'Old Ben' Kenobi has proved himself a great friend and protector to Luke, what with his rescuing the boy from the Tusken Raiders. But as tragedy hits Skywalker's life, the potential Jedi-to-be soon needs Kenobi's critical help and guidance more than ever, as they arrive at Mos Eisley spaceport in searching for travel to Alderaan...
A lovely shot taken of Sir Alec Guinness near the end of Tunisian location filming in Spring 1976 at the small fishing port of Ajim, having fun with Artoo Detoo, and most likely with Kenny Baker having probably been inside the two-legged droid shell in prior filming.
Originally, when first contacted to play the role of Kenobi in Los Angeles (whilst filming the comedy thriller Murder by Decree), Guinness, despite being prior aware of George Lucas and American Graffiti) was not initially impressed with the script or genre type, but nonetheless found it a page-turner to read, where he had to find out what happened next with the story and characters- a good sign for the actor. As well as a strong pay cheque, the actor is ultimately helped along into the role with the help of US casting guru Fred Roos, who explains just how pivotal Kenobi will be to the film.
George Lucas's script suggested to Guinness something of a Samurai Warrior in the way that Kenobi was to be dressed. And something of a wise man- a monk-like character, with obvious but fun borrowing from Tolkien's classic fantasy books, not only with Kenobi but in the overall story and characters of Star Wars, a factor which appealed greatly to the actor's potential positive impressions of the film in the run-up to production.
Keeping in some of his frustrations about production hiccups starting out, Sir Alec would ultimately be a vital 'rock' to Star Wars production, inspiring the troops with humour and dedication to the role as best he could, especially at times where diverse weather disruptions, equipment breakdowns and personality clashes between George Lucas and cinematographer Gil Taylor were commonplace. Guinness would assure Anthony Daniels, then starting his film career, that these kind of problems making movies weren't commonplace. Indications were that Guinness only visibly lost his cool on one day of location filming apparently, when a series of key problems delayed his work before the cameras.
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