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Star Wars - The Early Days

100 Years of Elstree Studios - Part Eight

We mentioned Star Wars a couple of weeks ago, and you can't really help it when talking about the Elstree Studio story. At the time in early 1976 George Lucas and Gary Kurtz had spent three years after their hit American Graffiti developing the film, and found Elstree had nine empty stages which were needed for all the interior sets. After filming for 2 to 3 weeks in Tunisia from March 22nd 1976, Elstree became the base for the film for the next few months.

   

Thanks to the Paul Welsh Archive, we have the original Press Releases sent out by Brian Doyle, the film's publicist. In one, the casting of Mark Hamill is announced in the role of "Luke Starkiller". Now there's a pub quiz question for you. Unfortunately the Releases aren't dated, but we can work out that the one concerning the Tunisian filming is from March 15th 1976, and explains that not all the casting is finished yet. Then we have one explaining that Sir Alec Guinness has been confirmed in the role of "Ben Kenobi" with his "lethal laser-sword" and will "have a long and awesome laser-sword-battle with Vader, the story's malevolent arch-villain".  No mention of Obi-Wan or Darth at this stage.  George Lucas was still developing the film down to the wire - this explains why many of those involved had little understanding of the film, and were dubious of its future.  Seems it turned out quite a significant film in the end.