Al Hine (1915–1974)

If he is to be sacrificed to dread Kaili," Bhuta worried to Clang, "why is he not painted red?"
"That's a question I've never been able to pluck up the courage to ask him," John joined the conversation. (pg. 48)

Another enjoyable Beatles film novelization; this one for their second film, the silly proto-Monty Python adventure Help! wherein Ringo is sent a sacred Eastern ring in some fanmail and the group are forced to escape the clutches of a bloodthirsty Thuggee cult. As is to be expected, the best moments in the book are ones that came from the film (there's a lot of funny scenes in there – I don't know why Help! gets such a bad rep). Author Al Hine's own contributions, in contrast to John Burke's efforts with the A Hard Day's Night novelisation, are less distinctive and the book does not stand apart from its source material in the same way its predecessor did. But when the material is as fun as this, you don't really care. As with all Beatles stuff, you just get caught up in the joy and finish with a big smile on your face.

"They have to paint me red before they chop me," Ringo explained for the fourth time. "It's a somewhat different religion from ours, I think..." (pg. 93)
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