Fab time for Paul at Beatle bash

LONDON — Paul McCartney celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Beatles movie "A Hard Day's Night" at a private screening.

McCartney was reunited Tuesday with the cast and crew of the 1964 film, which shows the Beatles navigating a series of adventures as they prepare for a TV appearance.

"A Hard Day's Night" was an instant success upon release, bringing the young Liverpool natives — McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr — even greater fame.

The film was released internationally this week on DVD, with additional rare footage of the foursome.

McCartney, 62, said he hadn't seen the movie since its release.

"Yes, it takes me back. It's great seeing it again," he said, noting that "it's very sad that George and John aren't around to see it."

Lennon was gunned down outside his New York City apartment building in 1980. Harrison died of cancer in 2001.

McCartney enjoyed the black-and-white film tribute to 1960s Beatlemania with his 36-year-old wife, Heather.

"Heather has never seen it full-length. We have just seen bits and pieces," he said.

The film features 12 Beatles hits, including "Can't Buy Me Love," "She Loves You" and "A Hard Day's Night."