Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Finale

A very good show deserves a finale. We decided that for the ending of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," we should create a moment of spectacular movie magic and have Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees and all the other stars of the movie joined by the collective starpower of scores of famed recording artists and musical performers in a chorus singing the famous lyrics, "We're Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band..."

December 16 was the day chosen for the filming of this climactic moment. Formal invitations were engraved and mailed to our guests many weeks in advance of the event. The guests were treated royally -- first class transportation to Los Angeles from wherever they happened to be, limousines, luxurious hotels, the finest champagne and food -- nothing but the best.

When the day finally arrived, we were overwhelmed at the large response and we knew that something very special was about to happen. As the director, Michael Schultz, put all the participants in their places on the massive set, a facsimile of the famous "Sgt. Pepper" album cover began to appear.

Peter, Barry, Robin and Maurice donned their bright satin band uniforms and took their places at the head of this VIP choir. George Burns was greeted by a standing ovation from the illustrious group, and we were underway. Our choreographer, Pat Birch, gave the ensemble some last-minute coaching for the march-in-place and the high vaudevillian flourish. George Martin explained the key changes and the chorus variations. Then as the cameras rolled, the group sang the finale song, swinging and waving in chorus.

The revelry that night spilled over into three adjacent sound stages with strolling violinists, a disco dance floor, lavishly catered dinner and a garden room with private tents for each of the stars. It was a party that continued well into the wee hours of the next morning. It was a special day in the making of "Sgt. Pepper," and we were glad to have been joined by so many others in a moment of celebration.

Alice Cooper and wife Cheryl are guests at the party following the finale filming.

George Burns receives a standing ovation from the finale chorus.

George Martin directs the chorus.

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