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The
Adventures of Luke Starkiller
as taken from the
"Journal of the Whills"
by
George Lucas
(Saga I)
STAR WARS
Fourth Draft
January 1, 1976
Lucasfilm Ltd.
FADE IN...
A long, long time ago in a
galaxy
far, far away an
incredible
adventure took place...
FADE OUT...
FADE IN
1. EXT. SPACE
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 wars in the galaxy. A brave alliance of underground
freedom fighters has challenged the iron fisted oppression of the powerful
GALACTIC EMPIRE.
Striking
from a fortress hidden among the billion stars of the galaxy, rebel spaceships
have won a crushing victory over the awesome Imperial Starfleet. The EMPIRE
knows that one more such defeat could bring a thousand more solar systems into
the rebellion, and Imperial control over the galaxy would be lost forever.
To
crush the rebellion once and for all, the EMPIRE has constructed a sinister new
weapon: THE DEATH STAR. Powerful enough to destroy an entire planet, it spells
certain doom for the champions of freedom.
The awesome yellow planet
of Tatooine emerges from a total eclipse. A tiny silver spacecraft races into
view, followed by a giant Imperial starship. Hundreds of deadly laser bolts
streak from the Imperial warship, causing the main solar fin of the rebel craft
to disintegrate. The smoldering rebel ship is quickly overtaken by the Imperial
craft.
2. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER
- 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
THREEPIO
Did you hear that? They've shut down the main
reactor. We'll be destroyed for sure. This is madness!!
The little dwarf robot
makes a series of electronic sounds that only another robot could understand.
Rebel troops rush past the robots and take up position in the main passageway.
Tension mounts as loud metallic footsteps and the scraping screams of heavy
equipment are heard moving around on the outside of the hull of the ship.
THREEPIO
There is no escape for the Captain this time...
Suddenly, a tremendous
blast opens up a hole in the main passageway and a score of fearsome
stormtroopers make their way into the smoking corridor. In a few moments the
entire passageway blazes with laser fire. The deadly bolts ricochet in wild
random patterns creating huge explosions. Stormtroopers scatter and duck behind
storage lockers. Laser bolts hit several rebel soldiers who scream and stagger
through the smoke, holding shattered arms and faces.
An explosion hits near the
robots and the lanky Threepio becomes entangled in the mass of dangling wires,
which spark and pop every time he attempts to move. Artoo waddles to his
friends aid.
THREEPIO
Help me! I think something is melting... This is
all your fault! 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.
3. EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT
WASTELAND - DAY
A death-white wasteland
stretches from horizon to horizon. The tremendous heat of two huge twin suns
settles on a lone figure, LUKE STARKILLER, a farm boy with heroic aspirations
who looks much younger than his twenty-two years. His curly 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 beat-up 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.
LUKE
Tumblin' tortoogas!
He stands transfixed for a
few moments studying the heavens, then dashes toward his dented, crudely
repaired Landspeeder (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 on!
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.
A3. INT. REBEL STARFIGHTER
- 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.
4. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER
- SUB HALLWAY
Threepio stands in a smoky
hallway, somewhat bewildered. Artoo is nowhere in sight.
THREEPIO
R-2! R-2-D-2 where are you?
A familiar clanking sound
attracts 3-PO's attention and he spots little Artoo at the end of the hallway
in a smoke-filled alcove. Kneeling in front of Artoo, a beautiful young girl,
surreal and out of place (almost a dream half hidden in the smoke), finishes
adjusting something on his computer face then watches as the little robot joins
his companion. Threepio takes only momentary notice of the girl and then she is
gone.
THREEPIO
Where have you been? They're heading in this
direction. What are you going to do? We'll be sent to the spice mines of Kessel
or smashed into who-knows-what! Wait, where are you going?
Artoo scoots past his
bronze friend and races down the sub-hallway. Threepio chases after him.
5. OMITTED
6. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER
- COCKPIT CORRIDOR
The evil Darth Vader
stands among the broken and twisted
bodies of his foes. He
grabs a wounded rebel officer by
the neck and holds him
high above the ground. An Imperial
officer rushes up to the
Dark Lord.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
The information is not in the computer memory
system...
Vader squeezes the neck of
the rebel trooper, who struggles in vain.
VADER
Where is the data you intercepted? What have you
done with those information tapes?
REBEL OFFICER
We stole no information! This is a consular ship...
didn't you see our markings? We're on a diplomatic mission...
VADER
(Angry)
Where are those tapes?
REBEL OFFICER
Only... only the commander knows...
VADER
This ship carries the ma[r]kings of Alderaan. Is
Senator Leia on board? I said is she on board?
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
Find Senator Leia. I want her alive. And start
tearing this ship apart piece by piece until you have those tapes.
The stormtroopers scurry
into the sub-hallways.
A6. INT. REBEL
SPACEFIGHTER - LIFEPOD BAY
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. Now come out before someone sees
you. Come on!
Artoo whistles something
at his reluctant friend regarding the mission he is about to perform.
THREEPIO
Mission!?! What mission? What are you talking
about? You've short-circuited... no more adventures. I'm not getting in there!
Artoo isn't happy with
Threepio's stubbornness and he beeps
and twangs angrily.
THREEPIO
Don't call me a mindless philosopher, you
overweight glob of grease...
A new explosion, this time
very close, sends dust and debris through the narrow sub-hallway. 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.
The safety door snaps shut
and with the thunder of exploding latches,the tiny lifepod ejects from the
disabled starfighter.
B6. INT. IMPERIAL
STARDESTROYER - COCKPIT
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. No life forms. It must have
short-circuited. Don't waste your power...
C6. INT. REBEL
SPACEFIGHTER - NARROW SUB-HALLWAY
The lovely young girl
(about sixteen years old) huddles in a small alcove as the stormtroopers search
through the ship. She is 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 and radios
to the others.
TROOPER
Set for stun...
Leia steps from her hiding
place and blasts two troopers 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 alright. Report to Lord Vader.
