Ticket 2 Ride

The former Beatle was a sometime actor, with a number of films and television programs on his resume.

Admittedly, Ringo Starr wasn’t a great actor, nor did he pretend to be, however, his personality and fame led to numerous acting jobs.

Ringo has 113 entries under the actor profile on IMDb.com, many of which are music related or shorts, music videos of the Beatles, former Beatles and friends. His credits include quite a bit of voice work, including 52 episodes of Thomas & Friends and Shining Time Station.

Let’s go back to the beginning…

Ringo got his first notice in A Hard Day’s Night (1964) when director Richard Lester featured him in a musical sequence without the other Beatles. Ringo was praised for his comedic appearance and comfort in front of the camera. Later, he admitted that it was after a late night at the clubs.

The second Beatle film, Help!, (1965) centered on Ringo, or rather Ringo’s finger. Again directed by Lester, it was in colour and featured exotic locations as the backdrop for the story.

Next up was Magical Mystery Tour (1967), which was a television film to promote the Beatles’ new EP. Lacking a formal script, the film was a mixture of musical sequences and travelogue adventure. It’s best just to skip over this one.

Under contract to provide a third feature film, the idea was pitched for an animated film that incorporated Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour music with a storyline based around a voyage by the Beatles on the “Yellow Submarine” to save Pepperland. The Beatles did not voice their characters, but appeared at the very end in a cameo. Very little participation by the Beatles.

Let It Be (1970) was the film about making the album Let It Be. It was filmed during rehearsal and recording during 1969. Footage from these sessions would comprise Peter Jackson’s Get Back.

Meanwhile, Ringo was beginning to get parts in non-Beatles feature films.

Candy (1968) was a big budget sex farce starring Marlon Brando, Richard Burton, James Coburn, Walter Matthau, John Huston, Ringo and many others. Based on a book by Terry Southern, adapted for the screen by Buck Henry, and directed by actor Christian Marquand.

For those who thought Casino Royale was funny, this film is lurid and in poor taste. A bunch of middle aged men trying to seduce a teenager is a difficult sell.There’s a huge difference between Lolita and Candy in social commentary. Ringo has a minor role, he would have been luckier if it had been left on the cutting room floor. Can’t recommend.

The Magic Christian (1969) stars Peter Sellers as a very wealthy man and Ringo as a bum who is adopted into wealth. This biting satire reduces everything to a price. The Sellers’ character is mean and lacks any compassion as he tries to teach his adopted son the value of greed. Also co-written by Terry Southern.

This could have been a great role for Ringo, but he acts in awe of Sellers and Spike Milligan, instead of working on his acting.

The Point (1971) is based on a story and songs by Harry Nilsson about a boy and his dog who are banished because the boy has not point on his head. He later learns that everyone has a point even if you cannot see it.

Dustin Hoffman originally narrated the animated film, but was later re-recorded with Ringo. His is the best narration. The film has since been rereleased.

200 Motels (1971) was Frank Zappa’s psychedelic rock star road film. Ringo co-starred as Larry the Dwarf, but looked Zappa. The film was part script and part of Zappa performing with the Mothers of Invention.

Blindman (1971) is a Spaghetti Western starring Tony Anthony, who also co-wrote and co-produced. Beatles manager Allen Klein put money into the film which may have accounted for Ringo’s supporting role as Candy, the obsessed brother of outlaw gang leader dealing in sex slaves.

The role calls for Ringo to put forth some acting, as this is a straight dramatic role. Anthony, a star in Italy, shoulders the load as a blind outlaw, who also dabbles in the sex trade, or mail order brides, but he’s the “good guy” in this story. Ringo does an acceptable job looking annoyed, sad and dead.

In 1972, Ringo produced and directed the documentary about rocker Marc Bolan called Born to Boogie. Bolan was a member of the glam rock band, T. Rex. The film was a co-production of Apple Films.

That’ll Be the Day (1974) is a story of two friends in the late 1950s having a hard time growing up. Life is moving forward but they aren’t. David Essex and Ringo are the guys who want to have fun and screw women, avoiding responsibilities.

Ringo received good reviews as the older of the too, a bit more wise about life, but is destined to never grown up.

Son of Dracula (1974) allowed Ringo to make a film with drinking buddies Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon and John Bonham. Ringo co-starred as Merlin and produced the film. Although filmed in 1972, it was shelved until it was dumped theaters in 1974 where it vanished. At least the music was good.

Lisztomania (1975) features Ringo the Pope, in a supporting role to Roger Daltrey as composer Franz Liszt, in Ken Russell’s extravagant production. The Pope? Why not, Ringo was knighted in real life.

Sextette (1977) was Mae West’s final film, a campy affair, with Ringo and many others along for the ride. Ringo plays a film director, probably thankful he wasn’t the director of this film.

Ringo (1978) stars as himself and another character in a television variety special. Part fantasy, part music, totally cheesy.

Caveman (1981) If you like silly, this one is for you. Others might say stupid, but there are a few laughs. Ringo got his name in first position in the credits, and also walked away with co-star Barbara Bach.

Ringo is Atouk, an outcast who joins with other outcast cavemen to form their own tribe and get revenge against the mean caveman who cast him from the tribe. Written by Carl Gottlieb and Rudy de Luca, and directed by Gottlieb, the film is meant to be campy, and even cheesy. This is no great work of art but it has oddball charm and Ringo is quite entertaining.

Princess Daisy (1983) was a television mini series. Ringo and Barbara Bach were part of a large cast. Based on a romance novel by Judith Krantz, this was soapy nonsense.

Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984) is a feature film written by, produced and starring Paul McCartney. Ringo plays Ringo, a stretch, in a forgettable film, but enjoyable experience, also co-starring wife Barbara Bach.

Ringo hosting SNL (1985) was during the low years for the series, and a lull in Ringo’s career.

The Beatles: Get Back (2022) is Peter Jackson putting a happy ending on the Fab Four’s legacy. It’s an extraordinary film, the way we wish the Beatles had ended.

Observations

Ringo has never been out of the public eye. A frequent talk show guest, podcast guest and touring band leader, Ringo is everywhere. For more than 60 years he’s been a popular personality. Maybe that’s why he never took acting seriously, he was just comfortable being lovable Ringo. He exudes warmth and affability, humor and goofiness – qualities that are welcoming, something actors have make long careers with. Ringo just didn’t seem interested, music was always his day job.