Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Star Wars
The saga so far
A recap of the first five movies.
By STEVE PERSALL
Published May 17, 2005
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Release date: May 25, 1977
Premiered on only two theater screens in the United States, expanded to 43 on May 30, 1977.
Reported budget: $11-million
Worldwide ticket sales: $797-million
The plot: The battle rages between rebel forces led by Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) against the Imperial Army of menacing Darth Vader (body of David Prowse, voice of James Earl Jones). Leia is captured after sending a plea for help to Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Sir Alec Guinness) though the plucky servant droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.
Obi-Wan enlists young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the rescue mission, telling him that Darth Vader killed his father, who was a close friend. They're joined by brash pilot Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his hairy sidekick, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). Together they invade the empire's war machine, the Death Star, forcing a fatal showdown between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader. A mild rivalry ensues between Luke and Han for Leia's attention.
The Death Star is destroyed and Vader escapes. Luke and Han get medals and coy smiles from Leia.
Signature scene: Luke's flight through the Death Star's mecha-valleys to deliver an explosive payload, setting the standard for video games forever.
Memorable quote: "The Force will be with you, always." - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Also on May 23, 1977: The Brady Bunch Hour, a variety show spinoff, ended its run on ABC; Muhammad Ali knocked out Richard Dunn to defend his heavyweight championship.
Whatever happened to: George Lucas' desire to direct episodes V and VI? Irvin Kershner handled The Empire Strikes Back, while Richard Marquand directed Return of the Jedi. Lucas resumed those duties for the prequel trilogy.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Release date: May 21, 1980
Premiered on 126 theater screens.
Reported budget: $18-million
Worldwide ticket sales: $533.9-million
The plot: Rebel forces are based on the icy planet Hoth where Vader's troops are poised to invade. After nearly dying from the climate and a nasty Wampa beast, Luke leads a counterassault. Following Obi-Wan's advice delivered in a vision, Luke heads to Dagobah for advanced training with Jedi master Yoda (voice of Frank Oz). Han takes advantage of Luke's absence to flirt with Leia.
Meanwhile, Han, Leia, Chewbacca and the droids travel to the planet Bespin. Han's rival, Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), delivers them to Vader, who uses them as bait to attract Luke. C-3PO is badly damaged, while Han is frozen in carbonite and handed over to bounty hunter Boba Fett, working for corpulent mobster Jabba the Hutt.
Luke arrives on Bespin. During a light-saber duel with Vader, Luke's right hand is severed. Even more shocking, Vader tells him Luke that he's his father. Luke escapes, rejoins his friends and is fitted with a bionic hand. Chewbacca and a repentant Lando depart to rescue Han, while Luke takes advantage of the flyboy's absence to make goo-goo eyes at Leia.
Signature scenes: Luke being pushed to the limit by Yoda's training; Luke and Vader's confrontation.
Memorable quote: "Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder." - Leia, when Han makes a pass. Han's reply: "Who's scruffy-looking?"
Also on May 21, 1980: Navy ensign Jean Marie Butler is the first female graduate of a United States service academy.
Whatever happened to: Clive Revill, who voiced the Emperor in this film, then was replaced by Ian McDiarmid in subsequent episodes?
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Release date: May 25, 1983
Premiered on 1,002 theater screens
Reported budget: $32.5-million
Worldwide ticket sales: $573-million
The plot: Construction of a second Death Star that could crush the rebellion is almost complete, supervised by the emperor (Ian McDiarmid). Luke returns to his home planet of Tattooine where Jabba holds Han prisoner. Leia sneaks in disguised as a bounty hunter to thaw Han, but all are captured. Luke uses his Jedi skills to eliminate Jabba's soldiers in a desert brawl while Leia strangles the gangster with her shackles.