7. EXT. SKY OVER TATOOINE
- LIFEPOD
The reddish-yellow mass of
Tatooine seems to engulf the tiny lifepod containing the two robots. The
starships grow smaller as the pod descends toward the planet.
A7. INT. LIFEPOD
Artoo and Threepio look
out at the receding starships.
THREEPIO
That's funny. The damage doesn't look as bad from
out here. Are you sure this thing is safe?
8 EXT. 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!
Luke pulls up behind a low
concrete service station that is all but covered by the shifting desert sands.
9. 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 on his lap. They grumble as he races through the office.
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
Why didn't you tell me you were back? When did you
get in?
BIGGS
Just now, I wanted to surprise you. 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, hey, what happened, didn't you get a commission?
Biggs has an air of cool
that seems slightly phony.
BIGGS
Of course I got it, kid. Signed aboard THE RAND
ECLIPTIC last week. First mate Biggs Darklighter at your service...
(he salutes)
... I just came back to say good-bye to all you
unfortunate landlocked simpletons.
Everyone laughs. The
dazzling spectacle of his dashing friend is almost too much, 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!
10. EXT. ANCHORHEAD
SETTLEMENT - POWER STATION - DAY
The group stumbles out
into the stifling desert sun. Deak and The Fixer complain and are forced to
shade their eyes. Luke has his binoculars out scanning the heavens.
LUKE
There they are!
Biggs take the binoculars
from Luke as the other strain to see something with the naked eye. Through the
binoculars Biggs sees two small silver specks.
BIGGS
That's no battle kid... they're just sitting there!
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.
Fixer gives Luke a hard
look and the young farm boy shrugs his shoulders in resignation.
FIXER
You're dreaming Luke. The rebellion is a long way
from here. I doubt if the Empire would even fight to keep this system. Believe
me, 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.
11. INT. REBEL
SPACEFIGHTER - 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 smoking 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
The senate will not sit still for this. When they
hear you've attacked a diplomatic...
VADER
Don't play games with me senator.You've passed
through a restricted system. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by
spies, who are now unfortunately dead. Where is the data they sent you?
LEIA
I don't know what you're talking about.I'm a member
of the senate on a diplomatic mission to...
VADER
You're a member of the 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
She should be destroyed. Holding her is dangerous.
If word of this gets out, there will be much unrest in the senate. It will
generate sympathy for the rebellion...
VADER
We have traced the rebel spies to her. She is my
only link to the hidden base and I intend to use it.
COMMANDER
She'll die before she gives you any information.
VADER
Leave that to me. Send a distress signal. Call it a
meteorite storm. Report all aboard as... dead.
The troopers approach
Vader and the commander. They stop and snap to attention.
TROOPER
The data tapes are not on board. No transmissions
were made. A malfunctioning repair pod was jet[t]isoned during the fighting,
but, no, there were no life form aboard...
VADER
Send a detachment down to retrieve it... be subtle.
Don't attract attention... vaporize this ship. Don't leave anything.
Vader turns to the
commander.
I want those stolen data tapes at all costs. See to
it personally.
The commander gives the
Dark Lord a short bow and exits.
12-13. OMITTED
14. EXT. TATOOINE - EDGE
OF THE DUNE SEA
JUNDLAND or "No Man's
Land" where the rugged desert mesas meet the foreboding dune sea. The two
helpless astro-robots kick up clouds of dust as they leave the lifepod and
clumsily work their way across the desert coastline. The lifepod rests half
buried in the sand in the distance.
THREEPIO
What a forsaken place this is. We seem to be made
to suffer. It's our lot in life. I've got to rest before I fall apart. My
joints are almost frozen. What are we doing here?
Suddenly Artoo makes a
sharp right turn and starts off in the direction of the rocky desert mesas.
Threepio stops and yells at him.
THREEPIO
Where do you think you're going!?
A stream of electronic
noises pour forth from the small robot.
THREEPIO
Well, I'm not going that way. It's too
rocky. This way is much easier. What makes you think there are any settlements that way?
Artoo counters with a long
whistle.
THREEPIO
Don't get technical with me. I've had just about
enough of you. Go that way, go on! You'll be malfunctioning within a day, you
nearsighted scrap pile!
He shoves Artoo and the
tiny robot tumbles down a small dune. Threepio starts off in the direction of
the vast dune sea as little Artoo struggles to his feet and shakes a metallic
claw at his ex-partner.
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.
15. EXT. TATOOINE - DUNE
SEA
Threepio, hot and tired,
struggles up over the ridge of a dune, past the bleached bones of a
dinosaur-like beast, 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
You little malfunctioning twerp. This is all your
fault. You tricked me into going this way but you'll do no better.
He sits in a huff of anger
and frustration, knocking the sand from his joints. His plight seems hopeless,
when a glint of reflected light in the distance reveals an object moving toward
him. The bronze android waves frantically and yells at the approaching
transport.
16. EXT. 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 fit to kill me. You should have been there... it was fantastic.
BIGGS
You ought to take it a little easy kid. You may be
the hottest bushpilot this side of Mos Eisley, but those little skyhoppers are
dangerous. If you keep it up, you're going to be nothing more than a dark spot
on the down side of a canyon wall.
LUKE
Look whose [sic] 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.
Something extraordinary has happened... I shouldn't tell you this. I've sworn
silence and given my oath, but we've been through everythin together kid. I can
trust you... I may never come back and I really want someone to know.
Luke's eyes are wide with
Biggs' seriousness and loyalty.
LUKE
What are you talking about?
BIGGS
I didn't sign aboard the frigate. I didn't even
graduate.I met some people at the academy and...
(whispering)
I've joined the Alliance.
Luke is amazed and stunned
almost speechless.
LUKE
You've joined the rebellion?! You're part of the
underground!
BIGGS
Shh! It's what we've always talked about. At last
I'm going to do something that counts. The Empire isn't going to go away with
talk and dreams...
LUKE
But how'd you do it? How'd you find them?
BIGGS
Actually they found me. They were looking for good
pilots and I was the best at the academy. They need good pilots Luke. Instead
of going to the academy with Deak and Windy why don't you come with me and join
the Alliance. It would be just like old times.
