The Beatles pose together on Feb. 28, 1968. From left are Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, who died in 2001. (Associated Press)

An illuminating interview with the late Beatles guitarist George Harrison has been unveiled after 40 years in storage.

Journalist Miranda Ward, a Beatles friend at the time, recorded the interview in 1967 on reel-to-reel tapes.

Film director David Lambert told BBC News he heard the recordings as part of his research for his movie, The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Memories. Lambert uses a small portion of the interview in the film.

"He goes on to talk about the drink culture of Great Britain, which in 1967, from how he describes it, seems exactly as it is today," Lambert said.

"He talks about use of drugs and how certain politicians tend to rule the world and rule our lives."

Lambert described the interview as "pretty controversial" but refused to divulge details.

"He covers all aspects of things, the Eastern mysticism, he was very involved at the time with the Maharishi [Mahesh Yogi]."

Expands on views

Lambert said Harrison, who died of cancer in 2001, expands on his own views about life and philosophy.

"I think you'll actually look at George and think, 'The guy really is talking a lot of sense and people should have listened possibly at the time.'

"He wasn't one to talk about these things. If you listened to it, you would fully expect someone like John [Lennon] to be doing the interview."

Lambert said he believes the full recording will come to light soon. He said movie director Martin Scorsese has expressed interest in the reel-to-reels. Scorsese announced in 2007 he was making a film about Harrison.

Harrison embarked on a successful solo career after the Beatles broke up at the end of the 1960s. The hits he wrote and sang include Here Comes the Sun, Something, While My Guitar Gently Weeps and My Sweet Lord.