STAR WARS
Episode IV
A NEW HOPE
From the
JOURNAL OF THE WHILLS
by
George Lucas
Revised Fourth Draft
January 15, 1976
LUCASFILM LTD.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away...
A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the main title.
War drums echo through the heavens as a rollup slowly crawls
into infinity.
It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships,
striking from a hidden base, have won their first
victory against the evil Galactic Empire.
During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal
secret plans to the Empire's ultimate weapon, the
Death Star, an armored space station with enough
power to destroy an entire planet.
Pursued by the Empire's sinister agents, Princess
Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of
the stolen plans that can save her people and
restore freedom to the galaxy...
The awesome yellow planet of Tatooine emerges from a total
eclipse, her two moons glowing against the darkness. A tiny
silver spacecraft, a Rebel Blockade Runner firing lasers
from the back of the ship, races through space. It is pursed
by a giant Imperial Stardestroyer. Hundreds of deadly
laserbolts streak from the Imperial Stardestroyer, causing
the main solar fin of the Rebel craft to disintegrate.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER - MAIN PASSAGEWAY
An explosion rocks the ship as two robots, Artoo-Detoo (R2-
D2) and See-Threepio (C-3PO) struggle to make their way
through the shaking, bouncing passageway. Both robots are
old and battered. Artoo is a short, claw-armed tripod. His
face is a mass of computer lights surrounding a radar eye.
Threepio, on the other hand, is a tall, slender robot of
human proportions. He has a gleaming bronze-like metallic
surface of an Art Deco design.
Another blast shakes them as they struggle along their way.
THREEPIO
Did you hear that? They've shut down
the main reactor. We'll be destroyed
for sure. This is madness!
Rebel troopers rush past the robots and take up positions in
the main passageway. They aim their weapons toward the door.
THREEPIO
We're doomed!
The little R2 unit makes a series of electronic sounds that
only another robot could understand.
THREEPIO
There'll be no escape for the Princess
this time.
Artoo continues making beeping sounds. Tension mounts as
loud metallic latches clank and the scream of heavy equipment
are heard moving around the outside hull of the ship.
THREEPIO
What's that?
EXT. SPACECRAFT IN SPACE
The Imperial craft has easily overtaken the Rebel Blockade
Runner. The smaller Rebel ship is being drawn into the
underside dock of the giant Imperial starship.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER
The nervous Rebel troopers aim their weapons. Suddenly a
tremendous blast opens up a hole in the main passageway and
a score of fearsome armored spacesuited stormtroopers make
their way into the smoke-filled corridor.
In a few minutes the entire passageway is ablaze with
laserfire. The deadly bolts ricochet in wild random patterns
creating huge explosions. Stormtroopers scatter and duck
behind storage lockers. Laserbolts hit several Rebel soldiers
who scream and stagger through the smoke, holding shattered
arms and faces.
An explosion hits near the robots.
THREEPIO
I should have known better than to
trust the logic of a half-sized
thermocapsulary dehousing assister...
Artoo counters with an angry rebuttal as the battle rages
around the two hapless robots.
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT WASTELAND - DAY
A death-white wasteland stretches from horizon to horizon.
The tremendous heat of two huge twin suns settle on a lone
figure, Luke Skywalker, a farm boy with heroic aspirations
who looks much younger than his eighteen years. His shaggy
hair and baggy tunic give him the air of a simple but lovable
lad with a prize-winning smile.
A light wind whips at him as he adjusts several valves on a
large battered moisture vaporator which sticks out of the
desert floor much like an oil pipe with valves. He is aided
by a beatup tread-robot with six claw arms. The little robot
appears to be barely functioning and moves with jerky motions.
A bright sparkle in the morning sky catches Luke's eye and
he instinctively grabs a pair of electrobinoculars from his
utility belt. He stands transfixed for a few moments studying
the heavens, then dashed toward his dented, crudely repaired
Landspeeder (an auto-like transport that travels a few feet
above the ground on a magnetic-field). He motions for the
tiny robot to follow him.
LUKE
Hurry up! Come with me! What are you
waiting for?! Get in gear!
The robot scoots around in a tight circle, stops short, and
smoke begins to pour out of every joint. Luke throws his
arms up in disgust. Exasperated, the young farm boy jumps
into his Landspeeder leaving the smoldering robot to hum
madly.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER - MAIN HALLWAY
The awesome, seven-foot-tall Dark Lord of the Sith makes his
way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is
Darth Vader, right hand of the Emperor. His face is obscured
by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask, which
stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the
Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backs away
from the imposing warrior and a deathly quiet sweeps through
the Rebel troops. Several of the Rebel troops break and run
in a frenzied panic.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER
A woman's hand puts a card into an opening in Artoo's dome.
Artoo makes beeping sounds.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER
Threepio stands in a hallway, somewhat bewildered. Artoo is
nowhere in sight. The pitiful screams of the doomed Rebel
soldiers can be heard in the distance.
THREEPIO
Artoo! Artoo-Detoo, where are you?
A familiar clanking sound attacks Threepio's attention and
he spots little Artoo at the end of the hallway in a smoke-
filled alcove. A beautiful young girl (about sixteen years
old) stands in front of Artoo. Surreal and out of place,
dreamlike and half hidden in the smoke, she finishes adjusting
something on Artoo's computer face, then watches as the little
robot joins his companion.
THREEPIO
At last! Where have you been?
Stormtroopers can be heard battling in the distance.
THREEPIO
They're heading in this direction.
What are we going to do? We'll be
sent to the spice mine of Kessel or
smashed into who knows what!
Artoo scoots past his bronze friend and races down the
subhallway. Threepio chases after him.
THREEPIO
Wait a minute, where are you going?
Artoo responds with electronic beeps.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER - CORRIDOR
The evil Darth Vader stands amid the broken and twisted bodies
of his foes. He grabs a wounded Rebel Officer by the neck as
an Imperial Officer rushes up to the Dark Lord.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
The Death Star plans are not in the
main computer.
Vader squeezes the neck of the Rebel Officer, who struggles
in vain.
VADER
Where are those transmissions you
intercepted?
Vader lifts the Rebel off his feet by his throat.
VADER
What have you done with those plans?
REBEL OFFICER
We intercepted no transmissions.
Aaah... This is a consular ship.
Were on a diplomatic mission.
VADER
If this is a consular ship... were
is the Ambassador?
The Rebel refuses to speak but eventually cries out as the
Dark Lord begins to squeeze the officer's throat, creating a
gruesome snapping and choking, until the soldier goes limp.
Vader tosses the dead soldier against the wall and turns to
his troops.
VADER
Commander, tear this ship apart until
you've found those plans and bring
me the Ambassador. I want her alive!
The stormtroopers scurry into the subhallways.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER - SUBHALLWAY
The lovely young girl huddles in a small alcove as the
stormtroopers search through the ship. She is Princess Leia
Organa, a member of the Alderaan Senate. The fear in her
eyes slowly gives way to anger as the muted crushing sounds
of the approaching stormtroopers grow louder. One of the
troopers spots her.
TROOPER
There she is! Set for stun!
Leia steps from her hiding place and blasts a trooper with
her laser pistol. She starts to run but is felled by a
paralyzing ray. The troopers inspect her inert body.
TROOPER
She'll be all right. Inform Lord
Vader we have a prisoner.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER - SUBHALLWAY
Artoo stops before the small hatch of an emergency lifepod.
He snaps the seal on the main latch and a red warning light
begins to flash. The stubby astro-robot works his way into
the cramped four-man pod.
THREEPIO
Hey, you're not permitted in there.
It's restricted. You'll be deactivated
for sure..
Artoo beeps something to him.
THREEPIO
Don't call me a mindless philosopher,
you overweight glob of grease! Now
come out before somebody sees you.
Artoo whistles something at his reluctant friend regarding
the mission he is about to perform.
THREEPIO
Secret mission? What plans? What are
you talking about? I'm not getting
in there!
Artoo isn't happy with Threepio's stubbornness, and he beeps
and twangs angrily.
A new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris
through the narrow subhallway. Flames lick at Threepio and,
after a flurry of electronic swearing from Artoo, the lanky
robot jumps into the lifepod.