Luke thinks about this for
a moment.
LUKE
You know I want to Biggs, but I'm not going to the
academy this year. My uncle needs me here. He's almost got enough vaporators
built to make the place pay off. I can't leave him now, not after all he's been
through, not after all he's done for me.
Luke sees that Biggs is
greatly disappointed in his friend and feebly reaches or another excuse.
LUKE
Besides, there has been a lot of unrest among the
sandpeople since you left... they've raided the outskirts of Anchorhead itself.
We've been on the alert for...
BIGGS
Ban-shit! Your uncle could hold off whole colony of
sandpeople with one blaster. Deak and Windy are going away, why don't you just
tell me you're afraid to go.
LUKE
I'm not afraid...
BIGGS
Luke, you're going to be stuck here the rest of
your life. If you want things to change you're going to have to make them
change. Ahh, I don't know why I waste my time, you'll never break away... look
I'll be around for the next few days, so don't tell anyone about any of this
until after I've gone.
LUKE
I'll talk to my uncle, maybe he'll let me go. I'll
see you tomorrow. OK?
Biggs is still quite angry
and coldly turns away from his old friend.
17. EXT. ROCK CANYON -
TATOOINE - SUNSET
The gargantuan rock
formations are shrouded in a strange foreboding mist and the ominous 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 MEN, 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 that only their glowing yellow eyes can be seen.
They hiss and make odd guttural sounds as they heave the heavy robot to their
shoulders and carry him off down the trail.
18. 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.
19. OMITTED
20. 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. He also has a small disc attached to
his chest.
21. 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.
22. INT. DEATH STAR
CONFERENCE OFFICE
Eight Imperial senators
and generals sit around a black conference table in a low gray room. At one end
of the table is GOVERNOR MOFF TARKIN, a thin evil looking man in his late fifties.
At the other end of the table sits the Dark Lord, Darth Vader. A fat disgusting
looking general, COMMANDER TAGGE is speaking.
TAGGE
... because this battle station was completed
before it was clearly grasped that the rebel ships had a chance against us. The
Alliance is too well equipped, too dangerous.
A squat ADMIRAL MOTTI
twists nervously in his chair.
MOTTI
Dangerous to your starfleet, not to the Death Star.
This battle station is absolutely invincible.
TARKIN
This may be so Admiral Motti, but I don't think we
can afford the risk if they indeed have obtained the complete technical
readouts of this station. It is possible they might find a weak point. That
data must be found before it can be used against us.
MOTTI
It won't be long before the Death Star is
completely operational, then we will easily be able to destroy a planet or an
entire system... possibly even a sun. No doubt there is a plan being built up
against us, but it cannot prevail. If we were to destroy every planet that is
even suspected of being sympathetic to the Alliance...
TARKIN
The senate would not support the emperor. A move
like that would only aid the rebellion.
TAGGE
Governor, the senate wouldn't dare oppose us. Now
that we can take such definitive action to enforce our will, we need no longer
worry about legalities.
MOTTI
The Death Star is now the ultimate power in the
universe...
Vader stirs slightly and a
cup mysteriously floats into his hand.
VADER
Don't become too proud of your pretty machines...
for The Force of Others is still the ultimate power in the universe.
MOTTI
Don't try to fear us with your sorcerer's ways.
Even with your religious hocus-pocus you were unable to retrieve the stolen
data... or find the hidden rebel base... you're ways ahh...
Suddenly Motti chokes and
starts to turn blue.
VADER
Your lack of faith is disturbing.
TARKIN
Enough of this, release him! These arguments are
pointless. Lord Vader we still expect you to find the hidden rebel base before
this station becomes operational. It is the Emperor's will... you were sent
here to enforce it.
VADER
As the Emperor wills it, so it shall be. You will
have the location of the rebel fortress and I will have the stolen data
destroyed.
He raises his hand aaat
crumples the metal cup before him without touching it.
23-24. OMITTED
25. INT. SANDCRAWLER -
PRISON AREA
Threepio and Artoo noisily
bounce along inside the cramped prison chamber. Artoo appears to be shut off.
THREEPIO
Will this never end?
Suddenly the trembling and
bouncing of the sandcrawler stops, creating quite a commotion among the
mechanical men. Threepio shakes Artoo and his computer lights pop on.
THREEPIO
Wake up! Wake up! We've stopped!! We're doomed!
This is it... do you think they'll melt us down?
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. Artoo and
Threepio are among the chosen and are herded outside with several other
unfortunates.
26. EXT. TATOOINE - LAR'S
HOMESTEAD - SALT FLAT - AFTERNOON
Five battered robots,
including Artoo and Threepio are lined up 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 of the robots, he is closely followed by his slump-shouldered
nephew, Luke Starkiller. One of the vile little Jawas walks ahead of the farmer
spouting an animated sales pitch in a queer unintelligible language.
One picks out a small
astro-robot similar to Artoo and it waddles along behind the group. The limping
farmer stops in front of Threepio and studies him carefully.
OWEN
Do you speak "Bocce"?
THREEPIO
Yes sir, I'm See Threepio, Human-Cyborg relations.
I have a full T-6 capacity and...
OWEN
That's enough. Luke, take them to the garage. I
want you to have both of them cleaned up by dinner.
LUKE
But I was going into Toshi Station to pick up some
power converters...
OWEN
You can waste time with your friends after you've
finished your chores. Now get to it!
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 but is restrained by a
slimy Jawa who zaps him with a control box. Owen is negotiating with the head
Jawa when Luke notices something on the R-2 unit.
LUKE
Uncle Owen, this R-2 unit has a bad motivator,
look!
He lifts the R-2 unit's
claw arm and it drops lifelessly to the robot's side. Owen argues with the
Jawas for a few moments, then with a little reluctance the scruffy dwarf trades
the damaged astro-robot for Artoo Detoo. Owen pays off the whining Jawa as Luke
and the two robots trudge off toward a grimy homestead entry.
27. INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD -
GARAGE AREA - LATE AFTERNOON
The garage is cluttered
and worn, but a friendly peaceful atmosphere permeates the low gray chamber. In
the center of the room 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 attached to his face.
