I’m truly amazed—there’s no doubt about it. Paul McCartney and Wings star in this captivating hour-long documentary (or “rockumentary”) filmed on analog video in 1974, during the height of “Band on the Run,” by cameraman and VFX veteran David Litchfield. The documentary captures the band working at Abbey Road on a potential live-in-studio album titled *One Hand Clapping*, featuring Wings classics, early McCartney songs, and covers.
The Making.
Now restored and re-released, the film is a complete delight—just as entertaining as Peter Jackson’s *Let It Be* documentary. McCartney’s remarkable enthusiasm and the joy he finds in every creative moment, along with his natural musicianship and effortless virtuosity, are truly uplifting. It might seem odd to note, but despite being quite young at the time, McCartney possesses an impressive understanding of pop music history—understandable, given that he played a key role in shaping it. His almost uncanny awareness of popular music’s evolution is striking.
A True Classic.
The film also includes bonus material featuring an outdoor mini-concert. McCartney set up with a chair and acoustic guitar in a garden behind the studio, and Litchfield filmed him playing a busker-style set, channeling Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. His reimagining of Cochran’s “Twenty Flight Rock” becomes a smooth, addictive slow jam. There are plenty of nostalgic gems and humorous moments, such as drummer Geoff Britton showing off his martial arts skills in his karate outfit. It’s a true joy.
*Paul McCartney and Wings – One Hand Clapping* hits cinemas on September 26.
