CLASSIC IMAGE: GETTING VERBAL WITH VADER!

Captured by Imperial forces aboard her Blockade Runner, the bold Princess Leia Organa is brought forth to the evil Lord Darth Vader (watched by commander Daine Jir), who confronts her about the stolen missing Death Star data tapes and her role in the Rebellion as one of it's major leaders. It's interesting to see the above B/W image from this classic Star Wars scene, where Leia is clearly showing anger at Vader - a moment we don't see in the film. Perhaps an unused take or specially posed image for on-set stillsman John Jay? 

Italian lobby card photo from the scene.

CLASSIC IMAGE: RE-INVENTING A CLASSIC!

The classic scene that set the standard for future science fiction/fantasy storytelling and blew audiences away worldwide with its truly epic special effects work- the opening to the original 1977 Star Wars involving an Imperial Star Destroyer chasing the Rebel Blockade Runner above Tatooine.

But it's not. Instead, this is an equally impressive moment from the sequence specially re-shot from scratch (using a more-detailed meter long Star Destroyer model from The Empire Strikes Back) for the equally incredible and ground-breaking IMAX screen format, as part of legendary sound designer Ben Burtt's pleasing 1996 documentary Special Effects: Anything Can Happen, shown exclusively in IMAX and OMNI MAX cinemas in the US and Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQjY7ZDWFNo

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE PRINCESS EMERGES!

Out from the shadows, Princess Leia fights back!

Custodian of the stolen plans that will restore freedom to the galaxy, Rebel hero Princess Leia Organa fights a hopeless situation as her diplomatic vessel is now boarded by Imperial forces. Thankfully, a little astro droid is at hand to continue her vital mission imperative, during the now eternally classic beginning to the original Star Wars of 1977...

This sequence was part of a busy filming period at the London Elstree Studios, on what was called the 'Rebel Starfighter' interior in the call sheets, located on Stage 9, during the 9th and 12th July, 1976. The deep core set seen here cleverly re-used existing props prior used for the Death Star interiors, as well as floor plating from the Millennium Falcon hold interior. 

Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia comes out fighting...

... but soon finds her gun isn't working properly, in an unused behind the scenes take.

Importantly needing a close-up of Leia transferring the Death Star schematics data card into Artoo, ILM production assistant Penny McCarthy became Carrie Fisher/Leia's hand double for a later shot insert.

'VADER WEEK': DAY 1 - MAKING AN ENTRANCE!

With guile, cunning, and ferocity, he has traced the Rebel spies who captured the top secret plans to the Death Star project, now Darth Vader and his Stormtrooper legion have attacked and boarded a Rebel-serving Blockade Runner bearing influential senate markings trying to escape his Star destroyer's pursuit over the outer rim world of Tatooine. The plans will finally be retrieved by Vader - whatever the cost!

The still-magnificent moment that introduced Darth Vader to the world, from the original Star Wars, as captured in modern storybook art form by Brian Rood. 

James Earl Jones Was Paid Only $7K to Voice Darth Vader in 'Star Wars'

CLASSIC IMAGE: MAKING GENERATIONAL PLANS...

Aboard Bail Organa's space faring Councillor Ship, within an impressive production design continuation by Gavin Bocquet honoring the late John Barry's original and iconic set designs for A New Hope, the Alderaanian diplomat discusses the future of the Skywalker children with Master Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenbi during the sad but ultimately hopeful finale to EPISODE III.

ROGUE ONE: REBEL ARRIVAL!

High above the tropical realms of Scarif, Admiral Raddus' newly arrived Mon Calamari cruiser, the Profundity, and his small fleet, stands defiant against the Empire and the prior Rebel council's unwillingness to help Jyn Erso's penetration of the Imperial data centre, in this great image from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

'STAR WARS' AT 45: DARK AGENTS CONSPIRE!

Image: STAR WARS ARCHIVES website.

Striding through the hallway of Princess Leia's captured consular vessel, Darth Vader, the infamous Dark Lord of the Sith, confers with his arrogant aide, Commander Daine Jir (played by Al Lampert), about the dangers of keeping the Alderaanian princess and key Rebel Alliance operative alive. In a filmed but unused take, there is some alternate dialogue in which Jir tells Vader that "she must be destroyed immediately," to which Vader responds, "No, my first duty is to locate that hidden fortress of theirs."

Unused angle, adding to the often documentary style visual feel.

The "hidden fortress' of the original Star Wars is clearly another affectionate Lucas homage to the Akira Kurosawa classic of the same name- The Hidden Fortress, an important movie to the rising star director during his formative film school/university days, what with its memorable story and characters.

EPISODE IX: THE DANGEROUS JOURNEY...

They're taking the fight to the resurrected Emperor Palpatine on Exegol, but first our Resistance heroes in their small fleet must thread the intense spacial regions - known to spacers as the Blood Net - leading to that dangerous world, in this great effects shot from The Rise of Skywalker.

ROGUE ONE: NO MERCY!