THREEPIO
Thanks the maker! This is going to feel sooo 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!
THREEPIO
I beg your pardon sir, but is there anything I
might do to help?
Luke glances at the
battered robot and a bit of his anger drains and a tiny smile creeps across his
face.
LUKE
Not unless you can change the unchangeable or alter
time.
THREEPIO
I'm sorry sir, I'm only a "droid" and not
very knowledgeable of such tings... not on this planet anyway. As a matter of
fact I'm not even sure which planet I'm on.
LUKE
That's all right. There is nothing anyone can do
about it. You can call me Luke.
THREEPIO
Thank you sir. I'm Threepio, Human Cyborg relations
and this is my counterpart, Artoo Detoo.
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
There's a lot of carbon scoring here. It looks like
you boys have seen a lot of action...
THREEPIO
Indeed sir, sometimes I'm amazed we're in as good
shape as we are, what with the rebellion and all.
Luke sparks to life at the
mention of rebellion.
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...
LUKE
Tell me where you've been. Were you been in many
battles?
THREEPIO
Several, I think. There is not much to tell. I'm
not much more than an interpreter and not very good at telling stories, 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 star-cruiser or a...
The fragment breaks loose
with a snap, sending Luke tumbling head over heels. He sits up and sees a small
(12 inch) 3-D 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! Your my only ho...
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 at Leia)
What is that?
Artoo beeps his surprise
as he pretends to just notice the hologram and whistles his reply.
THREEPIO
He says it's nothing sir. Merely a malfunction. Old
data, pay it no mind.
Luke becomes intrigued by
the beautiful young girl.
LUKE
Who is she?...
THREEPIO
I'm afraid I'm not quite sure sir! I think she was
a passenger on our last voyage. A person of some importance I believe. Our
captain was attache to...
LUKE
Is there any more to this recording?
Luke reaches for Artoo but
he lets out several frantic squeaks and a whistle.
THREEPIO
It's all right Artoo. He's out master now. You can
trust him.
Artoo whistles and beeps a
long message to Threepio.
THREEPIO
He says it's part of a private msssage for a Ben
Kenobi, a resident of these parts... do you know him?
LUKE
Sure! Old Ben lives out beyond the dune sea. He's a
strange old man. Uncle Owen says he's a sorcerer. He comes around once in
awhile. I've hardly even talked to him though, my uncle says I should keep away
from him... a message for old Ben huh? It sounds like to me like she's in
trouble. Maybe it's important... I should hear all of it.
Luke reaches for little
Artoo and the little Artoo squeaks a blue streak.
THREEPIO
Hold your systems, what are you saing!? Excuse me
sir, he says it's not possible... beggin' your pardon sir, but with all we've
been though, I'm afraid he's become a bit eccentric...
Artoo sheepishly proposes
an excuse witha feeble whistle.
THREEPIO
He says the restraining bolt has short circuited
his recording system... he suggests that if you remove the restraining bolt, he
might be able to repeat the entire recording.
Luke looks longingly at
the lovely little princess and hasn't really heard what Threepio has been
saying.
LUKE
What... of yes... well I guess you're too small to
run away on me if I take this off... I wonder what she's be sending a message
to old Ben for?
Luke takes a wedged bar
and pops the restraining bolt off R-2's side. The princess immediately
disappears...
LUKE
There now... wait, where did she go? Artoo make her
come back.
Artoo beeps an innocent
reply. Threepio slumps in embarrassment.
THREEPIO
Oh my!
LUKE
What did he say?
THREEPIO
He said. Make who come back?
(Turns to R-2)
The image! The recording! You blockhead.
Artoo coyly lets out a
short little beep.
THREEPIO
What recording!!?! The one that was just there, you
cross circuited numb-skull...
(turns to Luke)
I'm sorry sir, but he appears to have picked up a
slight flutter. Perhaps...
A women's voice calls out
from the other room.
AUNT BERU
Luke! Luke, come to dinner.
Luke stands up and shakes
his head at the malfunctioning robot.
LUKE
OK, I'm coming Aunt Beru... Oh well, see what you
can do with him. I'll be right back.
Luke places Artoo's
retraining bolt on the work bench and hurries out of the room.
28. INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD -
KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON
Luke's Aunt Beru, a warm
motherly woman, fills a pitcher with blue milk 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
the pitcher of blue milk.
LUKE
You know, that R-2 unit is carrying some kind of
message for old Ben Kenobi.
This doesn't sit well with
Owen
OWEN
What kind of message?
LUKE
I don't know, I only came across part of it by
accident... I was going to...
OWEN
Don't mess with it. Anything involving old Ben is
best left well enough alone. He's too much involved with troublesome things.
Just leave it be and forget about it.
OWEN
The last of our savings are tied up in those two
droids. You just get them ready for tomorrow. First thing in the morning I want
you to check those condensing units on the south ridge.
LUKE
Ah... Uncle Owen, I've been thinking about our
agreement... and I've ah... I've changed my mind. Now that you've got those
extra droids, I want to transmit my application to the academy. I've decided to
go after all...
Owen's face becomes a
scowl, although he tries to suppress it.
OWEN
You mean next term, before the harvest?
LUKE
Yeah, right away... the term starts this week.
OWEN
Those droids can't replace you Luke, you know that.
Now is when I need you the most. Why have you changed your mind?
Luke doesn't want to
answer this, so he continues to toy with his food.
OWEN
For the first time, we've got a fortune beyond
belief coming into our hands. Can't you wait until after the harvest? We'll
make enough this time to hire some extra hands... I need you Luke. You
understand that don't you?
LUKE
But it's another year...
OWEN
The time will pass before you know it.
Luke pushes his half-eaten
plate of food aside.
LUKE
That's what you said last year when Biggs left. I'd
better finish cleaning those droids.
Resigned to his fate, Luke
paddles out of the room. Owen mechanically finishes his dinner afraid to look
at his quetly sympathetic wife.
BERU
Owen, you can't keep him here forever. You know
most of his friends are going this term.. It means everything to him.
