John Lennon: Declassified (2007)

John Lennon's activism and outspokenness against the Vietnam War and other political issues during the 1960s and 1970s drew the attention of the FBI, particularly under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover. Lennon's anti-war activities, involvement with left-wing groups, and popularity made him a target for surveillance by the Nixon administration.

The FBI's surveillance of Lennon primarily focused on monitoring his activities, associations, and travels. This included wiretaps, physical surveillance, and compiling extensive files on him and his acquaintances. The FBI was particularly concerned about Lennon's potential influence on public opinion, especially among young people.

The surveillance of Lennon became public knowledge through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and legal actions. In 1972, journalist Jon Wiener filed a FOIA request for Lennon's FBI files, which initiated a legal battle to obtain the documents. After years of litigation, Wiener finally succeeded in obtaining a significant portion of the FBI's Lennon files, revealing the extent of the government's surveillance of the former Beatle.

The FBI's surveillance of John Lennon underscores the agency's historical tendency to monitor and sometimes target individuals perceived as threats to the political status quo, regardless of their fame or influence.

 

Pattie Boyd Pictures

24 Hours: The World of John and Yoko (December 1969)

24 Hours: The World Of John And Yoko offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during a five-day period, captured by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Filmed at their estate, Tittenhurst Park in Ascot, Berkshire, the documentary provides extensive access to the couple's daily activities and thoughts.

The filming coincided with Lennon and Ono's participation in another documentary titled Man Of The Decade for rival broadcaster ATV. Remarkably, the BBC crew also captured behind-the-scenes moments of this concurrent project, showcasing a unique perspective on the filming process.

Desmond Morris, who selected Lennon for the ATV documentary, is seen walking with the couple around the estate, engaging in conversation and posing thought-provoking questions. Candid moments unfold as Lennon and Ono share their views on politics in the comfort of their mansion's kitchen.

The documentary unfolds over the course of five days, culminating in a 35-minute portrayal of Lennon and Ono's world. First aired on BBC 1 on December 15, 1969, 24 Hours offers viewers an immersive experience into the lives of two iconic figures of the era. Selected excerpts from the documentary later found their way into the 1988 production Imagine: John Lennon, further cementing its significance in documenting Lennon and Ono's legacy.