John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s New Film Coming to Theaters

In 1972, the daytime TV talk show The Mike Douglas Show featured John Lennon and Yoko Ono as guest hosts for an entire week, marking a significant moment in pop culture history.

Fast forward to today, a new documentary titled Daytime Revolution aims to capture that unique chapter. Directed by Erik Nelson, the documentary is set to be screened in over 50 theaters nationwide, coinciding with what would have been Lennon’s 84th birthday on October 9.

“Daytime Revolution takes us back in time as we witness John and Yoko engaging with a captivated studio audience during revealing Q&A sessions,” describes a press release. “John Lennon was remarkably open about his life after the Beatles. The couple also handpicked their guests, many of whom were considered controversial at the time, such as anti-war activist Jerry Rubin, Black Panther Bobby Seale, Ralph Nader, and George Carlin.”

The film also features memorable musical moments, including a captivating duet with Chuck Berry and a deeply moving rendition of Lennon’s classic song ‘Imagine.’ Additionally, the show incorporated conceptual art events and even cooking segments, creating a diverse and fascinating format.

The documentary had originally been scheduled for release in the fall of 2022. However, according to Nelson, both Yoko Ono and her son Sean Ono Lennon, who participated as creative consultants, decided to delay the release. They believed the film’s messages of optimism and idealism would be particularly meaningful closer to the 2024 election, which they anticipated would be a period filled with tension.

Initially, Daytime Revolution will premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival, followed by its broader theatrical release. Specific details regarding locations and ticketing will be disclosed in the near future.

Given the star power of its hosts and the array of significant guest appearances, The Mike Douglas Show during that week in 1972 created unforgettable television moments. The documentary seeks to shine light on that period, capturing the essence of a time when television was not just a form of entertainment but also an influential cultural platform.

Source: Deadline