The Adventures of Luke Starkiller
as taken from the
"Journal of the Whills"
by
George Lucas
(Saga I)
S T A R W A R S
Revised Fourth Draft
March 15,1976 Lucasfilm Ltd.
FADE IN ...
A long, long time ago in a galaxy
far, far away an incredible
adventure took place ...
FADE OUT ...
FADE IN
1 EXT. SPACE 1
A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the MAIN
TITLE. War drums echo through the heavens, as a ROLLUP
slowly crawls into infinity ... It is a period of civil wars in the
galaxy. A brave alliance of under-
ground freedom fighters has challenged
the tyranny and oppression of the awe-
some GALACTIC EMPIRE. Striking from a fortress hidden among
the billion stars of the galaxy, rebel
spaceships have won their first victory
in a battle with the powerful Imperial
starfleet. The EMPIRE fears that another
defeat could bring a thousand more solar
systems into the rebellion, and Imperial
control over the galaxy would be lost
forever. To crush the rebellion once and for all,
the EMPIRE is constructing a sinister
new battle station. Powerful enough to
destroy an entire planet, its completion
spells certain doom for the champions of
freedom. The awesome yellow planet of Tatooine emerges from a total
eclipse. A tiny silver spacecraft races into view, followed
by a giant Imperial starship. Hundreds of deadly laser
bolts streak from the Imperial warship, causing the main
solar fin of the Rebel craft to disintegrate. The smoldering
rebel ship is quickly overtaken by the Imperial craft.
2 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - MAIN PASSAGEWAY 2
An explosion rocks the ship as two robots, ARTOO DETOO (R2-D2)
and SEE THREEPIO (C-3PO) struggle to make their way through
the shaking bouncing passageway. Both robots are old and
battered. Artoo is a short claw-armed tripod. His face is
a mass of computer lights, surrounding a radar eye. Threepio,
on the other hand, is a tall slender robot of human proportions.
He has a gleaming bronze-like metallic surface of an "Art Deco"
design THREEPIO
Did you hear that? They've shut down the
main reactor. We'll be destroyed for sure.
This is madness!! The little dwarf robot makes a series of electronic sounds
that only another robot could understand. Rebel troops
rush past the robots and take up position in the main
passageway. Tension mounts as loud metallic footsteps and
the scraping screams of heavy equipment are heard moving
around on the outside of the hull of the ship. THREEPIO
There is no escape for the Captain
this time ... Suddenly, a tremendous blast opens up a hole in the main
passageway and a score of fearsome stormtroopers make their
way into the smoking corridor. In a few moments the entire
passageway blazes with laser fire. The deadly bolts ricochet
in wild random patterns creating huge explosions. Stormtroopers
scatter and duck behind storage lockers. Laser bolts hit
several rebel soldiers who scream and stagger through the
smoke, holding shattered arms and faces. An explosion hits near the robots and the lanky Threepio
becomes entangled in the mass of dangling wires, which
spark and pop every time he attempts to move. Artoo waddles
to his friends aid. THREEPIO
Help me! I think something is melting ...
This is all your fault! I should have
known better than to trust the logic of
a half-sized thermocapsulary dehousing
assister ... Artoo counters with an angry rebuttal as the battle rages
around the two hapless robots.
3 EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT WASTELAND - DAY 3
A death-white wasteland stretches from horizon to horizon.
The tremendous heat of two huge twin suns settles on a lone
figure, LUKE STARKILLER, a farm boy with heroic aspirations
who looks much younger than his twenty years. His shaggy
hair and baggy tunic give him the air of a simple, but
lovable lad with a prize-winning smile. A light wind whips at him as he adjusts several valves on
a large battered moisture vaporator which sticks out of the
desert floor much like an oil pipe with valves. He is aided
by a beat-up tread-robot with six claw arms. The little robot
appears to be barely functioning and moves with jerky motions.
A bright sparkle in the morning sky catches Luke's eye and
he instinctively grabs a pair of electrobinoculars from his
utility belt. He stands transfigured for a few moments studying the heavens,
then dashes toward his dented, crudely repaired landspeeder
(auto-like transport that travels a few feet above the ground
on a magnetic field). He motions for the tiny robot to follow
him. LUKE
Hurry up! Come with me! What are you
waiting for?! Get it in gear! The robot scoots around in a tight circle, stops short and
smoke begins to pour out of every joint. Luke throws his
arms up in disgust. Exasperated, the young farm boy jumps
into his landspeeder leaving the smoldering robot to hum
madly.
A3 INT. REBEL STARFIGHTER - MAIN HALLWAY A3
The awesome, seven-foot tall DARK LORD OF THE SITH makes his
way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is
DARTH VADER, right hand of the Emperor. His face is obscured
by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask which
stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the
Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backs away
from the imposing warrior and a deathly quiet sweeps through
the Rebel troops. Several of the rebel troops break and run
in a frenzied panic.
4 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - SUB HALLWAY 4
Threepio stands in a smoky hallway, somewhat bewildered.
Artoo is nowhere in sight. The pitiful screams of the
doomed rebel soldiers can be heard in the distance. THREEPIO
R-2! R-2-D-2 where are you? A familiar clanking sound attracts 3-PO's attention and he
spots little Artoo at the end of the hallway in a smoke-filled
alcove. Kneeling in front of Artoo, a beautiful young girl,
surreal and out of place (almost a dream half hidden in the
smoke), finishes adjusting something on his computer face
then watches as the little robot joins his companion. Threepio
takes only momentary notice of the girl and then she is gone. THREEPIO
Where have you been? They're heading
in this direction. What are you going
to do? We'll be sent to the spice
mines of Kessel or smashes into who-
know-what! Wait, where are you going? Artoo scoots past his bronze friend and races down the sub-
hallway. Threepio chases after him.
5 OMITTED OMITTED 5
6 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - COCKPIT CORRIDOR 6
The evil Darth Vader stands among the broken and twisted
bodies of his foes. He grabs a wounded rebel officer by
the neck and holds him high above the ground. An Imperial
officer rushes up to the Dark Lord. IMPERIAL OFFICER
The information retrieval system has been
wiped clean. Vader squeezes the neck of the rebel trooper, who struggles
in vain. VADER
Where is the data you intercepted? What
have you done with those information tapes? REBEL OFFICER
We intercepted no information! This is a
consular ship ... didn't you see our
markings! We're on a diplomatic mission ... VADER
(Angry) Where are those tapes? REBEL OFFICER
Only ... only the commander knows ... VADER
This ship carries the crest of Alderaan.
Is any of the royal family on board? Who
were you carrying? The rebel refuses to speak but eventually cries out as the Dark
Lord begins to squeeze the officer's throat, creating a gruesome
snapping and choking, until the soldier goes limp. Vader tosses
the dead soldier against the wall and turns to his troops. VADER
Start tearing this ship apart piece by
piece until you have those tapes. Find
the passengers of this vessel. I want
them alive. The stormtroopers scurry into the sub-hallway
A6 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - LIFEPOD BAY A6
Artoo stops before the small hatch of an emergency lifepod.
He snaps the seal on the main latch and a red warning light
begins to flash. The stubby astro-robot works his way into
the cramped four-man pod. THREEPIO
Hey, you're not permitted in there.
