The Bearded Trio

On this day, April 21 1978, 37 years ago, Robert Zemeckis’ first feature as a writer/director premiered in New York City, New York. I Wanna Hold Your Hand also marked the first time that Steven Spielberg (at that time (only) known for two consecutive box-office hits Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind and his TV-Movie of the week, Duel ) acted as an Executive Producer ( Amblin Entertainment didn’t start for another three years). Despite high hopes from everyone, Spielberg didn’t attach his name just like that, he believed in the story of the six young girls from New Jersey, who set off on a mission to meet the Beatles on their first appearance on American TV , the film wasn’t the hit everyone hoped it would be.  However it did launch a friendship and partnership between Spielberg and Zemeckis (along with Bob Gale), that have provided us with some great film- and TV-projects after that. Nancy Allen in a scene from I Wanna Hold Your Hand.

The Beardless Trio ? Cleaning up one's attic can be very surprising from time to time During my recent Spring cleaning (I know, it was far too early),  I recently found this still, that I hadn't seen before. It shows Steven Spielberg, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale  on the set of I Wanna Hold Your Hand in 1977 This film will go into the books as  the first ever feature to have Steven Spielberg aboard as an Executive Producer. Although it was filmed for a rather modest budget ($2,7 million), Universal didn't like the fact that Spielberg wanted to hire a young and inexperienced Robert Zemeckis to direct the film.  So they made Spielberg agree to step in whenever Zemeckis would be doing a poor job.  Spielberg would than overtake his chair the film and direct it himself. As things turned out however,  this film would be the first of many collaborations between Spielberg, Zemeckis and Gale. On the set of Back to the