Produced by George Martin

Most Beatles fans know that Sir George Martin served as their primary producer. This BBC-aired documentary serves up a biographical profile, beginning with Martin's first job at EMI, where working-class George met upper-class Judy, who became his wife. Amusingly, he found her "cold" and she considered him "square." Little did classical pianist Martin know that he was fated to work in pop music. Martin's oboe teacher, Margaret Eliot, was the mother of Jane and Peter Asher, who would also establish ties with the Fab Four (Eliot appears in the profile, but her children do not). At Parlophone-EMI, Martin moved up the ladder quickly, overseeing music hall and comedy records from Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan. Life changed further when manager Brian Epstein introduced him to the Beatles. Recalls Martin, "I thought their music was rubbish," but he sensed hit potential. Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney drop by to reminisce about the early days, and it's clear they all still enjoy a comfortable rapport, although Martin remembers Let It Be with disappointment, since the Beatles left him for Phil Spector (they would return afterward). In the wake of his split with the Beatles, Martin worked with John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck, and others who testify to his skillful guidance. Later, he opened his own studio in Montserrat, where top acts, including the Police, recorded in the 1980s (the studio would later be destroyed by a hurricane). Extras include bonus interview footage with Rick Rubin, T-Bone Burnett, Michael Palin, and others. A fine profile of an admirable man and industry legend now in his 80s, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)