THREEPIO
I'm going to regret this.
INT. IMPERIAL STARDESTROYER
On the main viewscreen, the lifepod carrying the two terrified
robots speeds away from the stricken Rebel spacecraft.
CHIEF PILOT
There goes another one.
CAPTAIN
Hold your fire. There are no life
forms. It must have been short-
circuited.
INT. LIFEPOD
Artoo and Threepio look out at the receding Imperial starship.
Stars circle as the pod rotates through the galaxy.
THREEPIO
That's funny, the damage doesn't
look as bad from out here.
Artoo beeps an assuring response.
THREEPIO
Are you sure this things safe?
EXT. TATOOINE - ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT - POWER STATION - DAY
Heat waves radiate from the dozen or so bleached white
buildings. Luke pilots his Landspeeder through the dusty
empty street of the tiny settlement. An old woman runs to
get out of the way of the speeding vehicle, shaking her fist
at Luke as he flies past.
WOMAN
I've told you kids to slow down!
INT. POWER STATION - DAY
Luke bursts into the power station, waking The Fixer, a rugged
mechanic and Camie, a sexy, disheveled girl who has been
asleep in his lap. They grumbled as he races through the
office, yelling wildly.
FIXER
Did I hear a young noise blast through
here?
CAMIE
It was just wormie on another rampage.
Luke bounces into a small room behind the office where Deak
and Windy, two tough boys about the same age as Luke, are
playing a computer pool-like game with Biggs, a burly,
handsome boy a few years older than the rest. His flashy
city attire is a sharp contrast to the loose-fitting tunics
of the farm boys. A robot repairs some equipment in the
background.
LUKE
Shape it up you guys!... Biggs?
Luke's surprise at the appearance of Biggs gives way to great
joy and emotion. They give each other a great bear hug.
LUKE
I didn't know you were back! When
did you get in?
BIGGS
Just now. I wanted to surprise you,
hot shot. I thought you'd be here...
certainly didn't expect you to be
out working.
(he laughs)
LUKE
The Academy didn't change you
much...but you're back so soon? Hey,
what happened, didn't you get your
commission?
Biggs has an air of cool that seems slightly phony.
BIGGS
Of course I got it. Signed aboard
The Rand Ecliptic last week. First
mate Biggs Darklighter at your
service...
(he salutes)
...I just came to say good-bye to
all you unfortunate landlocked
simpletons.
Everyone laughs. The dazzling spectacle of his dashing friend
is almost too much for Luke, but suddenly he snaps out of
it.
LUKE
I almost forgot. There's a battle
going on! Right here in our system.
Come and look!
DEAK
Not again! Forget it.
EXT. TATOOINE - ANCHORHEAD - SETTLEMENT - POWER STATION -
DAY
The group stumbles out into the stifling desert sun. Camie
and The Fixer complain and are forced to shade their eyes.
Luke has his binoculars out scanning the heavens.
LUKE
There they are!
Biggs takes the binoculars from Luke as the others strain to
see something with the naked eye. Through the binoculars
Biggs sees two small silver specks.
BIGGS
That's no battle, hot shot... they're
just sitting there! Probably a
freighter-tanker refueling.
LUKE
But there was a lot of firing
earlier...
Camie grabs the binoculars away banging them against the
building in the process. Luke grabs them.
LUKE
Hey, easy with those...
CAMIE
Don't worry about it, Wormie.
The Fixer gives Luke a hard look and the young farm boy shrugs
his shoulders in resignation.
FIXER
I keep telling you, the Rebellion is
a long way from here. I doubt if the
Empire would even fight to keep this
system. Believe me Luke, this planet
is a big hunk of nothing...
Luke agrees, although it's obvious he isn't sure why. The
group stumbles back into the power station, grumbling about
Luke's ineptitude.
INT. REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER - HALLWAY
Princess Leia is led down a low-ceilinged hallway by a squad
of armored stormtroopers. Her hands are bound and she is
brutally shoved when she is unable to keep up with the briskly
marching troops. They stop in a smoky hallway as Darth Vader
emerges from the shadows. The sinister Dark Lord stares hard
at the frail young senator, but she doesn't move.
LEIA
Lord Vader, I should have known.
Only you could be so bold. The
Imperial Senate will not sit for
this, when they hear you've attacked
a diplomatic...
VADER
Don't play games with me, Your
Highness. You weren't on any mercy
mission this time. You passed directly
through a restricted system. Several
transmissions were beamed to this
ship by Rebel spies. I want to know
what happened to the plans they sent
you.
LEIA
I don't know what you're talking
about. I'm a member of the Imperial
Senate on a diplomatic mission to
Alderaan...
VADER
You're a part of the Rebel Alliance...
and a traitor. Take her away!
Leia is marched away down the hallway and into the smoldering
hole blasted in the side of the ship. An Imperial Commander
turns to Vader.
COMMANDER
Holding her is dangerous. If word of
this gets out, it could generate
sympathy for the Rebellion in the
senate.
VADER
I have traced the Rebel spies to
her. Now she is my only link to find
their secret base!
COMMANDER
She'll die before she tells you
anything.
VADER
Leave that to me. Send a distress
signal and then inform the senate
that all aboard were killed!
Another Imperial Officer approaches Vader and the Commander.
They stop and snap to attention.
SECOND OFFICER
Lord Vader, the battle station plans
are not aboard this ship! And no
transmissions were made. An escape
pod was jettisoned during the
fighting, but no life forms were
aboard.
Vader turns to the Commander.
VADER
She must have hidden the plans in
the escape pod. Send a detachment
down to retrieve them. See to it
personally, Commander. There'll be
no one to stop us this time.
COMMANDER
Yes, sir.
EXT. SPACE
The Imperial Stardestroyer comes over the surface of the
planet Tatooine.
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT
Jundland, or "No Man's Land", where the rugged desert mesas
meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro-droids
kick up clouds of sand as they leave the lifepod and clumsily
work their way across the desert wasteland. The lifepod in
the distance rests half buried in the sand.
THREEPIO
How did I get into this mess? I really
don't know how. We seem to be made
to suffer. It's our lot in life.
Artoo answers with beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
I've got to rest before I fall apart.
My joints are almost frozen.
Artoo continues to respond with beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
What a desolate place this is.
Suddenly Artoo whistles, makes a sharp right turn and starts
off in the direction of the rocky desert mesas. Threepio
stops and yells at him.
THREEPIO
Where are you going?
A stream of electronic noises pours forth from the small
robot.
THREEPIO
Well, I'm not going that way. It's
much too rocky. This way is much
easier.
Artoo counters with a long whistle.
THREEPIO
What makes you think there are
settlements over there?
Artoo continues to make beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
Don't get technical with me.
Artoo continues to make beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
What mission? What are you talking
about? I've had just about enough of
you! Go that way! You'll be
malfunctioning within a day, you
nearsighted scrap pile!
Threepio gives the little robot a kick and starts off in the
direction of the vast dune sea.
THREEPIO
And don't let me catch you following
me begging for help, because you
won't get it.
Artoo's reply is a rather rude sound. He turns and trudges
off in the direction of the towering mesas.
THREEPIO
No more adventures. I'm not going
that way.
Artoo beeps to himself as he makes his way toward the distant
mountains.
EXT. TATOOINE - DUNE SEA
Threepio, hot and tired, struggles up over the ridge of a
dune; only to find more dunes, which seem to go on for endless
miles. He looks back in the direction of the now distant
rock mesas.
THREEPIO
That malfunctioning little twerp.
This is all his fault! He tricked me
into going this way, but he'll do no
better.
In a huff of anger and frustration, Threepio knocks the sand
from his joints. His plight seems hopeless, when a glint of
reflected light in the distance reveals an object moving
towards him.
THREEPIO
Wait, what's that? A transport! I'm
saved!
The bronze android waves frantically and yells at the
approaching transport.
THREEPIO
Over here! Help! Please, help!
EXT. TATOOINE - ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT - POWER STATION - DAY
Luke and Biggs are walking and drinking a malt brew. Fixer
and the others can be heard working inside.
