STAR WARS (1977)

By: Frank Garcia
Date: Thursday, June 07, 2001

'A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away,' we were thrilled and entertained. We loved C-3PO, R2-D2, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Princess Leia. And most certainly, we loved to hate Darth Vader. Industrial Light and Magic's revolutionary special effects literally spawned an industry. 'May the Force be with You' became the catchphrase of the decade. Science fiction was suddenly 'hot.' Lucas combined ancient mythologies, science fiction serials like FLASH GORDON, and Kurosawa's THE HIDDEN FORTRESS. Thanks to the breadth of Lucas' imagination, the dogged perseverance of the cast and crew, the loyalty of Alan Ladd, Jr., the Fox production chief, STAR WARS will continue to be enjoyed by an audience in a future far, far away.