In the spring of 1977 I started seeing ads for a new movie that was coming out soon called "Star Wars". I was and still am a big fan of all kinds of Sci-Fi films (2001, Forbidden Planet, Silent Running are among some of my favorites) and this looked like a real knockout, from what the ad showed me. When I got settled in CA, I decided it was finally time to see just how good it was. I do not think it was showing in very many places at the time but the Century 22 theaters in San Jose had it, so I checked it out.
Needless to say, it was a big hit with me. I think I may have seen it at least one more time before I invited Ellyn to go see it. I knew she was at least a little interested in the genre, so I thought it would be a safe bet she would go for it. Did she ever.
From Ellyn: I recall being only a little disappointed that Geoff went to see SW without me but, remember, that at this time that Geoff and I were just work pals who did a couple things a week outside of work so it didn't bother me much. However, I did think it was pretty intriguing that he went to movies alone - I had never known anybody else who did that. He still does that when there is a movie he really wants to see that I don't want to see.
So we learned that summer that we both really enjoyed Star Wars and we both loved seeing it again and again. And each of the 6 or so times we saw it that year, there were always long waits in lines that stretched all across the parking lot. It was a phenomena that may never be repeated. And all these years later - after the re-releases and the sequels and the fun of sharing the Saga with our sons, I still get a thrill when the music starts and the wording begins to recede to the distance....."In a galaxy far, far away..."
In that movie theater now far, far away, I don't know which we would have less expected - the longevity of Star Wars or the longevity of our relationship??
See the links in the left column for reviews and articles about this innovative new movie. The one about Star Wars almost not being made is really worth a read.