It's restricted. You'll be deactivated
for sure. Now come out before someone
sees you. Come on! Artoo whistles something at his reluctant friend regarding the
mission he is about to perform. THREEPIO
Mission!?! What mission? What are you
talking about? You've short-circuited ...
no more adventures. I'm not getting in
there! Artoo isn't happy with Threepio's stubbornness and he beeps
and twangs angrily. THREEPIO
Don't call me a mindless philosopher,
you overweight glob of grease ... A new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris
through the narrow sub-hallway. Flames lick at Threepio and
after a flurry of electronic swearing from Artoo, the lanky
robot jumps into the lifepod. THREEPIO
I'm going to regret this. The safety door snaps shut and with the thunder of exploding
latches, the tiny lifepod ejects from the disabled starfighter.
B6 INT. IMPERIAL STARDESTROYER - COCKPIT B6
On the main viewscreen, the lifepod carrying the two terrified
robots speeds away from the stricken rebel spacecraft. In the
foreground a huge mechanical arm lifts a computer panel out of
a cabinet. CHIEF PILOT
There goes another one. CAPTAIN
Hold your fire. There are no life forms.
It must have short-circuited. Don't waste
your power ...
C6 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - NARROW SUB-HALLWAY C6
The lovely young girl (about sixteen years old) huddles in a
small alcove as the stormtroopers search through the ship. She
is PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA, a member of the Alderaan Senate. The
fear in her eyes slowly gives way to anger as the muted crushing
sounds of the approaching stormtroopers grow louder. One of the
troopers spots her and radios to the others. TROOPER
Set for stun ... Leia steps from her hiding place and blasts two troopers with
her laser pistol. She starts to run but is felled by a
paralyzing ray. The troopers inspect her inert body. TROOPER
She'll be all right. Report to
Lord Vader.
7 EXT. SKY OVER TATOOINE - LIFEPOD 7
The reddish-yellow mass of Tatooine seems to engulf the tiny
lifepod containing the two robots. The starships grow smaller
as the pod descends toward the planet.
A7 INT. LIFEPOD A7
Artoo and Threepio look out at the receding starships.
THREEPIO
That's funny. The damage doesn't look
as bad from out here. Are you sure
this thing is safe?
8 EXT. ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT - POWER STATION - DAY 8
Heat waves radiate from the dozen or so bleached white buildings.
Luke pilots his landspeeder through the dusty empty street of the
tiny settlement. An old WOMAN runs to get out of the way of the
speeding vehicle, shaking her fist at Luke as he flies past. WOMAN
I've told you kids to slow down! Luke pulls up behind a low concrete service station that is all
but covered by the shifting desert sands.
9 INT. POWER STATION - DAY 9
Luke bursts into the power station, waking THE FIXER, a rugged
mechanic and CAMIE, a sexy disheveled girl who has been asleep
on his lap. They grumble as he races through the office, yelling
wildly. FIXER
Did I hear a young noise blast through
here? CAMIE
It was just Wormie on another rampage. Luke bounces into a small room behind the office where DEAK and
WINDY, two tough boys about the same age as Luke, are playing a
computer pool-like game with BIGGS, a burly, handsome boy a few
years older than the rest. His flashy city attire is a sharp
contrast to the loose-fitting tunics of the farm boys. A robot
repairs some equipment in the background. LUKE
Shape it up you guys! ... Biggs? Luke's surprise at the appearance of Biggs gives way to great
joy and emotion. They give each other a great bear hug. LUKE
I didn't know you were back! When
did you get in? BIGGS
Just now, I wanted to surprise you, hot
shot. I thought you'd be here ...
certainly didn't expect you to be out
working. (He laughs). LUKE
The academy didn't change you much ...
but you're back so soon? Hey, what
happened, didn't you get your commission? Biggs has an air of cool that seems slightly phony.
BIGGS
Of course I got it. Signed aboard THE
RAND ECLIPTIC last week. First mate
Biggs Darklighter at your service ...
(he salutes) ... I just came back to
say good-bye to all you unfortunate
landlocked simpletons. Everyone laughs. The dazzling spectacle of his dashing
friend is almost too much, but suddenly he snaps out of it. LUKE
I almost forgot. There's a battle
going on! Right here in our system.
Come and look! DEAK
Not again! Forget it.
10 EXT. ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT - POWER STATION - DAY 10
The group stumbles out into the stifling desert sun. Camie
and The Fixer complain and are forced to shade their eyes.
Luke has his binoculars out scanning the heavens. LUKE
There they are! Biggs take the binoculars from Luke as the other strain to
see something with the naked eye. Through the binoculars
Biggs sees two small silver specks. BIGGS
That's no battle, hot shot ... they're
just sitting there! Probably a freighter-
tanker refueling. LUKE
But there was a lot of firing earlier ... Camie grabs the binoculars away banging them against the
building in the process. Luke grabs them. LUKE
Hey, easy with those ... CAMIE
Don't worry about it, Wormie. Fixer gives Luke a hard look and the young farm boy shrugs
his shoulders in resignation. FIXER
I keep telling you, the rebellion is
a long way from here. I doubt if the
Empire would even fight to keep this
system. Believe me Luke, this planet
is a big hunk of nothing ... Luke agrees, although it's obvious he isn't sure why. The
group stumbles back into the power station, grumbling about
Luke's ineptitude.
11 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - HALLWAY 11
Princess Leia is led down a low-ceilinged hallway by a
squad of armored stormtroopers. Her hands are bound and
she is brutally shoved when she is unable to keep up with
the briskly marching troops. They stop in a smoking
hallway as Darth Vader emerges from the shadows. The
sinister Dark Lord stares hard at the frail young senator,
but she doesn't move. LEIA
Lord Vader, I should have known. Only
you could be so bold. The Imperial senate
will not sit still for this, when they hear
you've attacked a diplomatic ... VADER
Don't play games with me Your Highness.
You weren't on any mercy mission this time.
You passed directly through a restricted
system. Several transmissions were beamed
to this ship by spies, who are now unfortunately
dead. I want to know what happened to the data
they sent you. LEIA
I don't know what you're talking about.
I'm a member of the imperial senate on a
diplomatic mission to ... VADER
You're a part of the Rebel Alliance ... and a
traitor. Take her away. Leia is marched away down the hallway and into the smoldering
hole blasted in the side of the ship. An Imperial commander
turns to Vader. COMMANDER
Holding her is dangerous. If word
of this gets out, there will be much
unrest in the senate. It will generate
sympathy for the rebellion ...
She should be destroyed. VADER
My duty is to find that hidden fortress of
theirs. We have traced the rebel spies to
her now she is my only link to discovering the
location of their secret base and I intend to
use it. COMMANDER
She'll die before she gives you any
information. VADER
Leave that to me. Send a distress signal.
Call it a meteorite storm. Then inform her father
and the senate that all aboard were killed. The troopers approach Vader and the commander. They stop
and snap to attention. TROOPER
The data tapes are not board this ship.
No transmissions were made. A malfunctioning
repair pod was jettisoned during the fighting,
but we've confirmed that there were no life
form aboard ... VADER
They must have put the tapes in the
repair pod. Send a detachment down to
retrieve them be subtle. Don't attract
attention ... vaporize this ship. Don't
leave anything. Vader turns to the commander.