Next time SKY Movies do their Top Twenty Star Wars Moments programme, I'll be intrigued to see how the quickly classic and brilliantly conceived (if at the last minute in the post production phase) Blockade Runner battle from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, between the doomed Rebel Soldiers and the truly brutal lightsaber wielding, Force-using Darth Vader, gets to position-wise. I'm thinking top three status at least!

The UK's Empire film magazine also did this great Subscriber's Only cover a while back that also artistically caught the scene, and Darth Vader at his prime bad-ass-ness!

EPISODE IX: THAT LOOKS FAMILIAR?

As revealed in behind the scenes footage at the Celebration event of 2019.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS! Her original ship, the later named Tantive IV, may have been lost to pursuant Imperial forces during the now legendary start to the original Star Wars, but the upcoming EPISODE IX will see General Leia Organa gain another iconic blockade runner in its place, during an urgent mission parked on a jungle type world, and a craft incredibly built full size- presumably on the famous 007 Stage at London's Pinewood Studios. Can't wait to see it in all its proper glory (as well as other background ships to its right) at the cinema this December 2019.

CLASSIC IMAGE: RESCUERS NEED NOT APPLY!

Image: © Lucasfilm/Disney.

Dare cross the formidable, weapons-trained Princess Leia Organa at your peril, as one Stormtrooper finds out the hard way whilst his patrol searches the Rebel Blockade Runner for any aboard members of the Alderaanian Royal family, during the memorable start to the original Star Wars.

Celebrate the personal genesis of rebellion and the spunky dedication of the fiery yet compassionate Princess who captured the attention and devotion of the pop culture universe via the all-new, high-quality Leia Organa - Rebel Leader box set book and attractive painted figurine from Chronicle Books, available in the UK from 9th April, 2019.

Here's the info:

Leia Organa is one of the galaxy’s fiercest rebels and greatest heroes—a powerful leader and a force against galactic evil, never to be underestimated. This one-of-a-kind, hand-painted statue comes with a display stand and a 48-page illustrated booklet featuring an illuminating look at Leia’s role in the Star Wars saga and insights on Carrie Fisher’s portrayal by Lucasfilm Executive Editor Jennifer Heddle, a celebration of the inspiration and symbol of strength the character has become for legions of fans. 

Box: 3 x 4¼ x 6½ in; paperback booklet: 4 x 57/8 in, 48 pp, full-color interior; painted figurine: approximately 4¾ in, full-color; display stand: 3 x 4 x 6 in. 

© and TM Lucasfilm Ltd. Used Under Authorization

Merchandise images: Chronicle Books.

Get hold of it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leia-Organa-Rebel-Leader-Box/dp/1452167214/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=princess+leia+rebel+leader&qid=1554289874&s=gateway&sr=8-4

AFICIONADO SPOTLIGHT: BLOCKADE RUNNER ATTACK!

Second Unit filming of the Rebel Blockade Runner scenes for the original Star Wars.

The opening to the film that started it all comes under more in-depth examination than ever at STAR WARS AFICIONADO, part of an occasional series of all-new articles showcasing classic scenes from the saga in ways you may not have experienced or noted of them previously, captured via deleted moments, rare and possibly unseen on-set photography covering alternate angles and scenes you'll see in a new light, plus alternate footage where possible. Shot at the end of Elstree Studios filming in July 1976, the Blockade Runner action was rapidly completed by at least three film units - the main one by Lucas, the second by Producer Gary Kurtz (additional soldier/Stormtrooper shots and escape pod interior droid scene), and the third handled by Production Manager Robert Watts (primarily capturing a lot of shots involving the droids).

In an unused angle, the droids started from the opposite end of a corridor as opposed to what was seen in the film. The silver droid was possibly played by Anthony Daniels stand-in Harriet Colville.

Propped up, the person inside the silver droid costume tries to relax between takes.

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2017/01/star-wars-at-40-ready-for-intruders.html

Artoo and Threepio (Anthony Daniels) pose for a special publicity image on set different to the famous colour image. Note that the weighty Artoo shell has drooped over slightly and one of his operational mandibles has come loose.

The classic images of Threepio and Artoo in the ship's corridor were probably shot on the very last day of first unit filming - 16th July, 1976, as indicated on that day's call sheet.

The Rebel soldiers gather, expecting the worse.

Great angle of the ready soldiers.

Getting ready to shoot the gathered soldiers. Reference image by Ann Skinner/BFI.

George Lucas prepares to shoot awaiting troopers and reaction shots. The trooper seen here is played by British extra Les Conrad.

Les and Shirley Conrad ESB, ROTJ, TPM - YouTube

Stuntman/actor Edward Eddon (or Eden) as a Rebel guard- the first close-up human face to be seen in Star Wars.

An early studio floor practical fire take of the hatch door. Note all the rising smoke rising up the set.

Break-in!

Alternate break-in take with the Stormtroopers. Notice the heavy debris floor and the different positions of the dead Rebel guards.

Alternate footage, as seen in the Empire of Dreams documentary.

More from that alternate take sequence. Four stuntmen were primarily used in that sequence, the others were supporting background artists.

Stormtroopers slip and slide in the alternate unused take.

A terrific posed shot of the Stormtroopers from a take where the corridor was less debris strewn. This image is presented here in the the correct way- often having been printed in reverse in magazines over the last forty-plus years.

Stormtroopers spread out across the ships interior. Image: via Star Wars Archives website

The Stormtroopers pursue the fleeing Rebels fleeing down the corridor in unused footage.

More: https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2015/05/behind-scenes-blockade-runner-battlers.html

Caught in the commotion in this rare outtake image on 1978 TOPPS card.

And caught in the crossfire too! The subsequent explosion near them was shot as a separate take and combined in later editing.

The main airlock aftermath scene is filmed. Continuity image: Ann Skinner/BFI.

A dark force enters the captured Blockade Runner.

The newly arrived Darth Vader (Dave Prowse) inspects the battle dead then gives orders in an unused take.

Then proceeds onwards followed by his soldiers.

The rest of Vader's Stormtroopers follow behind.

More:
STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: BEHIND THE SCENES: BLOCKADE RUNNER BATTLERS!

The aftermath of the corridor laser battle wall explosion sees Threepio caught up in fused wiring- a scene instead used in the aftermath of the TIE fighter attack on the Millennium Falcon.

Shot on a different day's filming, Threepio (as seen in the movie) enters the inner depths of the Blockade Runner (originally known as a 'Rebel Starfighter/Starship' in the script/call sheets).

Princess Leia emerges from hiding in this rarely seen outtake image.

Artoo on his own prior to filming the scene. Originally, before Lucas realized he needed lime green wall extensions for a bigger and better start to the film, all of the Blockade Runner scenes were to have been shot on this one limited set-apparently a redress of the Millennium Falcon's main hold area.

Specially shot smoke free image of the vital scene of Leia with Artoo.

Filming the scene, captured at an angle shot on Polaroid by Ann Skinner/BFI.

The remote controlled version of Artoo has an accident in this blooper moment captured as part of filming by Robert Watts and his unit crew.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: BEHIND THE SCENES: "MY ONLY HOPE"!

On the same set (now smokeless, with a slightly redressed background), and in a scene situated after Leia is captured, Artoo prepares to activate an escape pod as Threepio moves forward.

The scene filmed on 12/7/76.

The card caption says it all!

Alternate angle, where we see a little inside the open escape pod.

On his way to the command area, Vader watches a prisoner escort go past.

Then walks towards the inner core command area.

Likely an image shot before a rehearsal/take of actors Peter Geddis and David Prowse talking.

The beginning of a take, as Vader strangles Antilles for information.

The take as captured for continuity by Ann Skinner/BFI.

The sequence was filmed on a very busy 9/7/76.

Vader tightens his grip on Antilles.

Note Antilles (Peter Geddis) standing on a support of some kind.

Peter Geddis prepares to die in Vader's grasp.

Antilles goes into a dead limp.

Peter Diamond plays Antilles for the bulkhead throw scene.

The search for the 'passengers' begins. A terrific shot showing great storytelling detail. Note the slumped dead Rebel trooper on the far right, killed in battle, and the corralled Rebel soldiers in the outside corridor.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: BEHIND THE SCENES: DEAD MAN TALKING!

Unable to hide any more, Princess Leia Organa prepares to fight.

A killer aim! Off screen, Carrie Fisher's mother Debbie Reynolds, herself a markswoman of sorts, was thrilled that her daughter's character was an excellent shot.

A Stormtrooper is felled as another rushes ahead.

Princess Leia is incapacitated.

The trooper looks towards the fallen Leia in an unused angle from the film, which instead uses a shot of troopers near the stunned body of the Princess.

Unused take of the unconscious Leia. Continuity image by Ann Skinner/BFI.

Filming Leia's capture scene on 9/7/76. All of the main scenes with Vader and the Imperial officers were filmed that day.

Carrie Fisher as Leia and her escorts stand on their marks ready to start filming.

Continuity/Script Supervisor Ann Skinner and Lucas watch a rehearsal on the set, Ronnie Taylor handles the camera whilst an unknown Clapperboard handler readies. This may even have been a specially posed image for behind the scenes publicity.

Moving out from the ship's inner core.

An interrogation from Darth Vader and his commander Daine Jir (Al Lampert, replacing scheduled Ken Hutchison for the scene, a well-known UK actor who'd also been listed on that day's filming call sheet).

Princess Leia holds her nerve towards Vader, as seen in the film.

One of the great specially posed images for the scene, as released for theatrical lobby card promotion.

More:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2011/09/al-lampert-remembers-star-wars.html

Terrific close-in shot of Vader's helmet. Note the red eye lenses and the scratches and small dents on the helmet from four months of studio shooting.

Discussing Princess Leia's fake demise with Daine Jir.

An unused angle of Vader and Daine Jir.

If anyone out there has any further info on the deleted scenes of this sequence, please get in touch.