OWEN
He'll get over it... I'll make it up to him next
year, I promise. This harvest is everything.
BERU
Luke's just not a farmer, he's got too much of his
father in him.
29. EXT. TATOOINE - LAR'S
HOMESTEAD - ENTRY AREA - SALT FLAT
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 domed entrance to the
homestead.
A29. INT. GARAGE AREA -
LAR'S HOMESTEAD
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 Jawa's were carrying). He activates the
box which creates a low hum and Threepio pops up from behind the skyhopper
spaceship letting out a short yell.
LUKE
What are you doing back 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... keeps babbling on about
a mission...
LUKE
Oh no...
Luke races out of the
garage followed by Threepio.
B29. EXT. TATOOINE ENTRY
AREA - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - SALT FLAT - SUNSET
Luke rushes out of the
small domed entry to the homestead and searches the darkening horizon for the
small tri-ped astro-robot. Threepio struggles out of the homestead and on to
the salt flat as Luke scans the landscape with his electrobinoculars.
THREEPIO
That Artoo unit is nothing but troble. These droids
are getting too much for me. Even I can't understand their logic at times.
LUKE
Well, he's nowhere in sight. Blast it, how could I
be so stupid. Uncle Owen's going to kill me.
THREEPIO
Beggin' your pardon sir, but can't we go after him?
LUKE
Not at night. 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! Luke are you finished with those droids yet?
I'm turning the power down for the night.
LUKE
Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes.
He turns and takes one
final look across the dim horizon.
LUKE
Boy, am I in for it.
30-31. OMITTED
32. INT. PLAZA LAR'S
HOMESTEAD - MORNING
Morning slowly creeps into
the sparse but sparkling oasis of the open courtyard. The idyll is broken by
the yelling of Uncle Owen, his voice echoing throughout the homestead.
OWEN
Luke! Luke. Where could he be loafing now?
A32. INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD
- KITCHEN AREA - MORNING
The interior of the
kitchen is a warm glow as Beru prepares the morning breakfast. Owen enters in a
huff.
OWEN
Have you seen Luke this morning?
BERU
He said he had some things to do before he started
today, so he left early.
OWEN
Did he take the new droids with him?
BERU
I think so.
OWEN
He's better have those condensing units on the
south ridge repaired by midday or there'll be hell to pay.
B32. EXT. TATOOINE - EDGE
OF THE DUNE SEA
Four Imperial
Stormtroopers mill about in front of the half buried lifepod which brought
Artoo and Threepio to Tatooine. A trooper yells to an officer some distance
away.
TROOPER
No data tapes sir.
A second trooper, standing
next to the officer picks a small bit of metal out of the sand and give it to
the officer.
OFFICER
Droids!
33. OMITTED
34. INT/EXT. LUKE'S
SPEEDER - DESERT WASTELAND - TRAVELING - DAY
The rock and sand of the
desert floor are a blur as Threepio pilots the sleek landspeeder gracefully
across the vast wasteland. Luke rides precariously on the back of trunk of the
vehicle adjusting something in the motor compartment.
LUKE
(yelling)
How's that?
Threepio signals that it
is fine and Luke turns back into the wind-whipped cockpit and pops the canopy
shut.
LUKE
I'm sure old Ben lives out in this direction
somewhere, but I don't see how that R-2 unit could have come this far. We must
have missed him. It's getting late. I've got to get started repairing those
condensing units. We'd better start back, I don't want to go too far, the wild
things out here are said to be weird and savage... Wait there's something
straight ahead... it's him, it's him, hurry.
35. 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 seems to get in the final word
and the nomads scurry over the rocky terrain.
36. EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK
MESA CANYON
The Tusken raiders
approach 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 raiders mount saddles strapped to
the huge creatures' shaggy backs and ride off down the rugged bluff.
37. EXT. ROCK CANYON FLOOR
- TATOOINE
The speeder is parked on
the floor of a massive canyon. Luke, with his long banded laser rifle over his
shoulder attaches the restraining bolt to Artoo's side. Threepio paces in front
of the smaller robot, who appears to be shut down.
LUKE
There, he'll be doing no more running. Now if we
can just get home before Uncle Owens starts looking for us.
THREEPIO
If you don't mind my saing so sir, I don't think
you should switch Artoo back on until you've gotten him back to your workshop.
LUKE
No, I think he'll be alright...
Luke switches on the
little robot and he jumps to life with a mass of frantic whistles and screams.
LUKE
What is it? What happened?
THREEPIO
He says there are several creatures approaching
from the southeast...
Luke swings his rifle into
position and looks to the south.
LUKE
Sandpeople! What direction are they?
38. EXT. TATOOINE - 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 see one of them.
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 of 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.
39. 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 Starkiller, who is dropped in a heap before the
speeder. The raiders 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
where 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 to.
BEN
Don't worry, he'll be all right.
Luke lets out a grown and
opens his eyes.
BEN
Rest easy young Luke, you've had a busy day. You're
lucky those Tusken's left you in one piece.
LUKE
Ben? Ben Kenobi am I glad to see you!
BEN
Tell me young Luke, what brings you out this far?
LUKE
This little droid! This little droid has a message
for you and there seem to be no stopping him from delivering it...
BEN
A message you say? A message! Wonderful, wonderful.
(He looks up at the overhanging cliffs.)
But I think it's best we move along before those
sandpeople return with their while tribe.
Luke sits up and rubs his
head. Artoo lets out a pathetic beep causing Luke to remember something. He
looks around.
LUKE
Boy, that feels none too good... Threepio!
40. 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.
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? Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I must have taken a
bad step...
LUKE
Can you stand? We've got to get out of here!
THREEPIO
I don't think I can make it. You go on master Luke.
It doesn't make sense for you to risk yourself on my account. I'm done for.
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 lad, the sandpeople are on the move.
41. OMITTED
42. INT. CAVE DWELLING -
MAIN LIVING AREA
The soft-shaped cave
dwelling is cluttered but radiates an air of time worn comfort and security.