The data on those tapes could prove to be
most damaging. I want that stolen data
destroyed at all costs. See to it personally,
Commander. There will be no one to save them
now. The commander gives the Dark Lord a short bow and exits.
12-13 OMITTED OMITTED 12-13
14 EXT. TATOOINE - EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA 14
JUNDLAND or "No Man's Land" where the rugged desert mesas
meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro-robots
kick up clouds of dust as they leave the lifepod and clumsily
work their way across the desert coastline. The lifepod
rests half buried in the sand in the distance. THREEPIO
What a forsaken place this is.
We seem to be made to suffer. It's
our lot in life. I've got to rest before
I fall apart. My joints are almost frozen. Suddenly Artoo makes a sharp right turn and starts off in
the direction of the rocky desert mesas. Threepio stops
and yells at him. THREEPIO
Where do you think you're going!? A stream of electronic noises pour forth from the small
robot. THREEPIO
Well, I'm not going that way. It's
too rocky. This way is much easier.
What makes you think there are any
settlements that way? Artoo counters with a long whistle.
THREEPIO
Don't get technical with me. I've
had just about enough of you. Go that
way, go on! You'll be malfunctioning
within a day, you nearsighted scrap
pile! He shoves Artoo and the tiny robot tumbles down a
small dune. Threepio starts off in the direction of
the vast dune sea as little Artoo struggles to his
feet. THREEPIO
... and don't let me catch you
following me, begging for help ...
because you won't get it! Artoo's reply is a rather rude sound. He turns and trudges
off in the direction of the towering mesas.
15 EXT. TATOOINE - DUNE SEA 15
Threepio, hot and tired, struggles up over the ridge of
a dune, past the bleached bones of a dinosaur-like beast,
only to find more dunes which seem to go on for endless
miles. He looks back in the direction of the now distant
rock mesas. THREEPIO
You little malfunctioning twerp.
This is all your fault. You tricked
me into going this way but you'll do
no better. He sits in a huff of anger and frustration, knocking the
sand from his joints. His plight seems hopeless, when
a glint of reflected light in the distance reveals an
object moving toward him. The bronze android waves
frantically and yells at the approaching transport. THREEPIO
Hello! Over here! This way.
16 EXT. POWER STATION - DAY 16
Luke and Biggs are walking and drinking a malt brew.
Fixer and the others can be heard working inside. LUKE
(Very animated) ... so I cut off my
power, shut down the afterburners and
came in low on Deak's trail. I was so
close I thought I was going to fry my
instruments. As it was I busted up the
Skyhopper pretty bad. Uncle Owen was
pretty upset. He grounded me for the
rest of the season. You should have
been there ... it was fantastic. BIGGS
You ought to take it a little easy
Luke. You may be the hottest bushpilot
this side of Mos Eisley, but those little
skyhoppers are dangerous. Keep it up,
and one day whammo! you're going to be nothing
more than a dark spot on the down side of
a canyon wall. LUKE
Look whose talking. Now that you've
been around those giant starships you're
beginning to sound like my uncle. You've
gotten soft in the city ... BIGGS
I've missed you kid. LUKE
Well, things haven't been the same since
you left Biggs. It's been so ... quiet. Biggs looks around then leans close to Luke.
BIGGS
Luke, I didn't come back just to say
good-bye ... I shouldn't tell you this
but you're the only one I can trust ...
and if I don't come back, I want somebody
to know. Luke's eyes are wide with Biggs' seriousness and loyalty.
LUKE
What are you talking about? BIGGS
I made some friends at the Academy ...
(whispering)
... when our frigate goes to one of
the central systems, we're going to
jump ship and join the Alliance ... Luke is amazed and stunned almost speechless.
LUKE
Join the rebellion?! Are you kidding!
How?!? BIGGS
Quiet down will ya! You got a mouth
bigger than a meteor crater! LUKE
I'm sorry. I'm quiet.
(whispering)
Listen how quiet I am. You can
barely hear me ... Biggs shakes his head angrily and then continues.
BIGGS
My friend has a friend on Bestine who
might help us make contact. LUKE
You're crazy! You could wander around
forever trying to find them. BIGGS
I know it's a long shot, but if I don't
find them I'll do what I can on my own ...
It's what we always talked about. Luke,
I'm not going to wait for the Empire to
draft me into service. The rebellion is
spreading and I want to be on the right
side - the side I believe in. LUKE
And I'm stuck here ... BIGGS
I thought you were going to the academy
next term. You'll get your chance to get
off this rock. LUKE
Not likely! I had to cancel my
application. There has been a lot
of unrest among the sandpeople since
you left ... they've even raided
the outskirts of Anchorhead. BIGGS
Your uncle could hold off a whole
colony of sandpeople with one blaster. LUKE
I know, but he's got enough vaporators
going to make the place pay off. He needs
me for just one more season. I can't leave
him now. BIGGS
I feel for you Luke, you're going to have to
learn what seems to be important form what
really is important. What good is all your
Uncles work if its taken over by the Empire ...
You know they're starting to nationalize
commerce in the central systems .. it won't be
long before your Uncle is merely a tenant,
slaving for the greater glory of the Empire. LUKE
It couldn't happen here. You said it
yourself, the Empire won't bother with this
rock. BIGGS
Things always change. LUKE
I wish I was going ... Are you going to
be around long? BIGGS
No, I'm leaving in the morning ... LUKE
Then I guess I won't see you. BIGGS
Maybe someday .. I'll keep a lookout. LUKE
Well, I'll be at the Academy next
season .. after that who knows,
I won't be drafted into the Imperial
Starfleet that's for sure ... take care
of yourself, you'll always be the best
friend I've got. BIGGS
So long, Luke. Biggs turns away from his old friend and heads back towards
the power station.
17 EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SUNSET 17
The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange
foreboding mist and the ominous sounds of unearthly
creatures fill the air. Artoo moves cautiously through
the creepy rock canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking
noise as he goes. He hears a distant, hard, metallic sound
and stops for a moment. Convinced he is alone, he continues
on his way. In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon
wall and a small dark figure darts into the shadows. A little
further up the canyon a slight flicker of light reveals a
pair of eyes in the dark recesses only a few feet from the
narrow path. The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail until
suddenly out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shoots out
of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow. He manages
one short electronic squeak before he topples over onto his
back. His bright computer lights flicker off, then on,
then off again. Out of the rocks scurry three MEN, no
taller than Artoo. They holster strange and complex weapons
as they cautiously approach the robot. They wear grubby
cloaks and their faces are shrouded so that only their
glowing yellow eyes can be seen. They hiss and make odd
guttural sounds as they heave the heavy robot to their
shoulders and carry him off down the trail.
18 EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - SUNSET 18
The eight JAWAS carry Artoo out of the canyon to a huge
tank-like vehicle the size of a four-story house. They
weld a small disk on the side of Artoo and then put him
under a large tube on the side of the vehicle and the little
robot is sucked into the giant machine. The filthy little Jawas scurry like rats up small ladders
and enter the main cabin of the behemoth transport.
