Reviewed by Melissa Antoinette Garza
The Beatles are arguably the most recognized and brilliant band of all time. The were there at the beginning of what is known as the British Invasion. Long before Michael Jackson and Madonna, fans were passing out and crying at the mere sight of their idols and objects of infatuation.
In 1969, a rumor began that Paul McCartney had died and was replaced by a lookalike who obtained plastic surgery. The story goes that McCartney was in a car accident and decapitated in 1966.
Though, Paul was in an accident in 1966 and several newspapers reported he had died, the conspiracy seems rather far fetched. Being one who enjoys conspiracy theories, I’ve read several books on the rumor and researched it rather well.
Despite that, I was shocked at so much of the information in THE WINGED BEATLE. It’s a documentary that is over two hours long and explores every aspect of the conspiracy.
Now, I’m not saying that I believe Paul McCartney died in 1966, but much of the evidence shown is compelling.
Prior to seeing the film, I knew about the clues on the albums and some of messages left when playing the music backwards. Now that’s interesting, but I thought at most The Beatles were messing with us. They were fans of Aleister Crowley who taught the impact of subliminal messages and back-masking. I had heard about McCartney mysteriously leaving his former fiance without a word and showing up with Linda after-wards.
Even for those who think they know everything about the Paul is dead conspiracy, I suggest watching this because you’ll be shocked. For example there is a song called St. Paul that is released on the same label that released The Beatles music. St. Paul is the only song that was released outside of The Beatles music and it was released prior to the Paul is Dead rumor. The lyrics seem as though they align perfectly with it.
Also, why is Paul always using the name Billy over and over again in his productions? The conspiracy theorists believe Faul’s (Fake Paul McCartney) name to be Billy Shepherd or Billy Campbell. So, is he just messing with us or is he really someone else?
An hour into the documentary it’s easy to start thinking to yourself, “did they switch Paul?” “Is Paul dead?” The answer I’ve come to is I really don’t know. There was reason to do it. Money, popularity and to ensure there wasn’t a public outcry are good reasons to make sure the public weren’t aware of his death.
That said, The Beatles definitely wanted us to believe it, whether for fun or to try and get the message out, I don’t know. It seems so outlandish, but then again this documentary offered so much I hadn’t known previously.
Even my husband who is an avid Beatles fan and hates the conspiracy theory was taken in by this documentary.
This is not to be confused with the mockumentary PAUL MCCARTNEY REALLY IS DEAD: THE LAST TESTAMENT OF GEORGE HARRISON. Though, I recommend the mockumentary for absolute amusement, it isn’t to be taken seriously.
THE WINGED BEATLE however is done with what appears to be actual facts and is not done in a comedic way. There is a sequel to this that I’m dying to see, but cannot yet track down.
Currently, this is available for free on YouTube. I suggest both skeptics and avid believers to check this out. Even for those who have researched this conspiracy thoroughly, there is going to be so much new information provided that it makes you feel like a novice.
Scared Stiff Rating: 9/10