Artoo is standing in the middle of the room. The image of the beautiful rebel
princess is projected from his face.
LEIA
Commander, you served my father in the Clone War
and now I beg you to aid us in our most desperate hour. It is of vital
importance that you see this R-2 unit safely delivered to Alderaan. Please help
me, you are 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
Who is she?
BEN
Leia Organa. Her father was once the ruler of
Alderaan. I'm afraid I'm getting too old for this sort of thing.
LUKE
You're going to help her aren't you? I'll let you
take the droid... I guess it stil belongs to her anyway. I'll somehow explain
it to my uncle... boy, what a day.
BEN
You are much like your father.
LUKE
You knew him? I'm afraid I don't really remember
him.
BEN
We were good friends... I have been saving
something of his for you...
Ben gets up and goes to a
chest where he rummages around and presents Luke with a short handle with
several electronic gadgets attached to it.
BEN
When you became of age he wanted you to have this.
LUKE
What is it?
BEN
His lightsber. At one time they were widely used,
still are used in some parts of the galaxy.
Luke pushes a button on
the handle and a long laser beam shoots out about four feet, flickers there.
BEN (CONT.)
Your father was a great man and a clever warrior.
LUKE
I thought he was a navigator.
BEN
So your uncle told your for your own good, but your
father was one of the last of the Jedi Knights. For over a thousand generations
Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic...
that was before the Empire, before the dark times. That was when the great
senate ruled the galaxy and all the solar systems were free... no taxes, no
fear. There was order in the universe and the Jedi Knights were the most
powerful, most respected force in the galaxy.
LUKE
What happened to them?
BEN
The same thing that happened to your father. They
were betrayed. Betrayed by a young Jedi, Darth Vader, one of my disciples, one
of my failures. The Emperor made him a Sith Lord and he became evil and
powerful. One by one the Jedi were hunted down and destroyed by this Dark Lord
of the Sith. Now the Jedi are all but extinct. I'm afraid I am the last. Vader
has chased me across the galaxy but I've outsmarted him. He's still looking for
me, but I'm well hidden and The Force is strong with me.
LUKE
The Force?
BEN
The force is... let's just say The Force is
something a Jedi deals with. It's an energy field that gives him his
power. But, enough of this, you must be getting home. I will ride with you as
far as Anchorhead and there I will pick up transportation to the spaceport at
Mos Eisley.
LUKE
How will I ever explain all this to my uncle?
A42. INT. DEATH STAR -
PRISON CELL 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
Now we will discuss the location of your hidden
base.
The door slides shut, the
long cell block hallway appears peaceful. The muffled sounds of the rebel
princess are barely heard.
B42EXT. MESA CANYON -
SANDCRAWLER - DAY
The speeder stops before
what remains of the huge Jawa sandcrawler. Luke and Ben walk among the
smoldering rubble and scattered bodies.
LUKE
I've never known the sandpeople to hit anything
this big.
BEN
Looks like the work of sandpeople alright. Bantha
tracks, parat of a Gaffi stick... only problem is the tracks show whoever rode
out here, rode side by side. Sandpeople always ride in a single file to hide
their number. These hits are too precise for a Tusken. Only Imperial
stormtroopers are that accurate.
LUKE
These are the same Jawas
who sold us Artoo and Threepio.
Luke looks back at the
speeder where Artoo and Threepio are inspecting the dead Jawas.
BEN
This is the Empire's work, they must be searching
for Artoo. They tracked the robots from where they landed.
LUKE
If they tracked the robots here, they'll continue
to follow the trail until they... get... back... home.
Luke reaches a sudden
horrible realization and races for the speeder and jumps in.
BEN
No Luke, it's too dangerous, it's too late.
Luke races off leaving Ben
and the two robots alone with the burning sandcrawler.
C42. EXT. HOMESTEAD - SALT
FLAT - TATOOINE
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
Aunt Beru! Aunt Beru! Uncle Owen!
Luke stumbles around in a
daze looking for his aunt and uncle. Suddenly he comes upon their smoldering
remains.
LUKE
No!
D42 INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
- DEATH STAR
Darth Vader and the
regional Governor Moff Tarkin stand before a huge screen that shows a million
stars. Admiral Motti and General Tagge are standing with them.
VADER
She has said nothing.
TAGGE
This solar system she's from, Alderaan is the hot
bed of the rebellion. She doesn't have to say anything.
MOTTI
We've long suspected Alderaan, but linking her to
the Alliance settles it. Now that this station is operational I suggest we use
it.
TARKIN
The Emperor also feels the time has come to reveal
as dramatically as possible the Empire's total power. Set your course.
E42. EXT. MESA CANYON -
SANDCRAWLER - DAY
There is a large bonfire
of dead Jawas 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
I'm sorry, Luke.
LUKE
I want to come with you. There is nothing there for
me now. I want to learn the ways of The Force, I want to become a Jedi like my
father.
43-46. OMITTED
47. EXT. TATOOINE - BLUFF
OVERLOOKING MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - DAY
The speeder zooms across
the desert wasteland and eventually stops on a bluff overlooking the spaceport
at MOS EISLEY. It is a haphazard array of low gray concrete structures and
semidomes. 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
Well, there it is, Mos Eisley Spaceport. A more
wretched hive of scum and villainy can't be found. The Empire is on the alert,
so we must be very cautious.
48. EXT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - STREET - LATE AFTERNOON
The speeder is stopped at
a road block as several combat hardened stormtroopers look over the two robots.
A trooper questions Luke.
TROOPER
You had these droids long?
LUKE
For three of four seasons.
TROOPER
You came from the south?
LUKE
The north.
The trooper thinks about
this for a moment then waves them on.
49. EXT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - CANTINA - DAY
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.
THREEPIO
I can't abide those Jawas. Disgusting creatures.
BEN
Take care in here. I don't like the looks of this
place.
Luke, Ben and the droids
climb out of the speeder and brace themselves against the constant whipping
wind.
