The Hours and Times

As 1963 begins, John Lennon decides to take a break from the intense life of a Beatle. He travels to Barcelona with his manager, Brian Epstein, in search of a peaceful retreat away from their hectic schedules.

During their flight, John engages in a jovial exchange with an air hostess named Marianne. Captivated by her charm, he cheekily offers her his phone number just before they land.

That evening, John confides in Brian about his conflicted feelings regarding gay sex. He expresses discomfort over the topic, and while Brian is open, there’s an underlying tension due to the sensitive nature of their discussion.

While playing cards, John becomes annoyed at the assumptions that he and Brian are romantically involved. His frustrations boil over as he shares his feelings of being trapped by these misconceptions.

The following night, John and Brian immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife of the city. They inadvertently end up in a gay bar, where they meet Quinones, adding an unexpected turn to their adventure.

After conversing with Quinones over drinks, Brian feels unsettled when Quinones leaves abruptly. This tension is heightened when he shares jokes with Miguel, the bellhop, revealing his longing for deeper connections.

While wandering the streets, John touches upon his troubled marriage with Cynthia. Although he tries to avoid deep discussions, it’s evident that his troubled home life is weighing heavily on him.

After a relaxing bath with John's harmonica playing, Brian joins him in a moment that brings them closer. However, this intimacy rapidly turns to confusion as John abruptly leaves the bathroom, not ready to embrace the connection.

Their uncomfortable silence is broken by a phone call from Marianne that ignites tensions among the group. Brian, feeling unappreciated for his sacrifices, lashes out, leading to a heated exchange between the three.

After the confrontation, Marianne surprises them with a gift—a new Little Richard record. The mood lifts as they spontaneously dance, allowing them to temporarily forget their tensions and troubles.

In a reflective moment, Brian shares a significant childhood memory of being sent to Spain after a scandal. This connection to their past reinforces the bond they share as John listens intently.

As their night comes to a close, Brian urges John to promise that they will meet in Barcelona again in ten years, ensuring that their friendship stands the test of time. John agrees, solidifying their deepening connection.

As John drifts off to sleep, Brian reminisces about their time together and the significance of their bond. He reflects on how their experiences in Barcelona have impacted their lives while contemplating the next day's bullfight.