19 OMITTED OMITTED 19
20 INT. SANDCRAWLER - PRISON AREA 20
Artoo enters a wide room with a four-foot ceiling. In
the middle of the scrap heap sit a dozen or so robots of
various shapes and sizes. Some are engaged in electronic
conversation, while others simply mill about. A voice
of recognition calls out from the gloom. THREEPIO
Artoo Detoo! It's you! It's you! A battered Threepio scrambles up to Artoo and embraces
him. He also has a small disc attached to his chest.
21 EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - SUNSET 21
The enormous sandcrawler lumbers off toward the magnificent
twin suns which are slowly setting over a distant mountain
ridge.
22 INT. DEATH STAR CONFERENCE OFFICE 22
Eight Imperial Senators and Generals sit around a black
conference table. Six Imperial stormtroopers stand guard
around the room. A younger, slimy, looking general,
Commander Tagge is speaking. TAGGE
I tell you he's gone too far. This
Sith Lord sent by the Emperor will be our
undoing. Until this battle station is fully
operational we are vulnerable. The rebel
Alliance is too well equipped. They are more
dangerous than you realize. The wounded Admiral Motti twists nervously in his chair.
MOTTI
Dangerous to your starfleet commander,
not to this Battle Station! I think Lord
Vader knows what he's doing. The rebellion
will continue only as long as those cowards
have a sanctuary ... TAGGE
I think the construction of this
station has more to do with Governor
Tarkin's bid for recognition than any
prudent military strategy. The rebellion
will continue to gain support in the
Imperial senate as long as ... Suddenly all heads turn as Commander Tagge's speech
is cut short and the entrance of the Grand Moff Tarkin,
governor of the Imperial outland regions. He is followed
by his powerful henchman the Sith Lord, Darth Vader. All
of the generals stand and bow before the thin, evil looking
Governor as he takes his place at the head of the table.
The Dark Lord stands behind him. TARKIN
The Imperial Senate will no longer
be of any concern to us ... I have just
received word that the Emperor has dissolved
the Council permanently! The last remnants
of the old republic have finally been swept
away. TAGGE
Impossible. How will the Emperor maintain
control without the bureaucracy? TARKIN
The regional governors now have direct
control over their territories. Fear will
keep the local systems in line ... Fear
of this battle station. TAGGE
And what of the Rebellion? If the Rebels
have obtained a complete technical readout
of this battle station it is possible -
however unlikely - that they might find a
weakness and exploit it. VADER
The technical data you're referring to
will soon be back in our hands. MOTTI
Any attack made against this station by the
rebels would be a useless gesture .. no matter
what technical datas they've obtained. This
battle station is now the ultimate power in the
universe. I suggest we use it! Vader stirs slightly and a cup mysteriously floats into
his hand. VADER
Don't be too proud of this
technological terror you have created.
The ability to destroy a planet, or whole
system is insignificant next to the
cosmic Force. MOTTI
Don't try to frighten us with your
sorcerer's ways, Lord Vader. Your sad
devotion to that ancient religion has not
helped you conjure up those stolen data
tapes... or given you clairvoyance enough
to find the rebel's hidden fortress. I have
to laugh .. ah ... Suddenly Motti chokes and starts to turn blue under Vader's spell.
VADER
I find your lack of faith disturbing. TARKIN
Enough of this! Vader, release him.
This bickering is pointless. Lord Vader
will provide us with the location of the
rebel fortress by the time this station is
operational. We will then crush this
rebellion with one swift stroke. VADER
As the Emperor wills it, so it shall be.
23-24 OMITTED OMITTED 23-24
25 INT. SANDCRAWLER - PRISON AREA 25
Threepio and Artoo noisily bounce along inside the cramped
prison chamber. Artoo appears to be shut off. THREEPIO
Will this never end? Suddenly the trembling and bouncing of the sandcrawler stops,
creating quite a commotion among the mechanical men. Threepio
shakes Artoo and his computer lights pop on. THREEPIO
Wake up! Wake up! We've stopped!!
We're doomed! Do you think they'll
melt us down? At the far end of the long chamber a hatch opens filling
the chamber with blinding white light. A dozen or so
Jawas make their way through the odd assortment of
robots. Artoo and Threepio are among the chosen and are
herded outside with several other unfortunates.
26 EXT. TATOOINE - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - SALT FLAT - AFTERNOON 26
Five battered robots, including Artoo and Threepio
are lined up in front of the enormous sandcrawler which
is parked beside a small homestead consisting of three
large holes in the ground, surrounded by several tall
moisture vaporators and one small adobe block house. The Jawas scurry around fussing over the robots,
straightening them up or brushing some dust from a
dented metallic elbow. The shrouded little creatures
smell horribly, attracting small insects to the dark
areas when their mouths and nostrils should be. Out of the shadows of a dingy side-building limps OWEN
LARS, a large burly man in his mid-fifties. His reddish
eyes are sunken in a dust covered face. As the farmer
carefully inspects each of the robots, he is closely
followed by his slump-shouldered nephew, Luke Starkiller.
One of the vile little Jawas walks ahead of the farmer
spouting an animated sales pitch in a queer unintelligible
language. A voice calls out from one of the huge holes that form the
homestead. Luke goes over to the edge and sees his
Aunt Beru standing in the main courtyard. BERU
Luke, tell Owen that if he gets a
translator, to be sure it speaks "Bocce". LUKE
It looks like we don't have much
of a choice but I'll remind him. Owen picks out a small astro-robot similar to Artoo and it
waddles along behind the group. The limping farmer stops
in front of Threepio and studies him carefully. OWEN
Do you function in etiquette and protocol? THREEPIO
Do I know protocol. Why it's my primary
function .. I am well versed in the customs
and ... OWEN
I don't need a protocol droid. THREEPIO
(quickly)
I don't blame you, sir ... not in
an environment such as this - that's
why I've also been programmed for
over thirty secondary functions that ... OWEN
I need a droid that knows something about
the binary languages of moisture vaporators. THREEPIO
Vaporators! Sir .. My first job was
programming binary load lifters .. very
similar in most respects to your ...
vaporators. You could say ... OWEN
Do you speak "Bocce?" THREEPIO
Of course, sir. It's like a second
language for me .. I'm as fluent in Bocce ... OWEN
Shut up!
(turning to Jawa)
I'll take this one. THREEPIO
Shutting up, sir. OWEN
Luke, take them to the garage.
I want you to have both of them
cleaned up by dinner. LUKE
But I was going into Toshi Station to
pick up some power converters ... OWEN
You can waste time with your friends
after you've finished your chores.
Now get to it! As the Jawas start to lead the three remaining robots
back into the sandcrawler, Artoo lets out a pathetic
little beep and starts after his old friend Threepio
but is restrained by a slimy Jawa who zaps him with a
control box. Owen is negotiating with the head Jawa.
Luke and the two robots start for the garage when a
plate pops off the head of the R-2 unit throwing parts
all over the ground. LUKE
Uncle Owen, this R-2 unit has a bad
motivator, look! He adjusts the R-2 unit's head plate and it sparks
wildly. OWEN (to head Jawa)
What are you trying to push on us? The Jawa goes into a loud spiel. Meanwhile, Artoo has
sneaked out of line and is moving up and down trying to
attract attention. He lets out with a low whistle.
