Mersey Boys: A Letter from Al Moran

We know a lot about The Beatles. But what lurks in the minds and hearts of many are the private and public encounters, both real and imagined that shaped people's memories of The Fab Four. In Steve Farrell's fictious (or not), rendering of memory and encounter (Mersey Boys: A Letter from Al Moran)--we get an intimate knowing across intergenerational time and space. He offers a memoire of what was, and maybe what never was. But through the excavation of a life gone-by, we come to know of a particular life-lived, which also offers a fresh-take on the boys from Mersey who changed the world through music. Kudos for Farrell who takes us, and himself into the scene of knowing and rediscovering the past, and what he (and we), never knew. Bryant Keith Alexander, PhD, Communication, Cultural and Performance Studies scholar.

Having already read and enjoyed the Mersey Boys book, I really enjoyed the short film. One thing I loved about it was that it used subtlety when introducing the Beatles. The film did not blatantly present them as "The Beatles," but introduced them as if they were regular British teenagers. I also loved the way the story was told. Ger reading the letter allowed for a smooth introduction to Al Moran. Lastly, I enjoyed how the actors spoke to each other in a regular tone and not overacting. This allowed for greater empathy from the audience. All this being said, I cannot wait for a full film adaptation when it is finally done!

Mersey Boys: A Letter from Al Moran, based on a novel by Steven G. Farrell, combines a bit of mystery and history to deliver an interesting and entertaining concept. The story line instantly drew me in with the discovery of a letter to 'Mike' and I was fully invested after the seamless transition from a modern day study to a yesteryear bar. The flashback scene was authentic with a nostalgic feel that made me believe I had been transported back in time. The ensemble cast was capable and believable in their roles. This short film left me feeling that Al Moran was the most interesting man in the world and I definitely want to see more of his story - please!

I enjoyed this short which has an interesting take on the early Beatles. The Lennon character rings true, as does Al's confusion. I hope a feature filming is in the offing.

This short film presents a prologue of sorts to what one hopes eventually becomes a full-length film presentation of The Mersey Boys, based on the wonderful novel of the same title by Steven Farrell, an almost "parallel universe" Beatles story, based largely in history and biography, through the eyes and pen of Dr. Albert Moran. Quite well done and generally well-acted, although this reviewer found the performances of the John and, to a lesser extent, young Moran characters in the bar scene a little tight. Jessica Messenger as Ginny the barmaid is a natural. All in all, recommended for Beatles fans, with the hope that it becomes a full-length film.