Thursday, 6 August 2020

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: IN BACTA RECOVERY


Now out of his Bacta tank soak, Luke Skywalker receives further tender skin repair treatment from the 2-1B medical droid, watched by a relieved and happy Princess Leia. A tender moment between the pair begins, but when Luke announces he has to leave the Rebel Alliance to go somewhere not too far away, Leia is soon understandably angry that, along with Han Solo, her reliable friends and comrades in battle are seemingly deserting her. Shot on March 21st, 1979, this was a deleted scene, cut for time reasons more than anything else so as to instead focus on the fun banter involving Han Solo, that has not yet been fully released on home entertainment.








The bacta half-face bandage removal scene, as presented in the original 1980 Marvel Comics film adaptation.












Newly returned to the UK from Finse, Gary Kurtz, with the also recently arrived George Lucas, watch some of the earliest studio footage for The Empire Strikes Back being shot at Elstree. Lucas's presence there is much appreciated by the cast and crew, now more appreciative and respecting of his talents since the huge success and public acclaim of the original Star Wars.

A facially frost bitten Gary Kurtz and George Lucas supervise the rehearsal before filming.

Lucas, Kurtz and Graham Freeborn watch a scene rehearsal of the Medical Droid arm attending to Luke.

Some serious discussion between Kershner and Hamill.

Anthony Daniels is partially costumed as Threepio, assisted by John Birkinshaw (aka on set as 'Mother'), whilst DP Peter Suschitzky talks to a crew member.



Producer Gary Kurtz sneaks in some quick fun photography.

Kay Freeborn makes some lip make-up adjustments.

Going through the scene with Kershner.

Filming Luke close-up shots.

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