Threepio taps Luke on the shoulder. THREEPIO
If I might say so sir, but that R-2 unit is
in top condition .. a real bargain. LUKE (to Uncle)
What about that one? Owen argues with the Jawas for a few moments, then with a
little reluctance the scruffy dwarf trades the damaged astro-
robot for Artoo Detoo. Owen pays off the whining Jawa as
Luke and the two robots trudge off toward a grimy homestead
entry. THREEPIO
Don't forget this! Why I
stick my neck out for you is beyond
my capacity ..
27 INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - LATE AFTERNOON 27
The garage is cluttered and worn, but a friendly peaceful
atmosphere permeates the low gray chamber. In the center
of the room Threepio lowers himself into a large tub filled
with warm oil. Near the battered landspeeder little
Artoo rests on a large battery with a cord attached to his
face. THREEPIO
Thanks the maker! This is going to
feel sooo good. I've got such a bad
case of dust contamination I can barely
move! Artoo beeps a muffled reply. Luke seems to be lost
in thought as he runs his hand over the damaged fin
of a small two-man "sky-hopper" spaceship resting in
a low hangar off the garage. Finally Luke's
frustrations get the better of him and he slams a wrench
across the workbench. LUKE
It just isn't fair! Biggs is
right, I'll never get out of here! THREEPIO
I beg your pardon sir, but is there
anything I might do to help? Luke glances at the battered robot and a bit of his anger
drains and a tiny smile creeps across his face. LUKE
Not unless you can alter time ... speed
up the harvest .. or teleport me off this
rock THREEPIO
Uh - I don't think so, sir. I'm only
a droid and not very knowledgeable about
such things ... not on this planet anyway.
As a matter of fact, sir, I'm not even sure
which planet I'm on. LUKE
If there's a bright center to this universe,
you're on the planet that's the farthest
from it. THREEPIO
I see, sir. LUKE
You can call me Luke. THREEPIO
Yes, Sir Luke. LUKE
Just Luke. THREEPIO
Oh. I am See-Threepio, Human Cyborg
relations and this is my counterpart,
Artoo Detoo. Luke unplugs Artoo and begins to scrape several connectors
on the robot's head with a chrome pick. Threepio climbs
out of the oil tub and begins wiping oil from his
bronze body. LUKE
There's a lot of carbon scoring here.
It looks like you both have seen a lot
of action ... THREEPIO
Indeed sir, sometimes I'm amazed we're
in as good shape as we are, what with
the rebellion and all. Luke sparks to life at the mention of rebellion.
LUKE
You know of the rebellion? Against
the Empire? THREEPIO
That's how we came to be in your
service, if you take my meaning ... LUKE
Tell me where you've been. Were
you been in many battles? THREEPIO
Several, I think. There is not
much to tell. I'm not much more than an interpreter
and not very good at telling stories,
not at making them interesting anyways ... Luke struggles to remove a small metal fragment from
Artoo's neck joint. He uses a larger pick. LUKE
Well, my little friend, you've got
something jammed in here real good ...
were you on a star-cruiser or a ... The fragment breaks loose with a snap, sending Luke tumbling
head over heels. He sits up and sees a small (12 inch) 3-D
hologram of Leia Organa, the rebel senator, being projected
from the face of little Artoo. The image is a rainbow of
colors as it flickers and jiggles in the dimly lit garage.
Luke's mouth hangs open in awe. LEIA
... Obi-wan Kenobi ... help me!
You're my only ho ... LUKE
What's this? Artoo looks around and sheepishly beeps an answer for Threepio
to translate. Leia continues to repeat the sentence fragment
over and over. THREEPIO
What is what?!? He asked you a
question ...
(pointing at Leia)
What is that? Artoo beeps his surprise as he pretends to just notice the
hologram and whistles his reply. THREEPIO
He says it's nothing, sir. Merely
a malfunction. Old data, pay it
no mind. Luke becomes intrigued by the beautiful young girl.
LUKE
Who is she? ... She's beautiful. THREEPIO
I'm afraid I'm not quite sure sir!
I think she was a passenger on our
last voyage. A person of some
importance I believe. Our captain
was attache to ... LUKE
Is there any more to this recording? Luke reaches for Artoo but he lets out several frantic squeaks
and a whistle. THREEPIO
Behave yourself, Artoo. You're going
to get us into trouble. It's all right.
He's out master now. You can trust him. Artoo whistles and beeps a long message to Threepio.
THREEPIO
He says he is the property of Obi-wan
Kenobi, a resident of these parts.
And it is a private message for him.
Quite frankly sir, I don't know what
he's talking about ... our last master
was Captain Antilles, but with all
we've been through, I'm afraid he's
become a bit eccentric. LUKE
Obi-wan Kenobi? I wonder if he means
old Ben Kenobi? THREEPIO
I begging your pardon sir, but do you
know him? LUKE
I don't know anyone named Obi-wan, but
old Ben lives out beyond the dune sea.
He's sort of a strange old hermit. Uncle
Owen says he's a sorcerer. He comes
around here once in awhile, to trade
things. I've hardly even talked to him
though. My uncle usually runs him off
... but he doesn't have any droid ...
at least I don't think he does ... Luke's gazes at the beautiful young princess for a few moments.
LUKE
I wonder who she is ... she must be
important. It sounds to me like she's
in trouble. Maybe the message is
important ... I should hear the rest
of it. Luke reaches for little Artoo and the little Artoo squeaks a
blue streak. THREEPIO
He says the restraining bolt has short
circuited his recording system ... he
suggests that if you remove the restraining
bolt, he might be able to repeat the entire
recording. Luke looks longingly at the lovely little princess and hasn't
really heard what Threepio has been saying. LUKE
What ... of yes ... well I guess you're
too small to run away on me if I take
this off ... I wonder what she's be
sending a message to old Ben for? Luke takes a wedged bar and pops the restraining bolt off
R-2's side. The princess immediately disappears ... LUKE
There now ... wait, where did she go?
Make her come back. Play back the
entire message ... Artoo beeps an innocent reply. Threepio sits up in embarrassment.
THREEPIO
What message? The one you just played
for us. The one you're carrying inside
your rusty innards! I'm sorry sir, but
he appears to have picked up a slight
flutter ... perhaps ... A women's voice calls out from another room.
AUNT BERU
Luke! Luke, come to dinner. Luke stands up and shakes his head at the malfunctioning robot.
LUKE
OK, I'm coming Aunt Beru ... Oh well,
see what you can do with him. I'll
be right back. Luke tosses Artoo's retraining bolt on the work bench and
hurries out of the room. THREEPIO
You better consider playing that
recording for him. (Artoo beeps)
No, I don't think he likes you at
all. (Artoo beeps) No, I don't
like you either.
28 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON 28
Luke's Aunt Beru, a warm motherly woman, fills a pitcher
with blue milk from a refrigerated container in the well
used kitchen. She puts the pitcher on a tray with some
bowls of food and starts for the dining area.
A28 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - LIVING AREA - LATE AFTERNOON A28
Luke sits with his Uncle Owen before a table covered with
steaming bowls of food as Aunt Beru carries in the pitcher
of blue milk. LUKE
I think that R-2 unit might have
been stolen. OWEN
What makes you think that? LUKE
I stumbled on a recording while I was
cleaning him ... the droid claims to
be the property of someone called
Obi-wan Kenobi. Owen is greatly alarmed at the mention of this name, but
manages to control himself. LUKE
I thought he might have meant old Ben.