LUKE
(Very animated)
...so I cut off my power, shut down
the afterburners and came in low on
Deak's trail. I was so close I thought
I was going to fry my instruments.
As it was I busted up the Skyhopper
pretty bad. Uncle Owen was pretty
upset. He grounded me for the rest
of the season. You should have been
there... it was fantastic.
BIGGS
You ought to take it easy Luke. You
may be the hottest bushpilot this
side of Mos Eisley, but those little
Skyhoppers are dangerous. Keep it
up, and one day, whammo, you're going
to be nothing more than a dark spot
on the down side of a canyon wall.
LUKE
Look who's talking. Now that you've
been around those giant starships
you're beginning to sound like my
uncle. You've gotten soft in the
city...
BIGGS
I've missed you kid.
LUKE
Well, things haven't been the same
since you left, Biggs. It's been
so... quiet.
Biggs looks around then leans close to Luke.
BIGGS
Luke, I didn't come back just to say
good-bye... I shouldn't tell you
this, but you're the only one I can
trust... and if I don't come back, I
want somebody to know.
Luke's eyes are wide with Biggs' seriousness and loyalty.
LUKE
What are you talking about?
BIGGS
I made some friends at the Academy.
(he whispers)
...when our frigate goes to one of
the central systems, we're going to
jump ship and join the Alliance...
Luke, amazed and stunned, is almost speechless.
LUKE
Join the Rebellion?! Are you kidding!
How?
BIGGS
Quiet down will ya! You got a mouth
bigger than a meteor crater!
LUKE
I'm sorry. I'm quiet.
(he whispers)
Listen how quiet I am. You can barely
hear me...
Biggs shakes his head angrily and then continues.
BIGGS
My friend has a friend on Bestine
who might help us make contact.
LUKE
You're crazy! You could wander around
forever trying to find them.
BIGGS
I know it's a long shot, but if I
don't find them I'll do what I can
on my own... It's what we always
talked about. Luke, I'm not going to
wait for the Empire to draft me into
service. The Rebellion is spreading
and I want to be on the right side --
the side I believe in.
LUKE
And I'm stuck here...
BIGGS
I thought you were going to the
Academy next term. You'll get your
chance to get off this rock.
LUKE
Not likely! I had to cancel my
application. There has been a lot of
unrest among the Sandpeople since
you left... they've even raided the
outskirts of Anchorhead.
BIGGS
Your uncle could hold off a whole
colony of Sandpeople with one blaster.
LUKE
I know, but he's got enough vaporators
going to make the place pay off. He
needs me for just one more season. I
can't leave him now.
BIGGS
I feel for you, Luke, you're going
to have to learn what seems to be
important or what really is important.
What good is all your uncle's work
if it's taken over by the Empire?...
You know they're starting to
nationalize commerce in the central
systems... it won't be long before
your uncle is merely a tenant, slaving
for the greater glory of the Empire.
LUKE
It couldn't happen here. You said it
yourself. The Empire won't bother
with this rock.
BIGGS
Things always change.
LUKE
I wish I was going... Are you going
to be around long?
BIGGS
No, I'm leaving in the morning...
LUKE
Then I guess I won't see you.
BIGGS
Maybe someday... I'll keep a lookout.
LUKE
Well, I'll be at the Academy next
season... after that who knows. I
won't be drafted into the Imperial
Starfleet that's for sure... Take
care of yourself, you'll always be
the best friend I've got.
BIGGS
So long, Luke.
Biggs turns away from his old friend and heads towards the
power station.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SUNSET
The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange
foreboding mist and the onimous sounds of unearthly creatures
fill the air. Artoo moves cautiously through the creepy rock
canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking noise as he
goes. He hears a distant, hard, metallic sound and stops for
a moment. Convinced he is alone, he continues on his way.
In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon wall
and a small dark figure darts into the shadows. A little
further up the canyon a slight flicker of light reveals a
pair of eyes in the dark recesses only a few feet from the
narrow path.
The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail until
suddenly, out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shoots out
of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow. He manages
one short electronic squeak before he topples over onto his
back. His bright computer lights flicker off, then on, then
off again. Out of the rocks scurry three Jawas, no taller
than Artoo. They holster strange and complex weapons as they
cautiously approach the robot. They wear grubby cloaks and
their faces are shrouded so only their glowing eyes can be
seen. They hiss and make odd guttural sounds as they heave
the heavy robot onto their shoulders and carry him off down
the trail.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - SUNSET
The eight Jawas carry Artoo out of the canyon to a huge tank-
like vehicle the size of a four-story house. They weld a
small disk on the side of Artoo and then put him under a
large tube on the side of the vehicle and the little robot
is sucked into the giant machine.
The filthy little Jawas scurry like rats up small ladders
and enter the main cabin of the behemoth transport.
INT. SANDCRAWLER - HOLD AREA
It is dim inside the hold area of the Sandcrawler. Artoo
switches on a small floodlight on his forehead and stumbles
around the scrap heap. The narrow beam swings across rusty
metal rocket parts and an array of grotesquely twisted and
maimed astro-robots. He lets out a pathetic electronic whimper
and stumbles off toward what appears to be a door at the end
of the chamber.
INT. SANDCRAWLER - PRISON AREA
Artoo enters a wide room with a four-foot ceiling. In the
middle of the scrap heap sit a dozen or so robots of various
shapes and sizes. Some are engaged in electronic conversation,
while others simply mill about. A voice of recognition calls
out from the gloom.
THREEPIO
Artoo-Detoo! It's you! It's you!
A battered Threepio scrambles up to Artoo and embraces him.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - SUNSET
The enormous Sandcrawler lumbers off toward the magnificent
twin suns, which are slowly setting over a distant mountain
ridge.
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT - DAY
Four Imperial stormtroopers mill about in front of the half-
buried lifepod that brought Artoo and Threepio to Tatooine.
A trooper yells to an officer some distance away.
FIRST TROOPER
Someone was in the pod. The tracks
go off in this direction.
A second trooper picks a small bit of metal out of the sand
and gives it to the first trooper.
SECOND TROOPER
Look, sir -- droids.
EXT. TATOOINE - DUNES
The Sandcrawler moves slowly down a great sand dune.
INT. SANDCRAWLER
Threepio and Artoo noisily bounce along inside the cramped
prison chamber. Artoo appears to be shut off.
THREEPIO
Wake up! Wake up!
Suddenly the shaking and bouncing of the Sandcrawler stops,
creating quite a commotion among the mechanical men.
Threepio's fist bangs the head of Artoo whose computer lights
pop on as he begins beeping. At the far end of the long
chamber a hatch opens, filling the chamber with blinding
white light. a dozen or so Jawas make their way through the
odd assortment of robots.
THREEPIO
We're doomed.
A Jawa starts moving toward them.
THREEPIO
Do you think they'll melt us down?
Artoo responds, making beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
Don't shoot! Don't shoot! Will this
never end?
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT - LARS HOMESTEAD - AFTERNOON
The Jawas mutter gibberish as they busily line up their
battered captives, including Artoo and Threepio, in front of
the enormous Sandcrawler, which is parked beside a small
homestead consisting of three large holes in the ground
surrounded by several tall moisture vaporators and one small
adobe block house.
The Jawas scurry around fussing over the robots, straightening
them up or brushing some dust from a dented metallic elbow.
The shrouded little creatures smell horribly, attracting
small insects to the dark areas when their mouths and nostrils
should be.
Out of the shadows of a dingy side-building limps Owen Lars,
a large burly man in his mid-fifties. His reddish eyes are
sunken in a dust-covered face. As the farmer carefully
inspects each robot, he is closely followed by his slump-
shouldered nephew, Luke Skywalker. One of the vile little
Jawas walks ahead of the farmer spouting an animated sales
pitch in a queer, unintelligible language.
A voice calls out from one of the huge holes that form the
homestead. Luke goes over to the edge and sees his Aunt Beru
standing in the main courtyard.
BERU
Luke, tell Owen that if he gets a
translator to be sure it speaks Bocce.
LUKE
It looks like we don't have much of
a choice but I'll remind him.
Luke returns to his uncle as they look over the equipment
for sale with the Jawa leader.
