New Release Follows ‘John & Yoko’s Year of Peace’
Image Entertainment will on Sept. 17 release “John & Yoko’s Year of Peace,” a documentary chronicling the couple’s anti-war campaign that began with Lennon and Ono’s honeymoon “Bed-In-for Peace” in March 1969. Compiled from footage recently found in the basement of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the DVD/VHS begins with scenes from the Montreal bed-in, and follows Lennon and Ono throughout the year, the period in which “Give Peace a Chance” was recorded.
Directed by journalist Paul McGrath and produced by Alan Lysaght, the film captures many of the candid talks from the Montreal bed-in, including Lennon’s interaction with such politically-oriented figures as comedian Tommy Smothers, LSD-booster Timothy Leary, civil rights activist Dick Gregory, and right-wing cartoonist Al Capp.
The DVD will also feature a commentary track from Ono. “As an interview she was insightful and inspirational,” says Lysaght in a release. “She was also valuable in terms of helping to secure the necessary music rights, and even donated some personal photographs and film footage to the project.”
“John & Yoko’s Year of Peace” includes new interviews with those who were at the bed-ins and has recently been touring the film festival circuit.