Never-before-seen Beatles footage to be auctioned off

By Dean Murray via SWNS

Never-before-seen Beatles footage is set to go under the hammer.

The candid 8mm film, lasting 3 minutes and 17 seconds, shows the Fab Four behind the scenes as they filmed their iconic movie "Help!" in 1965.

The rare footage, lasting 3 minutes and 17 seconds, is set to be auctioned by Boston-based RR Auction.

Shot on location at Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, during the production of the 'I Need You' sequence, it captures the band in their natural, off-camera state, engaging with cast and crew, noodling on their instruments, and sharing light-hearted moments.

RR Auction say: "The original black-and-white silent film, captured on May 3, 1965, during the filming of 'Help!', is a treasure trove from the personal archive of a member of the production crew or a possible friend of the Beatles.

"The discovery of this 'unseen footage' is particularly remarkable given The Beatles' status as one of the most documented bands in history. The film captures a moment in popular music history where the legendary quartet is not in the spotlight but enjoying the camaraderie of the film set."

Bobby Livingston, RR Auction Executive Vice President, says: "I've seen my fair share of rare Beatles artifacts, but this 8mm film is something special because it captures the sheer joy of the Fabs. It's a cinematic time capsule that brings us closer to the Beatles in a way that photographs and interviews simply can’t."

RR Auction says the film is from a "Dublin-based collector who purchased it off eBay".

A conservative pre-auction estimate is for it to sell for "£7.8k ($10k) or more", says the company.

The auction, which began on January 19, will conclude on February 24.