beatle historian, let's look at some of the inconsistancies:
1) In Hamburg they are playing "I Saw Her Standing There", "Don't Bother Me", "Ask Me Why", "P.S. I Love You", great music, but were originals that weren't written until later. They did perform "Johnny B. Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven" as well as "Love Me Tender" sung by Stu which are from this era.
2) Depicting Dick (guitar groups are on their way out) Rowe from Decca rejecting the Beatles and George Martin of Parlophone in the same office was daft.
3) Brian tells the Beatles that Decca turned them down while they were still in the studio which in reality they didn't find out until weeks later.
4) George sang the third harmony while Paul sang the fifth and the seventh in Twist and Shout. They are reversed in the film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um-fBenit9g&mode=related&search=
5) The first song the Beatles played on Ed Sullivan was "All My Loving", not "I Want to Hold Your Hand". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpOoSRj49ew
6) Brian Epstein informed the Beatles that Parlophone set a recording date by sending them a telegram; as they were in Hamburg, not in person as depicted.
7) They did not perform "Long Tall Sally" at the Decca audition, nor did they do "Love Me Do" or "Rock and Roll Music" which is being listened to by Brian and the record executive. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Decca_audition
8)The Beatles were not yet into leather gear prior to going to Hamburg, nor when they took part in the Larry Parnes audition. Photographs from this audition show them in slacks and black button up shirts with white top shoes.
http://dmbeatles.com/pictures/small/0609.jpg
9) Larry Parnes did not get them the gig in Hamburg. Their first manager Allan Williams was the one who arranged this.
10) Paul is depicted as supportive of Stuart which he was not. He thought of him as definitely a "weak link" in the band.
11) John played his famous black Rickenbocker guitar during the Ed Sullivan appearance in lieu of the sunbirst version as depicted in the film.
12) Rory Storm and the Hurricanes did not audition for Larry Parnes. Rory didn't want his band to back up another artist. He did show up though; to get his picture taken with Billy Fury.
13) The candle setting the Bambi Kino on fire was a funny rewrite of history. It was actually a condom that Paul and Pete had nailed to the wall and set alight that got them into trouble.
14) Cynthia did not inform John of her pregnancy the night Ringo first performed with them at the Cavern. In reality, they had already gotten married the day before this performance.
15) The first meeting with George Martin and the "For a start, I don't like your tie" comment by George was when Pete was still in the group, and also Ringo didn't play drums at the first recording session. Martin had brought in session drummer Andy White to record "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You".
16) Cynthia didn't wear an orange outfit for the trip to America. Photos show her in a black 60's style mini dress with a white cap.
17) Timeline error: Stuart died in April of '62. This is after they had already met Brian Epstein and auditioned for Decca.
18) The statement "America has everything, what do they need with the Beatles?" was made by George in the plane on the way, not Paul as depicted.
19) It's funny how John tells the drummer at the audition (Johnny Hutch) "Dizzy Miss Lizzy in E". A drummer doesn't need to know what key the song is in.
20) For Stuart being a poor to non-existant bass player, the bass playing in the Hamburg and early Liverpool scenes with Stuart are superb. Obviously this is because of the group "Rain" performing the soundtrack.
21) In reality, the Indra club is a tiny club, unlike that depicted in the film. http://www.tuscionet.com/Beatles/Luoghi/indrainside.jpg
22) The Beatles were informed of Stuart's death at the airport upon their arrival. George was not there as he was ill. He flew in with Brian the next day.
23) John states after Stuart's death that his mother Julia died when he was 14. She actually died on July 15th, 1958 when he was 17.
24) Alastair Taylor (who eventually became General Manager of Apple) did not abandon Brian Epstein at the Cavern when they first went to see the Beatles perform as depicted in the film.
Sorry for all the historic nitpicking, I love the Beatles and like this film; it is still a very enjoyable film for Beatle fans.