Podcast Summary: Something About the Beatles – SATB SPECIAL: ONE TO ONE with Gary Wenstrup

Release Date: April 19, 2025
Host/Author: Evergreen Podcasts, Award-Winning Author Robert Rodriguez

Introduction to the Episode

In this special episode of Something About the Beatles, hosted by Robert Rodriguez, the focus shifts to an in-depth discussion about the John Lennon and Yoko Ono documentary titled "One to One." Although Rodriguez intended to interview someone directly involved in the film’s creation, circumstances led him to share a conversation between recurring guests Gary Wenstrup and Jerry Hammack instead.

Lawrence Lanahan introduces the episode at [01:56], setting the stage for a "quick and dirty" take on the documentary, emphasizing that this discussion contains spoilers for those who haven't seen the film.

Overview of the "One to One" Documentary

Gary Wenstrup and Jerry Hammack delve into One to One, a film that goes beyond a typical concert documentary by expanding its lens to capture the broader context of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's lives and activism during the early 1970s.

Lawrence Lanahan [01:56]: "Anybody who has any interest in this film at all... I highly recommend you go see it and highly recommend you see it on a big screen if you can."

Content and Framing of the Documentary

The documentary intertwines concert footage with significant political and personal moments from John and Yoko's lives. The film is praised for its immersive storytelling and balanced portrayal, avoiding the trap of hagiography common in many artist documentaries.

Gary Wenstrup [04:36]: "It's not a concert film per se... It expands the lens out... It's built around the concert as sort of the core."

Both hosts commend the film's pacing and structure, noting how it captures the essence of the era through rapid cuts and varied footage without overwhelming the viewer.

Gary Wenstrup [16:13]: "They went full out. What I really liked about it was the setting up, sort of seeing the world through their eyes."

Activism and Political Context

A significant portion of the discussion centers on John and Yoko's activism, particularly their involvement in the "Free the People" tour and efforts to free unjustly imprisoned individuals. The hosts highlight how the documentary contextualizes their activism against the backdrop of Nixon's administration and the societal tensions of the time.

Gary Wenstrup [21:07]: "The film presents it that way for sure... It's all about their activism and politics and music of the time."

They also critique the documentary for omitting certain aspects of John and Yoko's activism, such as their drug issues and the complexities of their political engagements, which could have provided a more nuanced portrayal.

Jerry Hammack [25:07]: "I felt it was very respectful of John and Yoko, but I didn't feel it was fawning and I didn't feel it put him on a pedestal."

Musical Performances

The documentary features several musical performances by John and Yoko, including renditions of "Mother" and "Give Peace a Chance." The hosts discuss the quality and presentation of these performances, noting both strengths and areas where the documentary could have provided more context or different song choices.

Jerry Hammack [53:57]: "For me, the most powerful musical performance was 'Mother.' I thought that song, John seemed particularly emotional and it felt heartfelt, his performance of it."

They also address the use of Stevie Wonder and Roberta Flack in the concert, analyzing how their contributions fit into the overall narrative of the film.

Gary Wenstrup [47:45]: "It was very good... and I will tell you that when they did 'Hound Dog,' I kind of missed Yoko's interjections there."

Omissions and Criticisms

While praising the documentary's strengths, Wenstrup and Hammack also point out notable omissions and decisions they disagreed with. They mention the exclusion of Yoko's broader feminist perspectives and John's struggles with activism after 1972, which could have enriched the film's narrative.

Gary Wenstrup [27:29]: "If you critique Yoko, you're automatically branded as racist or misogynistic... but if you critique Yoko, that doesn't make you either that's simple minded any more than criticizing Alan Klein makes you anti-Semitic."

Additionally, they express disappointment over the documentary not addressing certain pivotal events, such as the fallout from the Free the People tour and deeper dives into John and Yoko's personal challenges.

Jerry Hammack [26:07]: "They show election night '72. Not a word about what went down that night."

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Concluding their discussion, both hosts commend One to One for its balanced approach and contextual depth, recommending it to both die-hard fans and newcomers interested in the Beatles' extended narrative. They emphasize the film's ability to capture the spirit of the era and provide a fresh perspective on John and Yoko's partnership.

Gary Wenstrup [62:44]: "This has got some balance to it and it really provides a context in a way that few films do. I was very grateful for that."

Jerry Hammack [62:45]: "Agreed."

They encourage listeners to watch the documentary, especially on an IMAX screen for the full immersive experience.

Notable Quotes

• Lawrence Lanahan [01:56]: "This is a considered like a bonus episode... it's just additional content."

• Jerry Hammack [09:05]: "The one thing that struck me from the 1986 production... it's nice that that's absent from One to One."

• Gary Wenstrup [16:13]: "It will be coming to HBO later... highly recommend you see it on a big screen if you can."

• Gary Wenstrup [27:13]: "She talks about feminism... but the way she talks about it is a letdown."

• Jerry Hammack [33:02]: "What do you mean by that?"

• Gary Wenstrup [53:43]: "It's like you have the setup, but without the punchline."

Conclusion

This episode of Something About the Beatles offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the One to One documentary, blending insightful analysis with thoughtful critique. By exploring both the strengths and shortcomings of the film, Gary Wenstrup and Jerry Hammack provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's legacy, making it a valuable listen for Beatles enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

For more discussions and insights into The Beatles' music and legacy, tune into future episodes of Something About the Beatles hosted by Robert Rodriguez.