The name is similar ... do you know
who he's talking about? OWEN
It's a name from another time, that
can only mean trouble ... LUKE
Is he related to old Ben. I didn't
think he had ... Owen breaks loose with a fit of uncontrolled anger.
OWEN
You stay away form that old wizard, do
you hear me! I've told you he's a crazy
old man. He's dangerous and full of
mischief ... and best left well alone.
That droid has nothing to do with him.
Tomorrow I want you to take the R-2 unit
into Anchorhead and have its memory
flushed. That will be the end of it. I
don't care where the droid came from, it
belongs to us now. LUKE
But what if this Obi-wan comes looking
for the droid? OWEN
He won't, I don't think he exists anymore.
He died at the same time as your father.
Now forget about it. LUKE
Did he know my father? OWEN
I said forget about it. Your only concern
is getting the new droids ready for
tomorrow. The last of our savings is
tied up in those two. In the morning
I want you to have them working with
the condensing units on the south
ridge. LUKE
Yes sir ... you know I think those
droids are going to work out fine.
In fact ... I uh ... I was also
thinking about our agreement about
me staying on another season. Well,
if those new droids work out, I
want to transmit my application to
the academy this year. Owen's face becomes a scowl, although he tries to suppress it.
OWEN
You mean next term, before the harvest? LUKE
You got more than enough droids. OWEN
Droids can't replace you Luke, you know
that. The harvest is when I need you
the most. It's just one more season. Luke continues to toy with his food, not looking at his uncle.
OWEN
For the first time, we've got a fortune
beyond belief coming into our hands. We'll
make enough this harvest to hire some extra
hands then you can go to the academy ... I
need you here Luke. You understand that
don't you? LUKE
But it's another year ... OWEN
The time will pass before you know it. Luke pushes his half-eaten plate of food aside and stands.
LUKE
That's what you said last year when
Biggs and Tank left. BERU
Where are you going? LUKE
It looks like I'm going nowhere. I
have to finish cleaning those droids. Resigned to his fate, Luke paddles out of the room. Owen
mechanically finishes his dinner. BERU
Owen, we can't keep him here forever.
Most of his friends are gone. It
means so much to him. OWEN
I'll make it up to him. Next year ...
I promise. BERU
Luke's just not a farmer, Owen. He's
got too much of his father in him. OWEN
That's what I'm afraid of.
29 EXT. TATOOINE - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - ENTRY AREA - SALT FLAT 29
The giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind a distant
dune range. Luke stands watching them for a few moments, then
reluctantly enters the domed entrance to the homestead.
A29 INT. GARAGE AREA - LAR'S HOMESTEAD A29
Luke enters the garage to discover the robots nowhere in
sight. He takes a small control box from his utility belt.
(Similar to the one the Jawa's were carrying). He activates
the box which creates a low hum and Threepio pops up from
behind the skyhopper spaceship letting out a short yell. LUKE
What are you hiding back there for? Threepio stumbles forward but Artoo is still nowhere in sight.
THREEPIO
It wasn't my fault sir. Please don't
deactivate me. I told him not to go
but he's faulty, malfunctioning ...
kept babbling on about his mission. LUKE
Oh no ... Luke races out of the garage followed by Threepio.
B29 EXT. TATOOINE ENTRY AREA - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - SALT FLAT - SUNSET B29
Luke rushes out of the small domed entry to the homestead
and searches the darkening horizon for the small tri-ped
astro-robot. Threepio struggles out of the homestead and
on to the salt flat as Luke scans the landscape with his
electrobinoculars. THREEPIO
That Artoo unit has always been a problem.
These astro droids are getting too much
for me. Even I can't understand their
logic at times. LUKE
Well, he's nowhere in sight. Blast it,
how could I be so stupid. Uncle Owen's
going to kill me. THREEPIO
Beggin' your pardon sir, but can't we
go after him? LUKE
Not at night. It's too dangerous with
all the sandpeople around. We'll have
to wait until morning. Owen yells up from the homestead plaza.
OWEN
Luke! Luke are you finished with those
droids yet? I'm turning the power down
for the night. LUKE
Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes. He turns and takes one final look across the dim horizon.
LUKE
Boy, am I in for it. That little droid
is going to get me into a lot of trouble. THREEPIO
Oh, he excels at that sir.
30-31 OMITTED OMITTED 30-31
32 INT. PLAZA LAR'S HOMESTEAD - MORNING 32
Morning slowly creeps into the sparse but sparkling oasis
of the open courtyard. The idyll is broken by the yelling
of Uncle Owen, his voice echoing throughout the homestead. OWEN
Luke! Luke. Where could he be
loafing now?
A32 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - KITCHEN AREA - MORNING A32
The interior of the kitchen is a warm glow as Beru prepares
the morning breakfast. Owen enters in a huff. OWEN
Have you seen Luke this morning? BERU
He said he had some things to do
before he started today, so he left
early OWEN
Did he take the new droids with him? BERU
I think so. OWEN
He's better have those condensing
units on the south ridge repaired by
midday or there'll be hell to pay.
B32 EXT. TATOOINE - EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA B32
Four Imperial Stormtroopers mill about in front of the half
buried lifepod which brought Artoo and Threepio to Tatooine.
A trooper yells to an officer some distance away. TROOPER
This is the one. But there are no data
tapes here, sir. A second trooper, standing next to the officer picks
a small bit of metal out of the sand and give it to the
officer. OFFICER
Droids!
33 EXT. DESERT WASTELAND - LUKE'S SPEEDER - DAY 33
The rock and sand of the desert floor are a blur
as Threepio pilots the sleek landspeeder gracefully
across the vast wasteland.
34 INT/EXT. LUKE'S SPEEDER - DESERT WASTELAND - TRAVELING - DAY 34
Luke adjusts something in the motor compartment.
LUKE (yelling)
How's that? Threepio signals that it is fine and Luke turns back into
the wind-whipped cockpit and pops the canopy shut. LUKE
Old Ben Kenobi lives out in this
direction somewhere, but I don't see
how that R-2 unit could have come this
far. We must have missed him. Uncle
Owen isn't going to take this very well. THREEPIO
Sir, would it help if you told him
it was my fault. LUKE
(brightening)
Sure. He needs you. He'd
probably only deactivate you for
a day or so ... THREEPIO
Deactivate! Well on the other hand
if you hadn't removed his restraining
bolt ... LUKE
Wait, there's something dead on the
scanner. It looks like our droid ...
hit the accelerator.
35 EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK MESA - DUNE SEA - COASTLINE - DAY 35
From high on a rock mesa, the tiny landspeeder can be seen
gliding across the desert floor. Suddenly in the foreground
two weather-beaten sandpeople shrouded in their grimy desert
cloaks peer over the edge of the rock mesa. One of the
marginally human creatures raises a long ominous laser
rifle and points it at the speeder but the second creature
grabs the gun before it can be fired. The sandpeople or Tusken raiders as they're sometimes called
speak in a coarse barbaric language as they get into an
animated argument. The second Tusken seems to get in the
final word and the nomads scurry over the rocky terrain.
