On Wednesday May 25, 1977 saw the premiere of a low budget science fantasy film that was the third film for its young writer/director and stared three relatively unknown actors in the main roles and two renowned actors in supporting roles.
The story of "A Boy, A Girl and A Galaxy" was shown on 32 screens. Word of mouth and some good reviews increased the number to 37.
The film became "THE FILM" of that summer. The writer/director was smart and opened his film to merchandising. Trading cards, clothing and other products with images of the film were made.
Soon THE GREATEST merchandising success of the film would be created, TOYS!
Now children can continue the adventures of their newly chosen heroes and villains. A leading comic book company published a comic book to further spur on the adventures and a daily comic strip appeared in some newspapers.
The film's success grew. It was nominated for eleven Academy Awards including "Best Picture", "Best Supporting Actor" (for one of the more established actors), "Best Screenplay" and "Best Director" for its young writer/director.
The film won the other seven that it was nominated for. "Best Score", "Best Costume Design", "Best Visual Effects, "Best Production Design", "Best Sound Mixing", "Best Film Editing" and a "Special Achievement Academy Award".
Four years later, after the release of its equally blockbuster sequel, the film's title was changed and almost twenty years later in January 1997 a "Special Edition" was released with more modern technology than in 1977.
The film is now known as "Star Wars Episode IV- A New Hope". It's the first film in what's called "The Orginal Trilogy" George Lucas is the young writer/director.. It started the careers of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. The two known actors were Peter Cushing and Alec Guinness, who was nominated for "The Best Supporting Actor" Oscar.
The film has changed the lives of MANY people who saw it!
I saw the film a week later on June 1, 1977.. Like many others before me, I was transported to "A Galaxy Far Far Away....." the moment the main theme played and the opening crawl appeared.
I will NEVER FORGET that day. A day that I discovered a little science fantasy film called
As Obi-Wan Kenobi said to Luke Skywalker,
"Remember, The Force WILL Be With You Always"