50. INT. MOS EISLEY
CANTINA - DAY
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, laughing at the long metallic bar. At first the sight
is horrifying. One-eyed, thousand-eyed, slimy, furry, scaly tentacles and claws
huddle over drinks. Ben and Luke move to an empty spot at the bar near a group
of repulsive but human Corellian pirates. A huge rough-looking BARTENDER comes
over to Luke and the robots.
BARTENDER
We don't serve "their kind" in 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" will have to wait outside.
We don't serve 'em here.
Luke looks to old Ben who
is busy talking to one of the Corellian pirates. He notices that several of the
gruesome creatures along the bar are giving him a very unfriendly glare.
LUKE
Yes, of course. I'm so sorry.
(Turns to Threepio)
You'd better stay with the speeder. We don't want
any trouble. I'll... ah.. bring you something.
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 gray bushbaby monkey with fierce
"baboon-like" fangs. His large yellow eyes dominate a fur-covered
face and soften his otherwise awesome appearance. Over his matted, furry body
he wears two chrome bandoliers, a flak jacket painted in a bizarre camouflage
pattern, brown cloth shorts 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. He 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 to 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 some unintelligible gibberish at the now rather
nervous young adventurer.
HUMAN (Cont.)
Don't insult us. You just watch yourself. We're
wanted men. I have the death sentence on twelve systems.
LUKE
I'll be careful then.
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 blasters!
With an 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 double, 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
This is Chewbacca, he's first-mate on a ship that
might suit our needs.
Luke is still giddy and
downs a fresh drink as he follows Ben and Chewbacca to a booth where HAN SOLO
is sitting. He is a tough James Dean style starpilot about thirty years old. A
mercenary in a starship, simple, sentimental and cocksure of himself.
HAN
Good moves old man, not often one sees that kind of
sword play on this side of the galaxy. I understand you're looking for a ship.
BEN
That's right son. A fast ship.
HAN
I've got one of the fastest. What's the your cargo?
BEN
Passengers. Myself, the boy and two droids to the
Alderaan system. No questions.
HAN
On the run? That will cost you a little more. Is it
something local?
BEN
No, let's just say we'd like to avoid any Imperial
entanglements.
Han glances toward the
cantina door.
HAN
I'd say you'd already gotten some. Docking Bay 94
first thing in the morning.
Ben and Luke turn around
to see four Imperial stormtroopers enter the cantina, look at the dead bodies
and ask the bartender some questions. The bartender points to the booth but it
is now empty.
A50. EXT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - CANTINA - SUNSET
The speeder pulls away
from the cantina.
BEN
We'll have to sell this speeder in the morning.
B50. INT. DEATH STAR
CORRIDOR
Darth Vader and a
stormtrooper commander stride down one of the long Death Star corridors,
followed by several aides.
COMMANDER
We're starting to search the spaceport. It's just a
matter of time before we have them.
VADER
What of this old man?
COMMANDER
It's only speculation at this point that he is traveling
with the droids. Good with a lightsaber, unusual for that area.
VADER
I think this confirms a feeling I've had. If he's
with the droids, be careful. He'll not be taken easily. We've been waiting for
him for a long time.
COMMANDER
Nothing will leave the spaceport until they're
found.
C50. EXT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - ALLEYWAY
Four heavily armed
stormtroopers move menacingly along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with
darkly-clad creatures hawking exotic goods in dingy little stalls. Men,
monsters and robots crouch in waste-filled doorways whispering and hiding from
the hot winds. One of the troopers checks a tightly locked door and moves on
down the alleyway. The door slides open a crack and Threepio peeks out. Artoo
is barely visible in the background.
THREEPIO
What could be taking them so long. I don't like the
looks of this.
51-52. OMITTED
53. EXT. ALLEYWAY - MOS
EISLEY STREET - USED SPEEDER LOT
Ben and Luke are standing
in a sleazy used-speeder lot, talking with a tall grotesque, insect-like
used-speeder dealer. Strange exotic bodies and spindly legged beasts pass by as
the insect concludes the sale by giving Luke some small domino-like objects.
Ben and Luke leave the
speeder-lot and walk down
the dusty alleyway past a small robot herding a bunch of anteater-like creatures. Luke turns and gives one last
forlorn look at his faithful speeder as he rounds a corner. A darkly clad
creature moves out of the shadows as they pass and watches them as they
disappear down another alley.
A53. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP
COCKPIT
Han is checking out the
controls of his pirate starship. The giant wookiee, Chewbacca yells up to Han
from somewhere inside teh ship.
HAN
Yeh, what is it?
The wookie[e] jabbers
something in his native language which is nothing more than a series of grunts.
HAN
Alright, tell them to wait a minute. I'll be right
there.
54. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP -
MAIN PASSAGE - ENTRY
An Imperial bureaucrat
named MONTROSS and two local policemen are waiting in the main entry as Han
Solo enters.
MONTROSS
Cood morning captain. Preparing to leave are you?
HAN
Listen Montross I'm clean on this trip. You can
search if you want to but I'm only taking passengers. Now if that's it, I've
got a lot to check out before I leave.
MONTROSS
You aren't going anywhere for awhile, captain.
HAN
What!
MONTROSS
The spaceport's closed down until further notice by
Imperial edict and because of your past record, captain, I've decided to stay
aboard until it's opened again.
HAN
How long will that be?
MONTROSS
Until they've searched the area, the rest of the
day probably.
HAN
What's this all about anyway?
MONTROSS
It's an Imperial matter. None of my concern, I just
have to see to it that no one in this section takes off.
Han throws up his hands in
disgust.
HAN
Brother! Chewbacca, check the street and make sure
our fares don't get lost. They won't like this.
An annoying bureaucratic
smile slides across Montross' face as Chewbacca lumbers out of the starship.
Han moves to the back of the ship away from the annoying bureaucrat. The rogue
pirate is not happy at this turn of events and struggles to think of a way out
of his dilemma. Suddenly he thinks of something and looks to see if anyone is
looking, then kicks a small control panel loose and disconnects several circuits.
He quickly replaces the cover and casually heads back towards the cockpit, past
Montross and the two officers.
HAN
If you're staying, why don't one of you boys give
me a hand. Come on!