OWEN
I have no need for a protocol droid.
THREEPIO
(quickly)
Sir -- not in an environment such as
this -- that's why I've also been
programmed for over thirty secondary
functions that...
OWEN
What I really need is a droid that
understands the binary language of
moisture vaporators.
THREEPIO
Vaporators! Sir -- My first job was
programming binary load lifter...
very similar to your vaporators. You
could say...
OWEN
Do you speak Bocce?
THREEPIO
Of course I can, sir. It's like a
second language for me... I'm as
fluent in Bocce...
OWEN
All right shut up!
(turning to Jawa)
I'll take this one.
THREEPIO
Shutting up, sir.
OWEN
Luke, take these two over to the
garage, will you? I want you to have
both of them cleaned up before dinner.
LUKE
But I was going into Toshi Station
to pick up some power converters...
OWEN
You can waste time with your friends
when your chores are done. Now come
on, get to it!
LUKE
All right, come on! And the red one,
come on. Well, come on, Red, let's
go.
As the Jawas start to lead the three remaining robots back
into the Sandcrawler, Artoo lets out a pathetic little beep
and starts after his old friend Threepio. He is restrained
by a slimy Jawa, who zaps him with a control box.
Owen is negotiating with the head Jawa. Luke and the two
robots start off for the garage when a plate pops off the
head of the red astro-droid's head plate and it sparks wildly.
LUKE
Uncle Owen...
OWEN
Yeah?
LUKE
This R2 unit has a bad motivator.
Look!
OWEN
(to the head Jawa)
Hey, what're you trying to push on
us?
The Jawa goes into a loud spiel. Meanwhile, Artoo has sneaked
out of line and is moving up and down trying to attract
attention. He lets out with a low whistle. Threepio taps
Luke on the shoulder.
THREEPIO
(pointing to Artoo)
Excuse me, sir, but that R2 unit is
in prime condition. A real bargain.
LUKE
Uncle Owen...
OWEN
Yeah?
LUKE
What about that one?
OWEN
(to Jawa)
What about that blue one? We'll take
that one.
With a little reluctance the scruffy dwarf trades the damaged
astro-droid for Artoo.
LUKE
Yeah, take it away.
THREEPIO
Uh, I'm quite sure you'll be very
pleased with that one, sir. He really
is in first-class condition. I've
worked with him before. Here he comes.
Owen pays off the whining Jawa as Luke and the two robots
trudge off toward a grimy homestead entry.
LUKE
Okay, let's go.
THREEPIO
(to Artoo)
Now, don't you forget this! Why I
should stick my neck out for you is
quite beyond my capacity!
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - LATE AFTERNOON
The garage is cluttered and worn, but a friendly peaceful
atmosphere permeates the low grey chamber. Threepio lowers
himself into a large tub filled with warm oil. Near the
battered Landspeeder little Artoo rests on a large battery
with a cord to his face.
THREEPIO
Thank the maker! This oil bath is
going to feel so good. I've got such
a bad case of dust contamination, I
can barely move!
Artoo beeps a muffled reply. Luke seems to be lost in thought
as he runs his hand over the damaged fin of a small two-man
Skyhopper spaceship resting in a low hangar off the garage.
Finally Luke's frustrations get the better of him and he
slams a wrench across the workbench.
LUKE
It just isn't fair. Oh, Biggs is
right. I'm never gonna get out of
here!
THREEPIO
Is there anything I might do to help?
Luke glances at the battered robot. A bit of his anger drains
and a tiny smile creeps across his face.
LUKE
Well, not unless you can alter time,
speed up the harvest, or teleport me
off this rock!
THREEPIO
I don't think so, sir. I'm only a
droid and not very knowledgeable
about such things. Not on this planet,
anyways. As a matter of fact, I'm
not even sure which planet I'm on.
LUKE
Well, if there's a bright center to
the universe, you're on the planet
that it's farthest from.
THREEPIO
I see, sir.
LUKE
Uh, you can call me Luke.
THREEPIO
I see, sir Luke.
LUKE
(laughing)
Just Luke.
THREEPIO
And I am See-Threepio, human-cyborg
relations, and this is my counterpart,
Artoo-Detoo.
LUKE
Hello.
Artoo beeps in response. Luke unplugs Artoo and begins to
scrape several connectors on the robot's head with a chrome
pick. Threepio climbs out of the oil tub and begins wiping
oil from his bronze body.
LUKE
You got a lot of carbon scoring here.
It looks like you boys have seen a
lot of action.
THREEPIO
With all we've been through, sometimes
I'm amazed we're in as good condition
as we are, what with the Rebellion
and all.
LUKE
You know of the Rebellion against
the Empire?
THREEPIO
That's how we came to be in your
service, if you take my meaning,
sir.
LUKE
Have you been in many battles?
THREEPIO
Several, I think. Actually, there's
not much to tell. I'm not much more
than an interpreter, and not very
good at telling stories. Well, not
at making them interesting, anyways.
Luke struggles to remove a small metal fragment from Artoo's
neck joint. He uses a larger pick.
LUKE
Well, my little friend, you've got
something jammed in here real good.
Were you on a cruiser or...
The fragment breaks loose with a snap, sending Luke tumbling
head over heels. He sits up and sees a twelve-inch three-
dimensional hologram of Leia Organa, the Rebel senator, being
projected from the face of little Artoo. The image is a
rainbow of colors as it flickers and jiggles in the dimly
lit garage. Luke's mouth hangs open in awe.
LEIA
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my
only hope.
LUKE
What's this?
Artoo looks around and sheepishly beeps an answer for Threepio
to translate. Leia continues to repeat the sentence fragment
over and over.
THREEPIO
What is what?!? He asked you a
question...
(pointing to Leia)
What is that?
Artoo whistles his surprise as he pretends to just notice
the hologram. He looks around and sheepishly beeps an answer
for Threepio to translate. Leia continues to repeat the
sentence fragment over and over.
LEIA
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my
only hope. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
You're my only hope.
THREEPIO
Oh, he says it's nothing, sir. Merely
a malfunction. Old data. Pay it no
mind.
Luke becomes intrigued by the beautiful girl.
LUKE
Who is she? She's beautiful.
THREEPIO
I'm afraid I'm not quite sure, sir.
LEIA
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi...
THREEPIO
I think she was a passenger on our
last voyage. A person of some
importance, sir -- I believe. Our
captain was attached to...
LUKE
Is there more to this recording?
Luke reaches out for Artoo but he lets out several frantic
squeaks and a whistle.
THREEPIO
Behave yourself, Artoo. You're going
to get us in trouble. It's all right,
you can trust him. He's our new
master.
Artoo whistles and beeps a long message to Threepio.
THREEPIO
He says he's the property of Obi-Wan
Kenobi, a resident of these parts.
And it's a private message for him.
Quite frankly, sir I don't know what
he's talking about. Our last master
was Captain Antilles, but with what
we've been through, this little R2
unit has become a bit eccentric.
LUKE
Obi-Wan Kenobi? I wonder if he means
old Ben Kenobi?
THREEPIO
I beg your pardon, sir, but do you
know what he's talking about?
LUKE
Well, I don't know anyone named Obi-
Wan, but old Ben lives out beyond
the dune sea. He's kind of a strange
old hermit.
Luke's gazes at the beautiful young princess for a few
moments.
LUKE
I wonder who she is. It sounds like
she's in trouble. I'd better play
back the whole thing.
Artoo beeps something to Threepio.
THREEPIO
He says the restraining bolt has
short circuited his recording system.
He suggests that if you remove the
bolt, he might be able to play back
the entire recording.
Luke looks longingly at the lovely, little princess and hasn't
really heard what Threepio has been saying.
LUKE
H'm? Oh, yeah, well, I guess you're
too small to run away on me if I
take this off! Okay.
Luke takes a wedged bar and pops the restraining bolt off
Artoo's side.
LUKE
There you go.
The princess immediately disappears...
LUKE
Well, wait a minute. Where'd she go?
Bring her back! Play back the entire
message.
Artoo beeps an innocent reply as Threepio sits up in
embarrassment.
THREEPIO
What message? The one you're carrying
inside your rusty innards!
