AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: RETURN OF THE SITH LORD!

'I'm going to make you the thinking man's Darth Vader!'

Words that were surely sweet music to enthusiastic Dave Prowse's fully-opened ears, from The Empire Strikes Back's inspiring new director Irvin Kershner, as the British actor/body building champion returned to act/inhabit the world's greatest screen villain (and children's ultimate 'Boogeyman') in Darth Vader, who'd become more character-nuanced, more deadly, more spiteful, and less able to tolerate incompetent fools gladly than ever before, to the delight of audiences worldwide. In the three-year story timeline between movies, Vader is resolve-hardened in destroying the Rebel Alliance, with a particular interest turned obsession in finding the young hero Luke Skywalker, the Dark Lord of the Sith assembling a mighty Imperial Star Destroyer 'Death Squadron' and launching thousands of probe droids across the galaxy to find the Force abilities pilot who destroyed the Death Star.

Giving orders for attack from his Super Star Destroyer meditation chamber.

Vader with his loyal Imperial officer Admiral Piett (Kenneth Colley).

Leading from the front with his Snowtroopers in capturing Echo Base. 

Another one bites the dust in this posed publicity image.

Vader brings in the bounty hunters to search for the Millennium Falcon.

Capturing Han Solo at Bespin, and all before dinner!

Conspiring with Boba Fett (John Morton, for one filmed scene), watched by a helpless Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams).

Ominously awaiting Luke Skywalker's arrival into his trap!

Vader soon overwhelms the not-fully-trained Luke Skywalker.

'I am your father!'

Awaiting the next fateful meeting with Luke Skywalker....