Star Wars

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When George Lucas gave the world Star Wars he could not have envisioned how many nerdy and geeky boys he would inspire for generations to come. The idea of forest-dwelling primitives defeating the hi-tech Empire was a big part of Star Wars post-Vietnam origins, but was scrapped when Lucas felt that the Wookies were not primitive enough. So they were made smaller and the name was shrunk and reversed to become Ewoks.

With an Oscar in his pocket for Jaws, John Williams was already going full tilt down the mountain of fame when Lucas asked him to score what turned out to be the biggest film of the decade.

He wisely opted for a classical backdrop to the antics of the Skywalker boy rather than a more futuristic soundtrack. The results will be forever synonymous with intergalactic heroism and evil. Unlike, say, Dune! 

Simply put, this is the greatest film of all time. Farm boy Luke Skywalker leaves his home planet to aid the rebellion in their war against the evil Empire. With the help of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, R2D2 and C3PO, he's able to save the day and destroy the Empire's dreaded Death Star. Classic story of good versus evil. 

Darth Vader is the epitome of screen villainy with his gas-mask face, Nazi storm trooper-like helmet and intimidating height - Vader became the image most associated with Star Wars. With a wonderful story and dazzling special effects, no film has ever had the cultural impact of Star Wars.

Endlessly imitated but never rivalled. This first instalment of George Lucas's Space Opera dresses up the timeless tale of good versus evil with ground-breaking special effects and a dazzling array of intergalactic characters.

Later renamed as Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope

TRIVIA NOTES
George Lucas originally wanted to change Anthony Daniels' British accent for C3PO and hired veteran voice-over artist and comedian Stan Freeburg to re-dub all his dialogue. He changed his mind when he finally realized the complexity of the job.

Princess Leia was originally intended to be played by Amy Irving (not Carrie Fisher) and the part of Han Solo was to be played by Nick Nolte (not Harrison Ford). 

Ford practically begged Lucas to have his character killed off in Return Of The Jedi  feeling this would 'complete' the character. George Lucas derived the word "Jedi" from the Japanese word Jidai Geki which means 'period drama' - commonly used as a TV soap opera.