A women's voice calls out from another room.
AUNT BERU
Luke? Luke! Come to dinner!
Luke stands up and shakes his head at the malfunctioning
robot.
LUKE
All right, I'll be right there, Aunt
Beru.
THREEPIO
I'm sorry, sir, but he appears to
have picked up a slight flutter.
Luke tosses Artoo's restraining bolt on the workbench and
hurries out of the room.
LUKE
Well, see what you can do with him.
I'll be right back.
THREEPIO
(to Artoo)
Just you reconsider playing that
message for him.
Artoo beeps in response.
THREEPIO
No, I don't think he likes you at
all.
Artoo beeps.
THREEPIO
No, I don't like you either.
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - DINING AREA
Luke's Aunt Beru, a warm, motherly woman, fills a pitcher
with blue fluid from a refrigerated container in the well-
used kitchen. She puts the pitcher on a tray with some bowls
of food and starts for the dining area.
Luke sits with his Uncle Owen before a table covered with
steaming bowls of food as Aunt Beru carries in a bowl of red
grain.
LUKE
You know, I think that R2 unit we
bought might have been stolen.
OWEN
What makes you think that?
LUKE
Well, I stumbled across a recording
while I was cleaning him. He says he
belongs to someone called Obi-Wan
Kenobi.
Owen is greatly alarmed at the mention of his name, but
manages to control himself.
LUKE
I thought he might have meant old
Ben. Do you know what he's talking
about? Well, I wonder if he's related
to Ben.
Owen breaks loose with a fit of uncontrolled anger.
OWEN
That old man's just a crazy old
wizard. Tomorrow I want you to take
that R2 unit into Anchorhead and
have its memory flushed. That'll be
the end of it. It belongs to us now.
LUKE
But what if this Obi-Wan comes looking
for him?
OWEN
He won't, I don't think he exists
any more. He died about the same
time as your father.
LUKE
He knew my father?
OWEN
I told you to forget it. Your only
concern is to prepare the new droids
for tomorrow. In the morning I want
them on the south ridge working out
those condensers.
LUKE
Yes, sir. I think those new droids
are going to work out fine. In fact,
I, uh, was also thinking about our
agreement about my staying on another
season. And if these new droids do
work out, I want to transmit my
application to the Academy this year.
Owen's face becomes a scowl, although he tries to suppress
it.
OWEN
You mean the next semester before
harvest?
LUKE
Sure, there're more than enough
droids.
OWEN
Harvest is when I need you the most.
Only one more season. This year we'll
make enough on the harvest so I'll
be able to hire some more hands. And
then you can go to the Academy next
year.
Luke continues to toy with his food, not looking at his uncle.
OWEN
You must understand I need you here,
Luke.
LUKE
But it's a whole 'nother year.
OWEN
Look, it's only one more season.
Luke pushes his half-eaten plate of food aside and stands.
LUKE
Yeah, that's what you said last year
when Biggs and Tank left.
AUNT BERU
Where are you going?
LUKE
It looks like I'm going nowhere. I
have to finish cleaning those droids.
Resigned to his fate, Luke paddles out of the room. Owen
mechanically finishes his dinner.
AUNT BERU
Owen, he can't stay here forever.
Most of his friends have gone. It
means so much to him.
OWEN
I'll make it up to him next year. I
promise.
AUNT BERU
Luke's just not a farmer, Owen. He
has too much of his father in him.
OWEN
That's what I'm afraid of.
EXT. TATOOINE - LARS HOMESTEAD
The giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind a
distant dune range. Luke stands watching them for a few
moments, then reluctantly enters the doomed entrance to the
homestead.
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - GARAGE
Luke enters the garage to discover the robots nowhere in
sight. He takes a small control box from his utility belt
similar to the one the Jawas were carrying. He activates the
box, which creates a low hum, and Threepio, letting out a
short yell, pops up from behind the Skyhopper spaceship.
LUKE
What are you doing hiding there?
Threepio stumbles forward, but Artoo is still nowhere in
sight.
THREEPIO
It wasn't my fault, sir. Please don't
deactivate me. I told him not to go,
but he's faulty, malfunctioning;
kept babbling on about his mission.
LUKE
Oh, no!
Luke races out of the garage followed by Threepio.
EXT. TATOOINE - LARS HOMESTEAD
Luke rushes out of the small doomed entry to the homestead
and searches the darkening horizon for the small triped astro-
robot. Threepio struggles out of the homestead and on the
salt flat as Luke scans the landscape with his
electrobinoculars.
THREEPIO
That R2 unit has always been a
problem. These astro-droids are
getting quite out of hand. Even I
can't understand their logic at times.
LUKE
How could I be so stupid? He's nowhere
in sight. Blast it!
THREEPIO
Pardon me, sir, but couldn't we go
after him?
LUKE
It's too dangerous with all the
Sandpeople around. We'll have to
wait until morning.
Owen yells up from the homestead plaza.
OWEN
Luke, I'm shutting the power down
for the night.
LUKE
All right, I'll be there in a few
minutes. Boy, am I gonna get it.
He takes one final look across the dim horizon.
LUKE
You know that little droid is going
to cause me a lot of trouble.
THREEPIO
Oh, he excels at that, sir.
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - PLAZA
Morning slowly creeps into the sparse but sparkling oasis of
the open courtyard. The idyll is broken be the yelling of
Uncle Owen, his voice echoing throughout the homestead.
OWEN
Luke? Luke? Luke? Where could he be
loafing now!
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - KITCHEN
The interior of the kitchen is a worm glow as Aunt Beru
prepares the morning breakfast. Owen enters in a huff.
OWEN
Have you seen Luke this morning?
AUNT BERU
He said he had some things to do
before he started today, so he left
early.
OWEN
Uh? Did he take those two new droids
with him?
AUNT BERU
I think so.
OWEN
Well, he'd better have those units
in the south range repaired be midday
or there'll be hell to pay!
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT WASTELAND - LUKE'S SPEEDER - DAY
The rock and sand of the desert floor are a blur as Threepio
pilots the sleek Landspeeder gracefully across the vast
wasteland.
INT./EXT. LUKE'S SPEEDER - DESERT WASTELAND - TRAVELING -
DAY
Luke leans over the back of the speeder and adjusts something
in the motor compartment.
LUKE
(yelling)
How's that.
Threepio signals that is fine and Luke turns back into the
wind-whipped cockpit and pops the canopy shut.
LUKE
Old Ben Kenobi lives out in this
direction somewhere, but I don't see
how that R2 unit could have come
this far. We must have missed him.
Uncle Owen isn't going to take this
very well.
THREEPIO
Sir, would it help if you told him
it was my fault.
LUKE
(brightening)
Sure. He needs you. He'd probably
only deactivate you for a day or
so...
THREEPIO
Deactivate! Well, on the other hand
if you hadn't removed his restraining
bolt...
LUKE
Wait, there's something dead ahead
on the scanner. It looks like our
droid... hit the accelerator.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK MESA - DUNE SEA - COASTLINE - DAY
From high on a rock mesa, the tiny Landspeeder can be seen
gliding across the desert floor. Suddenly in the foreground
two weather-beaten Sandpeople shrouded in their grimy desert
cloaks peer over the edge of the rock mesa. One of the
marginally human creatures raises a long ominous laser rifle
and points it at the speeder but the second creature grabs
the gun before it can be fired.
The Sandpeople, or Tusken Raiders as they're sometimes called,
speak in a coarse barbaric language as they get into an
animated argument. The second Tusken Raider seems to get in
the final word and the nomads scurry over the rocky terrain.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK MESA - CANYON
The Tusken Raider approaches two large Banthas standing tied
to a rock. The monstrous, bear-like creatures are as large
as elephants, with huge red eyes, tremendous looped horns,
and long, furry, dinosaur-like tails. The Tusken Raiders
mount saddles strapped to the huge creatures' shaggy backs
and ride off down the rugged bluff.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - FLOOR
The speeder is parked on the floor of a massive canyon. Luke,
with his long laser rifle slung over his shoulder, stands
before little Artoo.
LUKE
Hey, whoa, just where do you think
you're going?
