“Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was released on 24 July 1978, inspired by The Beatles’ album and shaped as a rock-opera musical comedy. Despite its high-profile cast, including Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees, Aerosmith, Steve Martin and Alice Cooper, the film was widely criticised for its story and perceived treatment of The Beatles’ material, barely breaking even at the box office.

The film had an $18 million budget and earned just under $20.4 million worldwide. Its producer, Robert Stigwood, had also overseen “Grease”, which was still number one when “Sgt Pepper” opened; “Grease” eventually became 1978’s highest-grossing film, earning $396.3 million against a $6 million budget.