Synopsis

In a galaxy ruled by the oppressive Galactic Empire, Princess Leia secretly obtains the stolen plans to the planet-destroying Death Star. After her capture, farm boy Luke Skywalker is drawn into the struggle alongside Jedi mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, smuggler Han Solo, Chewbacca, and two droids. Together, they join the Rebel Alliance and attempt to deliver the plans before the Empire can destroy its enemies.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released on May 25, 1977, simply as Star Wars. The subtitle Episode IV - A New Hope was added to the opening crawl for the 1981 theatrical re-release.

• Principal photography began in Tunisia on March 22, 1976. The desert locations stood in for Tatooine, while much of the studio work took place at EMI Elstree Studios in England.

• Industrial Light & Magic was established specifically to create the film's visual effects. Its motion-control camera system, known as the Dykstraflex, helped produce the fast, precise space battles that became one of the movie's defining technical achievements.

• Sound designer Ben Burtt built the film's distinctive audio world from recorded and manipulated sounds. Darth Vader's breathing came from a scuba regulator, while the TIE fighter's shriek was based on a processed elephant call.

• Star Wars received 10 Academy Award nominations for the 1977 film year and won six competitive awards, along with a Special Achievement Award for sound effects.

• The Library of Congress added Star Wars to the National Film Registry in 1989, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.