The heroes rendezvous with rebel forces planning an attack on an Imperial battle station on the moon Endor. Lando is chosen to lead the strike force against the Death Star, while Han is tabbed to destroy its deflector shield generator. A dying Yoda and ghostly Obi-Wan tell Luke his Jedi destiny will only be fulfilled when he confronts Vader. Oh, yes, and Leia is actually Luke's sister, adding an icky factor to his previous flirtations.
Endor's furry inhabitants, the Ewoks, assist Han against Imperial stormtroopers guarding the generator. Luke surrenders to the emperor, but refuses to fight his father. Vader's paternal instincts break through; when the emperor nearly kills Luke, Vader tosses the villain to his death. Vader bonds with Luke, then dies as the Death Star is obliterated and the rebels win.
Signature scene: The Forceful trinity of Yoda, Obi-Wan and a pre-Vader Anakin Skywalker smiling at Luke's success from the afterlife as Ewoks dance in triumph.
Memorable quote: "Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny." - Yoda, on his deathbed.
Also on May 25, 1983: First national Missing Children's Day is proclaimed in the United States; France performs nuclear testing.
Whatever happened to: Women besides Leia actively leading the galactic revolution?
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Release date: May 19, 1999
Premiered on 2,970 theater screens
Reported budget: $115-million
Worldwide ticket sales: $925.5-million
The plot: Darth Vader, the early years when he was still Anakin Skywalker. The roots of the Empire are found in a dispute between the separatist Trade Federation and the peaceful planet Naboo, ruled by young queen Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Policing the situation are Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), with dubious help from marble-mouthed alien Jar Jar Binks (voice of Ahmed Best).
The Jedis travel to Tattooine for spaceship repairs and meet 9-year-old Anakin (Jake Lloyd), a boy whom Qui-Gon senses to be a future master. Despite being nearly twice his age, Padme senses Anakin might make a good boyfriend someday. Their future is threatened by Darth Maul (Ray Park), a Jedi gone bad, serving a mysterious master who may be the future emperor. Maul kills Qui-Gon, who's avenged by Obi-Wan. Anakin's preternatural abilities as a pilot make him a hero in the defense of Naboo.
Obi-Wan is promoted to Jedi master, and vows to mentor Anakin against the wishes of Jedi council leaders Yoda and Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson).
Signature scene: Anakin's pod-racer victory, a blueprint for the inevitable video game the movie spawned.
Memorable quote: "We waited 16 years for that?" - response of many Star Wars fans.
Also on May 19,1999: Russian Parliament confirms its new prime minister, Sergei Stepashin.
Whatever happened to: Jake Lloyd?
Star Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Release date: May 16, 2002
Premiered on 3,161 theater screens
Reported budget: $120-million
Worldwide ticket sales: $648.3-million
The plot: Ten years after the action of The Phantom Menace, Padme is now a galactic senator who barely escapes assassination plotted by separatist Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). Anakin (Hayden Christensen) is old enough now to return her affections, although their romance is kept secret.
Claiming to be preserving peace, Chancellor Palpatine (also McDiarmid) hires the clone army led by Jango Fett, father of bounty hunter Boba Fett, a key figure in The Empire Strikes Back. Obi-Wan discovers a conspiracy at work to undermine the republic. His tutelage of Anakin is problematic, given the student's short temper, impetuous ways and growing sense of superiority.
The kidnapping and death of Anakin's mother Shmi Skywalker-Lars (Pernilla August) leads him to massacre the responsible Tuskan raiders, his first step over the line to the dark side of the Force. A duel with Dooku leaves Anakin minus one arm, and its bionic replacement is the first hint of the half-man, half-machine he'll become as Darth Vader.
Signature moment: Anakin's petulant confession to Padme of his vengeful killing rampage.
Memorable quote: "Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?" - Obi-Wan to Anakin, who will be as Vader.
Also on May 16, 2002: A report claimed President Bush was warned about Osama bin Laden's plans to hijack airplanes in advance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Whatever happened to: Gonk, an android whose cameo appearances provided more trivia for Star Wars buffs?
[Last modified May 16, 2005, 14:25:36]
Share your thoughts on this story
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor
