ACTION HEROES! THE REBEL COMMANDOS OF 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'

Two of the Rebels' finest commandos work alongside the small but indomitable Ewoks of the Endor forests to attack an approaching AT-ST, during the epic battle finale to Return of the Jedi - a great deleted scene image (likely improvised/planned during filming) from the photo collection of ILM veteran Stuart Ziff that was recently put on auction. I think it was a great shame that the shot footage of the Commandos was cut down to the bare minimum in the final film. I would have preferred a bit more screen time rewarded to them rather than the Ewoks during the battle, as they bravely brought cover fire to Han and Leia at the back door to the Imperial bunker. It would have been nice to have had a supporting character role for the Commandos squad leader too, liaising with Han and Leia, or for the specialist group to have had their own scene/s in the forest before rendezvousing with Han and Leia for the bunker conflict.

Enjoy this selection of images featuring the Commandos, primarily from the Redwoods location filming circa May, 1983....

Tracey Eddon, Dickey Beer and an unknown actor with the droids on the newly arrived Endor.

Capturing a Speeder Bike Trooper guarding the Imperial Bunker back door.

One of the seasoned warriors wears the captured Imperial disguise so as to buy time for Han, Leia and the others to infiltrate the bunker.

Close-in shot of several commandos used for marketing and merchandising from 1983 onwards.

It's a trap! Han, Leia, Chewbacca and the commandos (including Larry Holt and Dickey Beer) are caught by the Imperial legion.

Our heroes (including Tracey Eddon) briefly captured by the Imperials.

A great posed capture shot (also featuring Tracy Eddon) used for early magazine pictorial promotion.

A terrific posed shot for the battle at the bunker.

Primarily appearing in the UK filming deleted scene.

Cliff Alliston at the location.

Other extras captured in continuity reference polaroid images during location filming.

Costume continuity image.

CLASSIC IMAGE: PINNED DOWN!

The shield bunker backdoor now firmly closed, Han Solo and Princess Leia, with a trio of battle-hardened Rebel Commandos, hold fire against the enemy, in this great photo composition from Return of the Jedi filmed on location in Southern California.

CLASSIC IMAGE: WE SURRENDER!

Furry firepower has won the day, and with thanks to some ingenuity from Han Solo, as the impenetrable 'back door' to the Imperial shield generator finally opens and its legion of soldiers are surprised and captured by Endor's indigenous species, in this rare B/W image originally sent out to KENNER for toy reference back in 1982/83 for RETURN OF THE JEDI.

ROGUE ONE: THE MIGHTY MOUTH!

Fiercely loyal to the Rebellion and a worthy fighter in their battle against the Empire, the reptile-like Pao couldn't be a better or more determined leader of commandos on the beaches of Scarif, in this great shot from ROGUE ONE where he rallies the men with his memorable battle-cry!

CLASSIC IMAGE: BUNKER STRUGGLES!

A classic image from RETURN OF THE JEDI used back in the day for publicity, and its certainly a great one too, showing all hell breaking loose as the Ewoks join the fight against the Empire. Lots to see in this shot: Rebel Commandos rushing to join Han at the bunker (one aiding him with cover fire), whilst others are wrestling with fallen Stormtroopers, there's an Imperial Commander racing off to the trees for safety, and in the far left corner a Speeder Bike pilot is readying for take speedy flight. To make the shot even more exciting, laser blasts would be painted onto the publicity image, emanating from the Scout Walker.

Original version of the image without re-touching.

Don't forget to head over to the all-new site dedicated to REVENGE OF THE JEDI: STAR WARS AFICIONADO ARCHIVE - 'REVENGE OF THE JEDI'

CLASSIC IMAGE: YOU GO FIRST!

General Solo and Princess Leia exchange slightly uneasy looks as they and their elite Rebel Commando squad prepare to enter the "back door" underground bunker leading to the Imperial Shield Generator, in this tense moment from RETURN OF THE JEDI.