The little droid whistles a feeble reply, as Threepio poses
menacingly behind the little runaway.
THREEPIO
Master Luke here is your rightful
owner. We'll have no more of this
Obi-Wan Kenobi jibberish... and don't
talk to me about your mission, either.
You're fortunate he doesn't blast
you into a million pieces right here.
LUKE
Well, come on. It's getting late. I
only hope we can get back before
Uncle Owen really blows up.
THREEPIO
If you don't mind my saying so, sir,
I think you should deactivate the
little fugitive until you've gotten
him back to your workshop.
LUKE
No, he's not going to try anything.
Suddenly the little robot jumps to life with a mass of frantic
whistles and screams.
LUKE
What's wrong with him now?
THREEPIO
Oh my... sir, he says there are
several creatures approaching from
the southeast.
Luke swings his rifle into position and looks to the south.
LUKE
Sandpeople! Or worst! Come on, let's
have a look. Come on.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - RIDGE - DAY
Luke carefully makes his way to the top of a rock ridge and
scans the canyon with his electrobinoculars. He spots the
two riderless Banthas. Threepio struggles up behind the young
adventurer.
LUKE
There are two Banthas down there but
I don't see any... wait a second,
they're Sandpeople all right. I can
see one of them now.
Luke watches the distant Tusken Raider through his
electrobinoculars. Suddenly something huge moves in front of
his field of view. Before Luke or Threepio can react, a large,
gruesome Tusken Raider looms over them. Threepio is startled
and backs away, right off the side if the cliff. He can be
heard for several moments as he clangs, bangs and rattles
down the side of the mountain.
The towering creature brings down his curved, double-pointed
gaderffii -- the dreaded axe blade that has struck terror in
the heart of the local settlers. But Luke manages to block
the blow with his laser rifle, which is smashed to pieces.
The terrified farm boy scrambles backward until he is forced
to the edge of a deep crevice. The sinister Raider stands
over him with his weapon raised and lets out a horrible
shrieking laugh.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - FLOOR - DAY
Artoo forces himself into the shadows of a small alcove in
the rocks as the vicious Sandpeople walk past carrying the
inert Luke Skywalker, who is dropped in a heap before the
speeder. The Sandpeople ransack the speeder, throwing parts
and supplies in all directions. Suddenly they stop. Then
everything is quiet for a few moments. A great howling moan
is heard echoing throughout the canyon which sends the
Sandpeople fleeing in terror.
Artoo moves even tighter into the shadows as the slight
swishing sound that frightened off the Sandpeople grows even
closer, until a shabby old desert-rat-of-a-man appears and
leans over Luke. His ancient leathery face, cracked and
weathered by exotic climates is set off by dark, penetrating
eyes and a scraggly white beard. Ben Kenobi squints his eyes
as he scrutinizes the unconscious farm boy. Artoo makes a
slight sound and Ben turns and looks right at him.
BEN
Hello there! Come here my little
friend. Don't be afraid.
Artoo waddles over to were Luke lies crumpled in a heap and
begins to whistle and beep his concern. Ben puts his hand on
Luke's forehead and he begins to come around.
BEN
Don't worry, he'll be all right.
LUKE
What happened?
BEN
Rest easy, son, you've had a busy
day. You're fortunate you're still
in one piece.
LUKE
Ben? Ben Kenobi! Boy, am I glad to
see you!
BEN
The Jundland wastes are not to be
traveled lightly. Tell me young Luke,
what brings you out this far?
LUKE
Oh, this little droid! I think he's
searching for his former master...
I've never seen such devotion in a
droid before... there seems to be no
stopping him. He claims to be the
property of an Obi-Wan Kenobi. Is he
a relative of yours? Do you know who
he's talking about?
Ben ponders this for a moment, scratching his scruffy beard.
BEN
Obi-Wan Kenobi... Obi-Wan? Now thats
a name I haven't heard in a long
time... a long time.
LUKE
I think my uncle knew him. He said
he was dead.
BEN
Oh, he's not dead, not... not yet.
LUKE
You know him!
BEN
Well of course, of course I know
him. He's me! I haven't gone by the
name Obi-Wan since oh, before you
were born.
LUKE
Then the droid does belong to you.
BEN
Don't seem to remember ever owning a
droid. Very interesting...
He suddenly looks up at the overhanging cliffs.
BEN
I think we better get indoors. The
Sandpeople are easily startled but
they will soon be back and in greater
numbers.
Luke sits up and rubs his head. Artoo lets out a pathetic
beep causing Luke to remember something. He looks around.
LUKE
Threepio!
EXT. TATOOINE - SAND PIT - ROCK MESA - DAY
Little Artoo stands at the edge of a large sand pit and begins
to chatter away in electronic whistles and beeps. Luke and
Ben stand over a very dented and tangled Threepio lying half
buried in the sand. One of his arms has broken off.
Luke tries to revive the inert robot by shaking him and then
flips a hidden switch on his back several times until finally
the mechanical man's systems turn on.
THREEPIO
Where am I? I must have taken a bad
step...
LUKE
Can you stand? We've got to get out
of here before the Sandpeople return.
THREEPIO
I don't think I can make it. You go
on, Master Luke. There's no sense in
you risking yourself on my account.
I'm done for.
Artoo makes a beeping sound.
LUKE
No, you're not. What kind of talk is
that?
Luke and Ben help the battered robot to his feet. Little
Artoo watches from the top of the pit. Ben glances around
suspiciously. Sensing something, he stands up and sniffs the
air.
BEN
Quickly, son... they're on the move.
INT. KENOBI'S DWELLING
The small, spartan hovel is cluttered with desert junk but
still manages to radiate an air of time-worn comfort and
security. Luke is in one corner repairing Threepio's arm, as
old Ben sits thinking.
LUKE
No, my father didn't fight in the
wars. He was a navigator on a spice
freighter.
BEN
That's what your uncle told you. He
didn't hold with your father's ideals.
Thought he should have stayed here
and not gotten involved.
LUKE
You fought in the Clone Wars?
BEN
Yes, I was once a Jedi Knight the
same as your father.
LUKE
I wish I'd known him.
BEN
He was the best star-pilot in the
galaxy, and a cunning warrior. I
understand you've become quite a
good pilot yourself. And he was a
good friend. Which reminds me...
Ben gets up and goes to a chest where he rummages around.
As Luke finishes repairing Threepio and starts to fit the
restraining bolt back on, Threepio looks at him nervously.
Luke thinks about the bolt for a moment then puts it on the
table. Ben shuffles up and presents Luke with a short handle
with several electronic gadgets attached to it.
BEN
I have something here for you. Your
father wanted you to have this when
you were old enough, but your uncle
wouldn't allow it. He feared you
might follow old Obi-Wan on some
damned-fool idealistic crusade like
your father did.
THREEPIO
Sir, if you'll not be needing me,
I'll close down for awhile.
LUKE
Sure, go ahead.
Ben hands Luke the saber.
LUKE
What is it?
BEN
Your fathers lightsaber. This is the
weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy
or as random as a blaster.
Luke pushes a button on the handle. A long beam shoots out
about four feet and flickers there. The light plays across
the ceiling.
BEN
An elegant weapon for a more civilized
time. For over a thousand generations
the Jedi Knights were the guardians
of peace and justice in the Old
Republic. Before the dark times,
before the Empire.
Luke hasn't really been listening.
LUKE
How did my father die?
BEN
A young Jedi named Darth Vader, who
was a pupil of mine until he turned
to evil, helped the Empire hunt down
and destroy the Jedi Knights. He
betrayed and murdered your father.
Now the Jedi are all but extinct.
Vader was seduced by the dark side
of the Force.
LUKE
The Force?
BEN
Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi
his power. It's an energy field
created by all living things. It
surrounds us and penetrates us. It
binds the galaxy together.
Artoo makes beeping sounds.
BEN
Now, let's see if we can't figure
out what you are, my little friend.
And where you come from.
LUKE
I saw part of the message he was...
Luke is cut short as the recorded image of the beautiful
young Rebel princess is projected from Artoo's face.
BEN
I seem to have found it.
Luke stops his work as the lovely girl's image flickers before
his eyes.
