The Hours and Times

As 1963 unfolds, John Lennon (Ian Hart) embarks on a short escape from the relentless energy of The Beatles. Accompanied by his loyal manager, Brian Epstein (David Angus), they set off to the colorful city of Barcelona in search of a much-deserved break from their chaotic lives. During their flight, John engages in a light-hearted conversation with an eager air hostess, Marianne (Robin McDonald), her curiosity piqued by John’s delightful humor. Captivated by her charm, John shares his phone number just before they land.

That same evening, John confides in Brian regarding a matter that weighs on his mind: gay sex. Although he admits it occasionally crosses his thoughts, the idea of intimacy leaves him feeling conflicted, primarily due to his concerns over potential discomfort. Brian’s reaction, while surprisingly open, hints at his own unease concerning their situation.

Their tension rises during a card game, as John expresses his annoyance over others wrongly assuming he and Brian are romantically involved. This understandably leaves him feeling trapped and frustrated. Yet, he also shares an earnest confession with Brian, acknowledging that while he finds his manager charming, he has no desire for anything physical.

The following night, the duo dives into the exhilarating nightlife of Barcelona and inadvertently finds themselves in a gay bar. Here, they encounter a charismatic Spanish gentleman named Quinones (Sergio Moreno), whose own complex marital situation adds just another layer to their night. After bonding over drinks in their hotel room, Quinones’ swift exit leaves Brian feeling irritable and dejected.

Brian’s mood worsens when he chats with Miguel, the friendly hotel bellhop. Amidst joking comments about oral sex, it becomes obvious that Brian’s heart longs for something beyond mere laughs. He later seeks comfort in a phone call with his mother, revealing his innermost fears and uncertainties.

While wandering through Barcelona’s charming streets, John and Brian touch on John’s troubled marriage with Cynthia. Although he refrains from diving too deep into the topic, it’s clear that his marital issues weigh heavily on his heart. Throughout their escapade, John’s keen eye captures the vibrant spirit of the city, while Brian remains introspectively tangled in thoughts of his unfulfilled desires.

After a calming bath, accentuated by the soothing sounds of John’s harmonica, Brian joins him in the tub, drawn in by an invisible force. When John asks for a back scrub, their closeness sparks an unexpected romantic connection, growing more intense by the moment. However, as quickly as it ignites, John’s demeanor shifts abruptly; he leaves the bathroom, leaving Brian confused. Later, John is found lying in bed, lost in contemplation, the haze of cigarette smoke filling the air as they await clarity.

Their silence is pierced by a ringing phone, as Marianne’s voice initiates a series of escalating events. Frustrated, Brian lashes out about his ongoing sacrifices for others. When Marianne arrives, tensions flare, leading to a heated discussion between John, Brian, and Marianne, who accuses John of causing emotional pain in his relationship with Brian.

As the storm subsides, Marianne surprises them with a gift – a new Little Richard record – and they all get swept away in the infectious rhythms, yielding to spontaneous dancing. Amidst the relief of the moment, John and Brian reflect on their shared history, particularly on Brian’s adolescent trials in Barcelona.

Brian recounts his mother’s decision to send him to Spain after a scandal involving blackmail and robbery from a previous romantic encounter, a move that allowed him to meet The Beatles just two months later. As their conversation unfolds, Brian passionately asks John to promise him that they will reconvene in Barcelona in ten years, regardless of life’s circumstances. John wholeheartedly accepts this pact, further reinforcing their bond.

As the night deepens and John drifts into a peaceful sleep beside him, Brian reminisces about a cherished childhood memory – a visit to his “special place,” the rooftop of his family’s shop. It’s there he shares with John the profound meaning of their time together, while plans for the next day involve attending a bullfight, with John hoping his friend may be unfazed by the graphic display.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:25