Short answers, pulled from the story.
Michael Schultz directed the 1978 film. The screenplay was written by Henry Edwards, who had previously written musical analysis for The New York Times but had never written a film script before.
The film earned $20.4 million against a production budget of $13 million, making it a minor commercial success. It was met with overwhelmingly negative critical reviews, receiving an 11% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 reviews.
George Martin, the Beatles' former producer, served as musical director, conductor, arranger, and producer of the film's double album soundtrack. The songs were drawn primarily from the 1967 Sgt. Pepper album and the 1969 Abbey Road.
Earth, Wind & Fire's cover of "Got to Get You into My Life" earned the group a Grammy Award. Aerosmith's cover of "Come Together" became a top-25 hit single. Both were widely praised even as the rest of the film was dismissed by critics.
Only Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr attended the premiere. In a 1979 interview, George Harrison said the film had damaged the images and careers of Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees, comparing it to the Beatles trying to perform as the Rolling Stones. John Lennon never publicly commented on the film, though he had attended rehearsals for the original stage play.
Peter Frampton played Billy Shears, leader of the reconstituted band. The Bee Gees, Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, played the three Henderson brothers. George Burns played the narrator Mr. Kite. Steve Martin, Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith appeared in supporting villain roles.