STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: INTRODUCING 'STAR WARS' GREATEST AMBASSADOR!

Sunday, 12 January 2020

INTRODUCING 'STAR WARS' GREATEST AMBASSADOR!

Photoplay magazine introduces Star Wars to UK readers!

Growing up as a seven-year old within a family of major-league cinema and Hollywood celebrity addicts, the regular issue of the UK/US magazine Photoplay was a must-have purchase event each month. It was with the September 1977 issue, bought one Sunday at the local newsagent, that I saw the first coverage (to me at least!) of the then eagerly-anticipated-in-the-UK movie that was Star Wars. The moment I saw the first marvellous B/W picture of the movie, used full page to promote its then current mega-success in America, and especially showcasing the unique droids themselves in the human-like C-3PO and the squat but strangely cute R2-D2 (what did those names of theirs truly signify, I wondered...?), then turned the next few pages after to see more incredible visual wonders the likes of which I'd never seen before, I knew I was totally, immediately hooked!

The full version of the classic 1977 publicity image.

This wasn't just one of a series of firsts for me linked to the soon-impact of Star Wars, though. With regards to the all-important man bringing Threepio uniquely, and so evocatively, to life in talented British actor Anthony Daniels, he would have the unique distinction of being the first actor officially hired to work on the film, and be the first actor making regular visits to the Lucasfilm/FOX-hired Elstree Studios at the unique start of the project's late 1975 post production cycle and the urgently needed creation of the droids. When "The Star Wars" started rolling on location in Tunisia by Spring 1976, it was also Daniels who had his first major scene filmed at the Lars Homestead Droid Auction- of which iconic cinema and cinema character history was made, and whose publicity images taken therein would soon make him (and comrade Artoo) the original, ultimate visual identity ambassador for the franchise...

Discover more about Anthony Daniels incredible involvement in the saga over forty-two unforgettable years, from extraordinary beginnings to satisfying closure with 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, via his hugely enjoyable new autobiography which reveals the on screen genesis of the protocol droid's life in the saga, and the many incredible life journeys and incidents that the man inside him has been involved with thanks to that golden alter-ego best friend of his. I am C-3PO - The Inside Story is out now from DK Books and has deservedly received rave reviews for its playful humour, candour and vintage reminisces, and it includes a lovely selection of accompanying colour imagery across his incredible contributions linked to the saga.