36 EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK MESA CANYON 36
The Tusken raiders approach two large BANTHAS standing tied
to a rock. The monstrous bear-like creatures are as large
as elephants, with huge red eyes, tremendous looped horns
and long furry dinosaur-like tails. The raiders mount
saddles strapped to the huge creatures' shaggy backs and
ride off down the rugged bluff.
37 EXT. ROCK CANYON FLOOR - TATOOINE 37
The speeder is parked on the floor of a massive canyon. Luke
with his long laser rifle slung over his shoulder stands before
little Artoo. LUKE
Just where do you think you're going? The little droid whistles a feeble reply, as Threepio poses
menacingly behind the little runaway. THREEPIO
Master Luke here is your rightful owner.
We'll have no more of this Obi-wan Kenobi
gibberish ... and don't talk to me of your
mission. You're fortunate he doesn't blast
you into a million pieces right here. LUKE
Well, come on. It's getting late. I only
hope we can get back before Uncle Owen
really blows up. THREEPIO
If you don't mind my saying so sir, I think
you should deactivate the little fugitive
until you've gotten him back to your workshop. LUKE
No he's not going to try anything. Suddenly the little robot jumps to life with a mass of frantic
whistles and screams. LUKE
What is it? What's wrong with him now? THREEPIO
Oh my ... sir, he says there are several
creatures approaching from the southeast. Luke swings his rifle into position and looks to the south.
LUKE
Sandpeople! Or worse! I've never been
out this far before. The wild things
out here are said to be weird and savage.
38 EXT. TATOOINE - CANYON RIDGE - DAY 38
Luke carefully makes his way to the top of a rock ridge and
scans the canyon with his electrobinoculars. He spots the
two riderless Banthas. Threepio struggles up behind the
young adventurer. LUKE
There are two Banthas down there but
I don't see any ... wait a second,
they're sandpeople all right. I see one
of them. Luke watches the distant Tusken Raider through his electro-
binoculars. Suddenly something huge moves in front of his
field of view. Before Luke or Threepio can react, a large
gruesome Tusken Raider looms over them. Threepio is startled
and backs away, right off the side of the cliff. He can be
heard for several moments as he clangs, bangs and rattles
down the side of the mountain. The towering creature brings down his curved, double pointed
"Gaderffii" - the dreaded axe blade that has struck terror
in the heart of the local settlers. But Luke manages to
block the blow with his laser rifle, which is smashed to pieces.
The terrified farm boy scrambles backward until he is forced
to the edge of a deep crevice. The sinister raider stands
over him with his weapon raised and lets out a horrible
shrieking laugh.
39 EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON FLOOR - DAY 39
Artoo forces himself into the shadows of a small alcove in
the rocks as the vicious sandpeople walk past carrying the
inert Luke Starkiller, who is dropped in a heap before the
speeder. The raiders ransack the speeder, throwing parts
and supplies in all directions. Suddenly they stop. Then
everything is quiet for a few moments. A great howling moan
is heard echoing throughout the canyon which sends the sand-
people fleeing in terror. Artoo moves even tighter into the shadows as the slight
swishing sound that frightened off the sandpeople grows
even closer, until a shabby old desert rat of a man appears
and leans over Luke. His ancient leathery face, cracked
and weathered by exotic climates is set off by dark,
penetrating eyes and a scraggly white beard. BEN KENOBI
squints his eyes as he scrutinizes the unconscious farm
boy. Artoo makes a slight sound and Ben turns and looks
right at him. BEN
Hello there! Come here my little
friend. Don't be afraid. Artoo waddles over to where Luke lies crumpled in a heap
and begins to whistle and beep his concern. Ben puts his
hand on Luke's forehead and he begins to come to. BEN
Don't worry, he'll be all right. LUKE
What happened? BEN
Rest easy son, you've had a busy
day. You're fortunate you're still
in one piece. LUKE
Ben? Ben Kenobi am I glad to see you! BEN
The Jundland wastes are not to be
traveled lightly. Tell me young Luke,
what brings you out this far? LUKE
This little droid! I think he's
searching for his former master ...
I've never seen such devotion in a
droid before ... there seems to be
no stopping him. He claims to be
the property of someone called Obi-wan
Kenobi. Is he a relative of yours?
Do you know who he's talking about? Ben ponders this for a moment, scratching his scruffy beard.
BEN
Obi-wan Kenobi ... Obi-wan. Now
that's a name I haven't heard in a
long time ... a long time. Most
curious ... LUKE
I think my Uncle knew him. He said
he was dead... BEN
Oh, he's not dead, not yet ... not yet. LUKE
You know him! BEN
Of course, of course I know him, he's
me! I haven't gone by the name Obi-wan
since before you were born. LUKE
Then this droid does belong to you. BEN
Can't seem to remember ever owning a droid.
Most interesting ... most interesting. He suddenly looks up at the overhanging cliffs.
BEN (cont'd)
I think it's best we get inside. The
sandpeople are easily startled but they
will soon return in greater numbers. Luke sits up and rubs his head. Artoo lets out a pathetic
beep causing Luke to remember something. He looks around. LUKE
... Threepio!
40 EXT. TATOOINE - SAND PIT - ROCK MESA - DAY 40
Little Artoo stands at the edge of a large sand pit and
begins to chatter away in electronic whistles and beeps.
Luke and Ben stand over a very dented and tangled
Threepio lying half buried in the sand. One of his arms
has broken off. Luke tries to revive the inert robot by shaking him and
then flips a hidden switch on his back several times
until finally the mechanical man's systems turn on. THREEPIO
Where am I? Oh, I'm sorry, sir.
I must have taken a bad step ... LUKE
Can you stand? We've got to get out
of here before the sandpeople return. THREEPIO
I don't think I can make it. You go
on Master Luke. It doesn't make sense
for you to risk yourself on my account.
I'm done for. LUKE
No, you're not. What kind of talk is
that?
Luke and Ben help the battered robot to his feet. Little
Artoo watches from the top of the pit. Ben glances
around suspiciously. Sensing something, he stands up
and sniffs the air. BEN
Quickly son, they're on the move.
41 OMITTED OMITTED 41
42 INT. CAVE DWELLING - MAIN LIVING AREA 42
The small, spartan hovel, is cluttered with desert junk,
but still manages to radiate an air of time worn comfort
and security. Luke is in one corner repairing Threepio's
arm, as old Ben fiddles with Artoo. BEN
Now let's see if we can't figure out
what you are my little friend and where
you came from. LUKE
I saw part of a message he ... Luke is cut short, as the recorded image of the beautiful
young rebel princess is projected from R-2's face. BEN
Yes, I seem to have found it. Luke stops his work as the lovely girl's image flickers before
his eyes. PRINCESS LEIA
General Obi-wan Kenobi, I present myself
in the name of the royal family of Alderaan,
and the Alliance to restore the Republic I
break your solitude at the bidding of my
father Bail Antillies, Viceroy and Chairman
of the Alderaan system. Years ago
Commander you served the Republic in the
Clone Wars. Now he begs you to aid us again
in our most desperate hours. He would have
you join him on our home planet Alderaan.
You must go to him! I regret I am unable
to present my father's request to you in
person ... my mission to return with you has
failed, information vital to the survival
of the Alliance has been placed in this droid ...
my father will know how to retrieve it. I
plead with you to see this R-2 unit safely
delivered to Alderaan. You must help me, you
are my last hope. There is a little static and the transmission is cut short
Old Ben leans back and scratches his head. He silently puffs
on a tarnished chrome water pipe. Luke has stars in his
eyes. LUKE
She is so .... terrific. Commander??
