By Della Lowe
Imagine being the secretary to The Beatles. Freda Kelly does not have to image it. She lived it for 11 years. As a teenager, this shy Liverpudlian went to work for the Beatles, and as their devoted secretary and friend, Kelly was there to witness the evolution — advances and setbacks, breakthroughs and challenges — of the greatest band in history. Now Kelly comes to St. George for two screenings of the remarkable film, produced by Kathy McCabe.
In “Good Ol’ Freda,” Kelly tells her stories for the first time in 50 years. One of few documentaries with the support of the living Beatles and featuring original Beatles music, the film offers an insider perspective on the beloved band that changed the world of music.
We were excited that Freda was willing to travel from the U.K. to be present at these screenings with her producer, Kathy McCabe, and regale our audience in person with her stories. Coincidentally, Feb. 25 is George Harrison’s birthday, so we feel it is a celebration of his life.
The film will have screenings on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Hafen Theater at the Tuacahn High School and at the Bumbleberry Theater in Springdale at 7 p.m. Due to space limitations, online reservations at docutah.com are required for tickets, which are $10 cash paid at the door.
History notes that The Beatles were together for 10 years, but Freda worked for them for 11. Many people came in and out of the band’s circle as they grew to international stardom, but Freda remained a staple because of her unfaltering loyalty and dedication.
The film has won wide critical acclaim in both the film and mainline press. The Hollywood Reporter declared, “Delightful doc gets as much mileage from its subject’s cheer as from Beatles lore.” Atlanta Magazine raved, “Oscar-worthy new doc. Kelly is a complete charmer. Prepare to fall in love with her.”
Producer Kathy McCabe is an award-winning photographer and Beatles expert with widespread experience in the music industry. She has worked as a publicist, manager, music video and album producer, and recording studio manager. She initiated and engineered the production of “Good Ol’ Freda.”
This remarkable film is part of the monthly DocUtah@TheElectric series but has been moved to Tuacahn High School to accommodate larger audiences.
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