LEIA
General Kenobi, years ago you served
my father in the Clone Wars. Now he
begs you to help him in his struggle
against the Empire. I regret that I
am unable to present my father's
request to you in person, but my
ship has fallen under attack and I'm
afraid my mission to bring you to
Alderaan has failed. I have placed
information vital to the survival of
the Rebellion into the memory systems
of this R2 unit. My father will know
how to retrieve it. You must see
this droid safely delivered to him
on Alderaan. This is our most
desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan
Kenobi, you're my only hope.
There is a little static and the transmission is cut short.
Old Ben leans back and scratches his head. He silently puffs
on a tarnished chrome water pipe. Luke has stars in his eyes.
BEN
You must learn the ways of the Force
if you're to come with me to Alderaan.
LUKE
(laughing)
Alderaan? I'm not going to Alderaan.
I've got to go home. It's late, I'm
in for it as it is.
BEN
I need your help, Luke. She needs
your help. I'm getting too old for
this sort of thing.
LUKE
I can't get involved! I've got work
to do! It's not that I like the
Empire. I hate it! But there's nothing
I can do about it right now. It's
such a long way from here.
BEN
That's your uncle talking.
LUKE
(sighing)
Oh, God, my uncle. How am I ever
going to explain this?
BEN
Learn about the Force, Luke.
LUKE
Look, I can take you as far as
Anchorhead. You can get a transport
there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're
going.
BEN
You must do what you feel is right,
of course.
EXT. SPACE.
An Imperial Stardestroyer heads toward the evil planet-like
battle station: the Death Star!
INT. DEATH STAR - CONFERENCE ROOM
Eight Imperial senators and generals sit around a black
conference table. Imperial stormtroopers stand guard around
the room. Commander Tagge, a young, slimy-looking general,
is speaking.
TAGGE
Until this battle station is fully
operational we are vulnerable. The
Rebel Alliance is too well equipped.
They're more dangerous than you
realize.
The bitter Admiral Motti twists nervously in his chair.
MOTTI
Dangerous to your starfleet,
Commander, not to this battle station!
TAGGE
The Rebellion will continue to gain
a support in the Imperial Senate as
long as....
Suddenly all heads turn as Commander Tagge's speech is cut
short and the Grand Moff Tarkin, governor of the Imperial
outland regions, enters. He is followed by his powerful ally,
The Sith Lord, Darth Vader. All of the generals stand and
bow before the thin, evil-looking governor as he takes his
place at the head of the table. The Dark Lord stands behind
him.
TARKIN
The Imperial Senate will no longer
be of any concern to us. I've just
received word that the Emperor has
dissolved the council permanently.
The last remnants of the Old Republic
have been swept away.
TAGGE
That's impossible! How will the
Emperor maintain control without the
bureaucracy?
TARKIN
The regional governors now have direct
control over territories. Fear will
keep the local systems in line. Fear
of this battle station.
TAGGE
And what of the Rebellion? If the
Rebels have obtained a complete
technical readout of this station,
it is possible, however unlikely,
that they might find a weakness and
exploit it.
VADER
The plans you refer to will soon be
back in our hands.
MOTTI
Any attack made by the Rebels against
this station would be a useless
gesture, no matter what technical
data they've obtained. This station
is now the ultimate power in the
universe. I suggest we use it!
VADER
Don't be too proud of this
technological terror you've
constructed. The ability to destroy
a planet is insignificant next to
the power of the Force.
MOTTI
Don't try to frighten us with your
sorcerer's ways, Lord Vader. Your
sad devotion to that ancient religion
has not helped you conjure up the
stolen data tapes, or given you
clairvoyance enough to find the
Rebel's hidden fort...
Suddenly Motti chokes and starts to turn blue under Vader's
spell.
VADER
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
TARKIN
Enough of this! Vader, release him!
VADER
As you wish.
TARKIN
This bickering is pointless. Lord
Vader will provide us with the
location of the Rebel fortress by
the time this station is operational.
We will then crush the Rebellion
with one swift stroke.
EXT. TATOOINE - WASTELAND
The speeder stops before what remains of the huge Jawas
Sandcrawler. Luke and Ben walk among the smoldering rubble
and scattered bodies.
LUKE
It looks like Sandpeople did this,
all right. Look, here are Gaffi
sticks, Bantha tracks. It's just...
I never heard of them hitting anything
this big before.
Ben is crouching in the sand studying the tracks.
BEN
They didn't. But we are meant to
think they did. These tracks are
side by side. Sandpeople always ride
single file to hide there numbers.
LUKE
These are the same Jawas that sold
us Artoo and Threepio.
BEN
And these blast points, too accurate
for Sandpeople. Only Imperial
stormtroopers are so precise.
LUKE
Why would Imperial troops want to
slaughter Jawas?
Luke looks back at the speeder where Artoo and Threepio are
inspecting the dead Jawas, and put two and two together.
LUKE
If they traced the robots here, they
may have learned who they sold them
to. And that would lead them home!
Luke reaches a sudden horrible realization, then races for
the speeder and jumps it.
BEN
Wait, Luke! It's too dangerous.
Luke races off leaving Ben and the two robots alone with the
burning Sandcrawler.
EXT. TATOOINE - WASTELAND
Luke races across the wasteland in his battered Landspeeder.
EXT. TATOOINE - LARS HOMESTEAD
The speeder roars up to the burning homestead. Luke jumps
out and runs to the smoking holes that were once his home.
Debris is scattered everywhere and it looks as if a great
battle has taken place.
LUKE
Uncle Owen! Aunt Beru! Uncle Owen!
Luke stumbles around in a daze looking for his aunt and uncle.
Suddenly he comes upon their smoldering remains. He is
stunned, and cannot speak. Hate replaces fear and a new
resolve comes over him.
EXT. SPACE
Imperial TIE fighter races toward the Death Star.
INT. DEATH STAR - DETENTION CORRIDOR
Two stormtroopers open an electronic cell door and allow
several Imperial guards to enter. Princess Leia's face is
filled with defiance, which slowly gives way to fear as a
giant black torture robot enters, followed by Darth Vader.
VADER
And, now Your Highness, we will
discuss the location of your hidden
Rebel base.
The torture robot gives off a steady beeping sound as it
approaches Princess Leia and extends one of its mechanical
arms bearing a large hypodermic needle. The door slides shut
and the long cell block hallway appears peaceful. The muffled
screams of the Rebel princess are barely heard.
EXT. TATOOINE - WASTELAND
There is a large bonfire of Jawa bodies blazing in front of
the Sandcrawler as Ben and the robots finish burning the
dead. Luke drives up in the speeder and Ben walks over to
him.
BEN
There's nothing you could have done,
Luke, had you been there. You'd have
been killed, too, and the droids
would be in the hands of the Empire.
LUKE
I want to come with you to Alderaan.
There's nothing here for me now. I
want to learn the ways of the Force
and become a Jedi like my father.
EXT. TATOOINE - WASTELAND
The Landspeeder with Luke, Artoo, Threepio, and Ben in it
zooms across the desert. The speeder stops on a bluff
overlooking the spaceport at Mos Eisley. It is a haphazard
array of low, grey, concrete structures and semi-domes. A
harsh gale blows across the stark canyon floor. Luke adjusts
his goggles and walks to the edge of the craggy bluff where
Ben is standing.
BEN
Mos Eisley Spaceport. You will never
find a more wretched hive of scum
and villainy. We must be cautious.
Ben looks over at Luke, who gives the old Jedi a determined
smile.
EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET
The speeder is stopped on a crowded street by several combat-
hardend stormtroopers who look over the two robots. A Trooper
questions Luke.
TROOPER
How long have you had these droids?
LUKE
About three or four seasons.
BEN
They're for sale if you want them.
TROOPER
Let me see your identification.
Luke becomes very nervous as he fumbles to find his ID while
Ben speaks to the Trooper in a very controlled voice.
BEN
You don't need to see his
identification.
TROOPER
We don't need to see his
identification.
BEN
These are not the droids your looking
for.
TROOPER
These are not the droids we're looking
for.
BEN
He can go about his business.
TROOPER
You can go about your business.
