Superfan David Whiteley celebrates the unsung British heroes behind the first film in the Star Wars’ franchise, 1977’s eponymously titled Star Wars. The Star Wars saga ends with the release of The Rise of Skywalker in December 2019. This documentary celebrates where it all began. It includes previously unheard stories from the people who made one of the most successful movies of all time, with additional interviews and previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage. The presenter, Star Wars superfan David Whiteley, who has his own connection to the original film (he was born on May the 4th), tracks down the often modest British talent who brought the galaxy to life. David explores the contribution of the London Symphony Orchestra and meets Ann Skinner, who was in charge of continuity. As well as seeing her original stills from the set, Ann reveals how she helped Sir Alec Guinness with one of the most famous speeches in Star Wars.
Production
Roger Christian literally built the lightsaber from airplane scrap.
Practical Effects
Every alien you loved was British hands in rubber suits.
Sound
LSO recording session stories will give you chills.
Director
Matt Wildash
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
David Whiteley's May 4th birthdate was genuinely noted on his birth certificate before Star Wars existed—his mom claims she started the pun.
The 'British Invasion' of Hollywood effects work essentially started here; without this crew, there's no Alien, no Blade Runner, no modern blockbuster infrastructure.
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