55. INT. COCKPIT PIRATE
STARSHIP
One of the officers follows
Han into the cockpit area while teh second officer stands in the passageway and
watches. The pirate captain pulls down a control lever on one of the panels.
HAN
I need to flush the thermal converters. Hold this
down... whatever you do, don't let it up or the whole ship will blow along with
about twenty blocks in all directions.
OFFICER
Say, I don't know if...
HAN
Don't worry, just hold it down.
Han goes to another
controk panel and flips some switches, starting the giant ion engines. The ship
begins to shake as the sound increases. Montross enters the cockpit.
MONTROSS
What's going on?
HAN
Just cleaing the system.
Montross goes back into
the main passageway. Han picks up a heavy box panel and starts to carry it out
of the cockpit, but pretends to slip.
HAN (Cont.)
Catch it!!
The first officer takes
hand off of the switch and catches the box panel. The ship erupts into a
cacophony of warning alarms and flashing lights. Han frantically begins
flipping switches. The two officers panic but are frozen in place
HAN
I told you not to let go of that! That's funny, we
should have all been blown to micro-dust by now.
Before Han can finish the
two officers have fled, screaming and yelling. Han chuckles to himself and
walks into the main passageway.
56. EXT. DOCKING PORT
ENTRY - ALLEYWAY
Chewbacca waits restlessly
at the entrance to Docking Bay 94 as the muffled sounds of the starship alarms
bounces through the alleyway and the two panicked police officers scramble over
one another trying to escape before the starship goes supernova. They pass Ben,
Luke and the robots as they make their way up the street. Chewbacca jabbers
excitedly and signals for them to hurry. The darkly clad creature has followed
them from the speeder lot. He stops in a nearby doorway and speaks into a small
transmitter.
57. INT. MAIN PASSAGEWAY -
PIRATE STARSHIP
The alarm system is
suddenly cut short. Han quickly replaces the control panel and turns to see the
foul-looking bureaucrat MONTROSS standing over him with a laser pistol pointed
at his head.
MONTROSS
So, you've solved the problem, or maybe you are the
problem. Get up. You're under arrest. You'll be a long time explaining...
HAN
Not this time!
Montross raises for his
laser pistol but Han is faster and get the drop on him.
HAN
Drop it or die, Montross. I always said you were
slow witted, a club is more your style.
Han struggles to his feet
and leads the bureaucrat to the escape hatch.
58. INT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - DOCKING BAY 94
Chewbacca leads the group
into the giant dirt pit that is Docking Bay 94. Resting in the middle of the
huge hole is a large, round, beat-up, pieced together hunk of junk that could
only loosely be called a starship.
LUKE
What a piece of junk. This ship couldn't possibly
go above sub-light speeds.
The tall figure of Han
Solo comes down the boarding ramp holding a hidden gun on Montross who is
walking ahead of him.
HAN
She may not look like much, but she's all go. I've
added some special modifications myself. She'll make point five beyond the
speed of light.
Luke scratches his head,
it's obvious he's not too sure about all this. Chewbacca rushes up the ramp and
urges the others to follow.
HAN
We're a little rushed, so if you'll hurry aboard,
we'll be off.
The group rushes up the
gang plank, passes a somber and nervous Montross and a grinning Han Solo.
AA58. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP
Chewbacca settles into the
pilot's chair and starts the mighty engines of the starship. Ben and Luke strap
themselves into large seats in the main passageway.
A58. EXT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - ALLEYWAY
Eight Imperial
Stormtroopers rush up to the darkly clad creatures and he points to the door of
the docking bay. The troops hold their guns at the ready and charge down the
docking bay entrance.
B58. INT. DOCKING BAY 94 -
MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT
Artoo waddles up the entry
ramp, past Han Solo who shoves Montross down the ramp onto the docking bay
floor.
HAN
So long Montross. May our paths never cross
again... oops!
Han Solo looks up and sees
the Imperial Stormtroopers rushing into the docking bay. Several of the
troopers fire at Han as he ducks into the spaceship.
HAN
Chewie! Deflector shields quick! Get us out of
here.
Han draws his laser pistol
and pops off a couple of shots which force the stormtroopers to dive for
safety. Montross scrambles for the nearest exit. The starship engines whine as
Han hits the release button that slams the overhead entry shut.
C58. EXT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - ALLEY-DOCKING PORT ENTRANCE - MORNING
The ground trembles a
little as several stormtroopers race out of the docking bay and into the alley
where they meet an officer and several more troops.
59. EXT. MOS EISLEY
SPACEPORT - STREET - MORNING
The half dozen
stormtroopers at a check point hear the general alarm and look to the sky as
the huge starship rises above the dingy slum dwellings and quickly disappears
into the morning sky.
60. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP -
COCKPIT
Han climbs into the
pilot's chair next to Chewbacca who chatters away as he points to something on
the radar scope.
HAN
I know, I know, it looks like three, maybe four big
cruisers. We sure got ourselves into one this time. Try to hold them off until
I can make the calculations for the jump to light speed.
Han frantically types
information into the ship's computer. Little Artoo appears momentarily at the
cockpit doorway, makes a few beeping remarks, then scurries away.
61. EXT. SPACE TATOOINE
ORBIT
Pan with the pirate
starship as it races away from the yellow planet, Tatooine, followed by
one - two - three huge Imperial stardestroyers.
62. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP -
COCKPIT
Luke and Ben make their
way into the crowded cockpit where Han continues his calculations.
HAN
We've got two more coming in, they're going to cut
us off...
LUKE
Can't you outrun them?
HAN
There are just too many of them. We'll be all right
once we're iin hyper-space. They can't track us at plus light speeds. I wish
I'd known you boys were so popular.
The ship shudders as an
explosion flashes outside the window.
HAN
Here's where it gets interesting.
BEN
How long before you can make the jump to light
speed?
HAN
It'll take a few more minutes for the navigational
computer to calculate the co-ordinates.
LUKE
A few minutes!!
HAN
Traveling through hyper-space is no mean trick.
Without very accurate calculations we could pass through a star or near a
supernova. And that would end our trip real q |