THE BEATLES | YELLOW SUBMARINE (1968) UK color still set

London: King Features-Subafilms, LTD., [1968]. Set of 8 vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) double weight glossy color photos. Overall about fine.

This appears to be a complete set of publicity photos issued to promote the Beatles’ animated feature Yellow Submarine for its UK release. The British/American production was released in the United Kingdom four months before release in the United States. A rare Beatles collectible.

The animated musical film inspired by the music of the Beatles was directed by George Dunning, with art direction by Heinz Edelmann. Though initially publicized as the Beatles voicing themselves, voice actors played the roles (with the Beatles, aside from composing and performing the songs, participating in the closing scene only). Because they disliked the 1965 The Beatles animated TV special, they showed little interest in participating in the film. After they viewed the outlandish work of Heinz Edelmann, they wished they had participated and heartily promoted the film, adding to its success.