AN 'EMPIRE' AT 45: MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS!

John Williams as the keeper of the Star Wars musical flame...

Bringing back the traditional orchestral movie soundtrack in a big way that no one truly expected, John Williams' score for the original Star Wars was an unmitigated triumph, of which the its 1977 released double album soundtrack (from Fox Records) was a must-have purchase for worldwide fans and the general public alike. Hearing Williams's music for the film was just as perfect as seeing it for the umpteenth time on the big screen, being so evocative, exciting and memorable, especially rich in character themes that would become iconic over nearly fifty years. 

Williams with friends Ken Wannberg and Lionel Newman, plus director Irvin Kershner, at a lively spotting session for Empire's score.

Going through a scene and timing it for the creation of his music, Williams with Wannberg in California, late 1979.

Empire’s complex, beautiful score would once more be recorded in the UK, with Williams conducting the 129 musicians in the London Symphony Orchestra. Recording for the December 1979/ January 1980 sessions are handled in three batches, split between Anvil Studios, where the Star Wars score had been recorded, and EMI studios at Abbey Road. Williams is supported by his regular team of friends - engineer Eric Tomlinson, orchestrator Herbert Spencer, music editor Kenneth Wannberg, and supervisor Lionel Newman, the Head of 20th Century Fox's music department. Gary Kurtz, Lucas and Kershner, plus Robert Watts, are on hand to watch the recordings. It is estimated that the score will cost a quarter of a million dollars to record (taking into account the fees of the arrangers, the musicians, the copyists, and the sound-recording crew), but the money will later be re-couped by sales of the film's soon-beloved RSO two-disc record, to be released by May, 1980.

Recording music for the film's fateful finale duel with the LSO.

Lucas, Kershner, Kurtz and Robert Watts attend the music recordings in London.

For The Empire Strikes Back, Williams had the then rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to revisit the George Lucas fantasy universe that had so enamoured itself to audiences, adding further new unforgettable themes to its saga, alongside incredible musical accomplishments with the stalwart LSO.

 

Japanese edition of the classic 2-LP soundtrack.

BEHIND THE SCENES: PAUL HIRSCH TAKES THE EDITING REINS...

 

Having fun with the clapperboard on the Bespin Landing Platform set in July, 1979

Returning back to the Star Wars saga having proudly won an Academy Award for his work on the original 1977 film alongside Marcia Lucas and Richard Chew, respected star editing talent Paul Hirsch is now the sole editorial shaper of The Empire Strikes Back as it enters production in 1979, and up to its eventual release in theatres in May 1980. Importantly, this time out, Hirsch gets a chance to work on the film's cutting whilst principal photography is underway at Elstree Studios in London (staying with the production until 21st August, 1979) then returning back to the US for the long-hours, difficult but ultimately rewarding post production phase ahead, working closely with George Lucas and ILM for the to-be-slotted-in effects sequences taking place this time, and with new director Irvin Kershner, another visualist whose work Hirsh admires. Working together on the film, with so much riding on its success for the George Lucas-funded film production, Empire truly proves no easy task to edit, what with so much going on plot-wise (especially at the beginning of the film) that needs to be carefully set-up for the audience to easily follow, but the film is ultimately 'locked-in' within four weeks after principal photography is finally completed- a successful endeavour. 

Paul Hirsch on the Falcon set at Elstree, with furry friend. 

Thankfully, the first sequel ultimately develops its own unique storytelling rhythms, going on to become a richly rewarding viewing experience with its final ultimate shaping as a dark, exciting, emotionally complex continuation.

With his fellow Oscar winners in editing: Richard Chew and Marcia Lucas.

Hanging around on the huge Star Wars Stage in Summer, 1979.

On the Star Destroyer bridge set, Hirsch and camera operator Kelvin Pike watch Mark Hamill have fun with a sci-fi award involving Gary Kurtz and Irvin Kershner, during Summer 1979 filming at Elstree.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: CORNERED!

Dave Prowse returns to playing Vader, suiting up for the tense moment where the Dark Lord corners Luke at the end of the Cloud City gantry vent area. A great behind the scenes shot (a different take image from the one normally seen in magazines) watched on by/involving Assistant Director David Tomblin (left, by rail) and his team, plus Stunt Coordinator Peter Diamond (looking at Prowse and Hamill).

"You are beaten. It is useless to resist."

Luke fights back, deflecting Vader's approaching blade.

Another great outtake behind the scenes image, as Kershner can also be seen on set.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: LETHAL FLYING OBJECTS!

The lightsaber duel continues but Darth Vader soon uses the Force to constantly distract Luke with flying objects of various size and weight that hurt but not injure the young Jedi.

Irvin Kershner goes through some lightsaber move points with Hamill.

Peter Diamond and stage hand colleagues prepare to throw lightweight heavy objects at Mark Hamill from behind the camera.

Hamill confers on the scene with Irvin Kershner and Peter Diamond.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: OUT FROM THE SHADOWS!

In their new surroundings, it isn't long before Darth Vader finally reveals himself to Luke once more. Luke treads carefully, lightsaber reactivated, clearly sensing danger, in this great selection of images...

Norman Reynolds set design for the scene.

A close-up look at the gantry corridor and observation window area.

The combatants move in. Note Bob Anderson higher heeled Vader boots.

Conferring with Bob Anderson.

A close-in look at Bob Anderson in his stunt Vader mask and costume.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: STILL A CHANCE TO SAVE HAN...

Alternate B/W shot of Chewbacca's strangling Lando Calrissian.

Now freed form his bonds, Chewbacca lets loose his wrath on Lando Calrissian for their current predicament, though the Baron is soon released when he offers the chance of rescuing Han from Boba Fett at the East Platform...

Irvin Kershner gives direction for Chewie's strangulation of Lando.

Off camera, Anthony Daniels recites Threepio's lines whilst practical effects manipulates the droid's pieces atop Chewbacca with fishing wire.

Carrie Fisher confers with Gary Kurtz between takes.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: A STEP TO EVIL!

In the almost unreal, ethereal hell of the Carbon Freeze Chamber, a bold Luke climbs the steps to confront his nemesis, Darth Vader, in a scene charged with electric drama, within a set stunningly lit by the film's cinematographer, Peter Suschitzky.

A superbly atmospheric shot of the two facing combatants

Irvin Kershner watches the filming.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: DOOM-LADEN PROCESSION!

 

Hiding away, Luke watches a mysterious, clearly dangerous stranger and his escort, and soon decides to follow them... 

Is it possible that Luke recognises Boba Fett from their earlier animated encounter showcased in The Star Wars Holiday Special?

The scene has clever use of music by John Williams creating a sombre funeral march to accompany Fett and his carbonite escort on their way to Slave 1. Also, note in the long shot how Fett (walking with the sound of cowboy spurs added on in post production by Ben Burtt) turns his head after hearing the minutest sound of Luke unclipping his blaster - a clever visual touch.

Filming Luke's reactions...