BEN
(to Luke)
Move along.
TROOPER
Move along. Move along.
EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET
The speeder pulls up in front of a rundown blockhouse cantina
on the outskirts of the spaceport. Various strange forms of
transport, including several unusual beasts of burden, are
parked outside the bar. A Jawa runs up and begins to fondle
the speeder.
THREEPIO
I can't abide these Jawas. Disgusting
creatures.
As Luke gets out of the speeder he tries to shoo the Jawa
away.
LUKE
Go on, go on. I can't understand how
we got by those troopers. I thought
we were dead.
BEN
The Force can have a strong influence
on the weak-minded. You will find it
a powerful ally.
LUKE
Do you really think we're going to
find a pilot here that'll take us to
Alderaan?
BEN
Well, most of the best freighter
pilots can be found here. Only watch
your step. This place can be a little
rough.
LUKE
I'm ready for anything.
THREEPIO
Come along, Artoo.
INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - CANTINA
The young adventurer and his two mechanical servants follow
Ben Kenobi into the smoke-filled cantina. The murky, moldy
den is filled with a startling array of weird and exotic
alien creatures and monsters at the long metallic bar. At
first the sight is horrifying. One-eyed, thousand-eyed, slimy,
furry, scaly, tentacled, and clawed creatures huddle over
drinks. Ben moves to an empty spot at the bar near a group
of repulsive but human scum. A huge, rough-looking Bartender
stops Luke and the robots.
BARTENDER
We don't serve their kind here!
Luke still recovering from the shock of seeing so many
outlandish creatures, doesn't quite catch the bartender's
drift.
LUKE
What?
BARTENDER
Your droids. They'll have to wait
outside. We don't want them here.
Luke looks at old Ben, who is busy talking to one of the
Galactic pirates. He notices several of the gruesome creatures
along the bar are giving him a very unfriendly glare.
Luke pats Threepio on the shoulder.
LUKE
Listen, why don't you wait out by
the speeder. We don't want any
trouble.
THREEPIO
I heartily agree with you sir.
Threepio and his stubby partner go outside and most of the
creatures at the bar go back to their drinks.
Ben is standing next to Chewbacca, an eight-foot-tall savage-
looking creature resembling a huge grey bushbaby monkey with
fierce baboon-like fangs. His large blue eyes dominate a fur-
covered face and soften his otherwise awesome appearance.
Over his matted, furry body he wears two chrome bandoliers,
and little else. He is a two-hundred-year-old Wookiee and a
sight to behold.
Ben speaks to the Wookiee, pointing to Luke several times
during his conversation and the huge creature suddenly lets
out a horrifying laugh. Luke is more than a little bit
disconcerted and pretends not to hear the conversation between
Ben and the giant Wookiee.
Luke is terrified but tries not to show it. He quietly sips
his drink, looking over the crowd for a more sympathetic ear
or whatever.
A large, multiple-eyed Creature gives Luke a rough shove.
CREATURE
Negola dewaghi wooldugger?!?
The hideous freak is obviously drunk. Luke tries to ignore
the creature and turns back on his drink. A short, grubby
Human and an even smaller rodent-like beast join the
belligerent monstrosity.
HUMAN
He doesn't like you.
LUKE
I'm sorry.
HUMAN
I don't like you either.
The big creature is getting agitated and yells out some
unintelligible gibberish at the now rather nervous, young
adventurer.
HUMAN
Don't insult us. You just watch
yourself. We're wanted men. I have
the death sentence in twelve systems.
LUKE
I'll be careful than.
HUMAN
You'll be dead.
The rodent lets out a loud grunt and everything at the bar
moves away. Luke tries to remain cool but it isn't easy. His
three adversaries ready their weapons. Old Ben moves in behind
Luke.
BEN
This little one isn't worth the
effort. Come let me buy you
something...
A powerful blow from the unpleasant creature sends the young
would-be Jedi sailing across the room, crashing through tables
and breaking a large jug filled with a foul-looking liquid.
With a blood curdling shriek, the monster draws a wicked
chrome laser pistol from his belt and levels it at old Ben.
The bartender panics.
BARTENDER
No blasters! No blaster!
With astounding agility old Ben's laser sword sparks to life
and in a flash an arm lies on the floor. The rodent is cut
in two and the giant multiple-eyed creature lies doubled,
cut from chin to groin. Ben carefully and precisely turns
off his laser sword and replaces it on his utility belt.
Luke, shaking and totally amazed at the old man's abilities,
attempts to stand. The entire fight has lasted only a matter
of seconds. The cantina goes back to normal, although Ben is
given a respectable amount of room at the bar. Luke, rubbing
his bruised head, approaches the old man with new awe. Ben
points the the Wookiee.
BEN
This is Chewbacca. He's first-mate
on a ship that might suit our needs.
EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET
Threepio paces in front of the cantina as Artoo carries on
an electronic conversation with another little red astro-
droid. A creature comes out of the cantina and approaches
two stormtroopers in the street.
THREEPIO
I don't like the look of this.
INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - CANTINA
Strange creatures play exotic big band music on odd-looking
instruments as Luke, still giddy, downs a fresh drink and
follows Ben and Chewbacca to a booth where Han Solo is
sitting. Han is a tough, roguish starpilot about thirty years
old. A mercenary on a starship, he is simple, sentimental,
and cocksure.
HAN
Han Solo. I'm captain of the
Millennium Falcon. Chewie here tells
me you're looking for passage to the
Alderaan system.
BEN
Yes, indeed. If it's a fast ship.
HAN
Fast ship? You've never heard of the
Millennium Falcon?
BEN
Should I have?
HAN
It's the ship that made the Kessel
run in less than twelve parsecs!
Ben reacts to Solo's stupid attempt to impress them with
obvious misinformation.
HAN
I've outrun Imperial starships, not
the local bulk-cruisers, mind you.
I'm talking about the big Corellian
ships now. She's fast enough for
you, old man. What's the cargo?
BEN
Only passengers. Myself, the boy,
two droids, and no questions asked.
HAN
What is it? Some kind of local
trouble?
BEN
Let's just say we'd like to avoid
any Imperial entanglements.
HAN
Well, that's the trick, isn't it?
And it's going to cost you something
extra. Ten thousand in advance.
LUKE
Ten thousand? We could almost buy
our own ship for that!
HAN
But who's going to fly it, kid! You?
LUKE
You bet I could. I'm not such a bad
pilot myself! We don't have to sit
here and listen...
BEN
We haven't that much with us. But we
could pay you two thousand now, plus
fifteen when we reach Alderaan.
HAN
Seventeen, huh!
Han ponders this for a few moments.
HAN
Okay. You guys got yourself a ship.
We'll leave as soon as you're ready.
Docking bay Ninety-four.
BEN
Ninety-four.
HAN
Looks like somebody's beginning to
take an interest in your handiwork.
Ben and Luke turn around to see four Imperial stormtroopers
looking at the dead bodies and asking the bartenders some
questions. The bartender points to the booth.
TROOPER
All right, we'll check it out.
The stormtroopers look over at the booth but Luke and Ben
are gone. The bartender shrugs his shoulders in puzzlement.
HAN
Seventeen thousand! Those guys must
really be desperate. This could really
save my neck. Get back to the ship
and get her ready.
EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET
BEN
You'll have to sell your speeder.
LUKE
That's okay. I'm never coming back
to this planet again.
INT. MOS EISLEY - CANTINA
As Han is about to leave, Greedo, a slimy green-faced alien
with a short trunk-nose, pokes a gun in his side. The creature
speaks in a foreign tongue translated into English subtitles.
GREEDO
Going somewhere, Solo?
HAN
Yes, Greedo. As a matter of fact, I
was just going to see your boss.
Tell Jabba that I've got his money.
Han sits down and the alien sits across from him holding the
gun on him.
GREEDO
It's too late. You should have paid
him when you had the chance. Jabba's
put a price on your head, so large
that every bounty hunter in the galaxy
will be looking for you. I'm lucky I
found you first.
HAN
Yeah, but this time I got the money.
GREEDO
If you give it to me, I might forget
I found you.
HAN
I don't |
