The Beatles: Direct From Their First American Concert

On March 14th and 15th, 1964, a Beatles' "live concert" was transmitted via telephone line to theaters in select cities across the U.S. and Canada by closed circuit technology.  This was the same technology previously used to transmit boxing matches. 

Photo from the Washington, D.C. concert

The concert was a CBS recording of the Beatles' first live American performance in Washington D.C. from a month earlier on March 11th.  Also included was separate footage of performances by Leslie Gore and the Beach Boys.  In advertising it was billed as The Beatles: Direct From Their First American Concert.

Trailer for the closed circuit presentation

The concert was transmitted to select cities, including in Canada. There were two shows transmitted each day on the weekend of March 14th and 15th.  A number of Canadian presentations appear to be on one day only.  It's estimated half a million teens across North America watched the broadcasts and it was reported that the enterprise was very profitable. Surprisingly, the Victoria showings did not sell out!

Newspaper ad for the closed circuit presentation in Edmonton.

Below: ads for showings in Calgary and Edmonton

I have yet to find a list of Canadian cities showing the film, but I assume it was shown in all major Canadian cities as well as smaller centers such as Victoria, Edmonton and Calgary. 

Victoria B.C. - Fans line up for the closed circuit "Beatles" event.  

The Canadian collector can hope to find newspaper ads, advertising posters, handbills, personal photographs and tickets.  

Ticket for the Victoria, B.C. presentation. 

In the U.S. some tickets were large and came with Beatles' graphics. In Canada the only tickets I have come across have been regular movie theater issues or like the one above with "The Beatles" printed on them.