HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY TO 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK'!

Japanese release poster - 1980.

"Luke Skywalker and Han Solo rescued the Princess, destroyed the Death Star, but their story didn't end there..."

Early teaser trailer dialogue for The Empire Strikes Back - 1979.

And thank the Force it didn't end there, as Empire, the most expensive independent movie of its time, made its long awaited UK debut on May 20th, 1980, effectively and memorably delivering a dark and powerful new chapter in the now continuing Star Wars saga to thrilled audiences worldwide, and an adventure that cemented and built on the already special qualities of storytelling that George Lucas prior gave us three years earlier.

Enjoy this selection of great iconic character shots from the film...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 'TESB'!

Posing for publicity at Elstree.

Our trio on location in Norway.

Hamill and Prowse take an attacking stance!