This day in 1966...How I Won the War

On September 5, 1966, John Lennon flew to Hannover, Germany to begin filming for his first movie role (excluding The Beatles' movies A Hard Day's Night and Help!) as Musketeer Gripweed in the movie, How I Won the War. His decision to do something substantial without the other three Beatles is extremely significant and effectively is his first solo project, the beginning of the end of The Beatles as a cohesive rock band. In the context of Beatles history, the Fab Four had just finished their final concert at Candlestick Park, San Francisco that August, and each member had begun to move in different directions. Paul had contributed to the score of the Boulting Brothers film The Family Way. George had serious begun to head east, if not physically yet, emotionally for sure. Ringo had no idea what was in store for him. Thus it is clear that John's decision to become a movie star (albeit for one film) was somewhat of a statement to the other three and for their millions of fans. Up until this point, The Beatles dressed the same, had the same haircuts, sounded the same, did the same things, and liked the same things, effectively a "four-headed mop top monster." But by 1966, the turning point for The Beatles emotionally, intellectually and musically, it is clear that How I Won the War is the stepping stone for John to his solo career away from The Beatles, something that all four of them had wanted for a while. September 5 is one of the lesser known "big Beatle days" but is extremely significant as it represents the turning point of The Beatles flash on earth.