5-25-77: It was 38 years ago today that audiences first got to experience George Lucas’ STAR WARS on the big screen. But it wasn’t quite “in theaters everywhere,” and in fact, was quite the opposite. Opening on fewer than 40 screens, STAR WARS (not yet known as “Episode IV” or “A NEW HOPE”) was expected by many (Lucas included) to be a non-event. Soon, after audiences began lining up around the block for screenings, the phenomenon began, with some theaters showing the film continuously for over a year. As they say, “the rest is history,” and what a rich history it’s been, along with the infamous “Early Bird” release (an empty box) of the very first Kenner Action Figures for the 1977 holiday season. For today’s special entry into Hasbro’s Force Friday Countdown Calendar, three versions of the Kenner STAR WARS Luke Skywalker figure are presented – the 1978 Luke, the 1980 “Bespin Fatigues” version, and finally, the 1983 Luke Skywalker “Jedi Knight Outfit” edition. Two of those I actually have here at Rock Father HQ…
Pictured up top, that’s my Hasbro Force Friday Calendar being flanked by an “unpunched” Kenner STAR WARS RETURN OF THE JEDI Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight Outfit) that my wife bought me as a gift from Brian’s Toys back in the late 90’s, and an aging and discolored Luke Skywalker from the 1978 Kenner STAR WARS Collection.
Now, being 5-25-15 and discussing 5-25-77, I almost can’t get through this without mentioning another movie that I’ve had some involvement with… one that’s actually called 5-25-77. Patrick Read Johnson’s infamous coming-of-age film starring John Francis Daley has been written about here on THE ROCK FATHER in the past (most at-length back in 2012), and as of this month, there might be some news. Check out this post by Pat over at MoviePilot.com.
Keep your browser pointed toward THE ROCK FATHER as we continue the #ForceFridayCountdown en route to #ForceFriday, the day that new Hasbro toys for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrive at retail! 102 Days to Go!