You fought in The Clone Wars?? BEN
Oh yes ... I was once a Jedi knight ... like
your father. LUKE
Jedi knight?? My father didn't fight in the
wars. He was a navigator .... on a spice
freighter. BEN
Oh so your Uncle told you .. He didn't
agree with your father's ideals, thought
he should have stayed here and not gotten
involved. He was always afraid your
father's adventures might influence you .. LUKE
I wish I'd known him ... BEN
He was the best starpilot in the
galaxy and a clever warrior ... he
was a good friend. I understand you've
become quite a good pilot yourself ...
in many ways you're much like your father. Ben gets up and goes to a chest, where he rummages around.
BEN (cont'd)
Which reminds me, I have something
here for you. When you were old enough,
your father wanted you to have this. I tried
to give it to you but your uncle wouldn't
allow it. He believed you might follow old
Obi-wan on some idealistic crusade as your
father did. Luke finishes repairing Threepio and starts to fit the
restraining bolt back on, Threepio looks at him nervously,
Luke thinks about the bolt for a moment then puts it on
the table. Ben shuffles up and presents Luke with a short
handle with several electronic gadgets attached to it. THREEPIO
Sir, if you'll not be needing me, I think
I'll shut down for a while. LUKE
Sure, go ahead.
(to BEN)
What is it? BEN
Your father's light saber. At one time
they were widely used ... I believe
they still are in some parts of the galaxy .. Luke pushes a button on the handle and a long laser beam
shoots out about four feet, flickers there. BEN (cont'd)
This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight ...
not as clumsy or random as a blaster.
An elegant weapon ... for a more civilized
time.
(He begins to remember)
For over a thousand generations
Jedi Knights were the most powerful, most
respected force in the galaxy ... the
guardians of peace and justice in the old
republic. That was when the galactic senate
ruled the galaxy before the dark times, before the empire. Luke hasn't really been listening.
LUKE
How did my father die? BEN
He was betrayed and murdered ... by
a young Jedi, Darth Vader. A boy I
was training, one of my brightest disciples,
one of my greatest failures ... He used
the power of the force for evil - to help
the empire hunt down and destroy the Jedi
knights, now the Jedi are all but extinct.
Vader was seduced by the dark side of the
force and it consumed him. LUKE
The force?? BEN
The force is ... let's just say the
force is something a Jedi deals with.
It is an energy field created by living
things - it surrounds us - it binds the
galaxy together - it directs our actions.
Knowledge of the force is what gives a
Jedi his power. You must learn the ways
of the force if you are to come with me to
Alderaan. LUKE
Alderaan!?? I'm not going to Alderaan.
I've got to get back home! It's late,
I'm in for it as it is ... you can take
the droid ... I'll think of something
to tell my uncle ... I hope ... BEN
I need your help, Luke. I'm afraid
I'm getting too old for this sort of thing .. LUKE
I can't get involved, I've got work to do.
I mean I don't like the empire ... I hate
it ... but there is nothing I can do about it
right now ... it's all such a long way from
here. BEN
That's your uncle talking. LUKE
Oh, my uncle. How am I going
to explain all this. BEN
Remember, the Force is with all men,
it binds them together. The suffering of
one is the suffering of all. LUKE
I can take you as far as Anchorhead.
You can get transport there to the
spaceport at Mod Eisley or wherever you're
going... BEN
You must do what you feel. LUKE
Right now I don't feel too good ...
A42 INT. DEATH STAR - PRISON CELL CORRIDOR A42
Two stormtroopers open an electronic cell door and allow
several Imperial guards to enter. Princess Leia's
face is filled with defiance which slowly gives way to
fear as a giant black torture robot enters, followed by
Darth Vader. VADER
Now your highness we will discuss
the location of the hidden rebel
base. The door slides shut, the long cell block hallway
appears peaceful. The muffled sounds of the rebel
princess are barely heard.
B42 EXT. MESA CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - DAY B42
The speeder stops before what remains of the huge Jawa
sandcrawler. Luke and Ben walk among the smoldering
rubble and scattered bodies. LUKE
Looks like the sandpeople did it alright.
There's Bantha tracks and part of those
gaffi sticks. But we never heard of them
hitting something this big. Ben is crouching in the sand studying the tracks.
BEN
They didn't. But we were meant to
think so, look at these tracks. Whoever
left here rode side by side. Sandpeople
always ride in a single file to hide
their number. Look at these blast points.
Sandpeople are not this accurate. Only
Imperial stormtroopers are this precise. LUKE
These are the same Jawas who sold us
Artoo and Threepio. Why would Imperial
troops be slaughtering Jawas? Luke looks back at the speeder where Artoo and Threepio are
inspecting the dead Jawas. LUKE
If they tracked the robots to the
Jawas they may have learned who they
sold them to. That will lead them back ...
home. Luke reaches a sudden horrible realization and races for
the speeder and jumps in. BEN
Wait Luke, it's too dangerous. Luke races off leaving Ben and the two robots alone with the
burning sandcrawler.
BA42 EXT. DESERT WASTELAND BA42
Luke races across the flat landscape.
C42 EXT. HOMESTEAD - SALT FLAT - TATOOINE C42
The speeder roars up to the burning homestead. Luke
jumps out and runs to the smoking holes that were once
his home. Debris is scattered everywhere and it looks as
if a great battle has taken place. LUKE
Aunt Beru! Aunt Beru! Uncle Owen! Luke stumbles around in a daze looking for his aunt and uncle.
Suddenly he comes upon their smoldering remains. LUKE
No!
D42 INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM - DEATH STAR D42
Darth Vader and the regional Governor Moff Tarkin
stand before a huge screen that shows a million stars.
Admiral Motti and General Tagge are standing with
them. MOTTI
The final check out is completed
and all systems are operational.
What course shall we set? VADER
She has a great deal of control.
Her resistance to the mind probe is
considerable. It will still be
some time before we can extract any
useful information from her. TARKIN
Perhaps she would respond to an
alternative form of persuasion. VADER
What do you mean? TARKIN
I think it is time we demonstrated
the full power of this station.
Set your course for Alderaan.
E42 EXT. MESA CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - DAY E42
There is a large bonfire of dead Jawas blazing in front
of the sandcrawler as Ben and the robots finish burning
the dead. Luke drives up in the speeder and Ben walks
over to him. BEN
I share your sorrow, Luke. There
is nothing you could have done, had
you been there, you'd now be dead and
the droids would be in the hands of the
Empire. The Force is with you. LUKE
I'll take you to the spaceport at Mos Eisley.
I want to go with you to Alderaan. There is
nothing here for me now ... I want to learn
the ways of the Force - I want to become a
Jedi like my father.
43-45 OMITTED OMITTED 43-45
46 EXT. TATOOINE - WASTELAND - DAY 46
The speeder zooms across the desert wasteland.
47 EXT. TATOOINE - BLUFF OVERLOOKING MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - DAY 47
The speeder stops on a bluff overlooking the spaceport
at MOS EISLEY. It is a haphazard array of low gray concrete
structures and semidomes. A harsh gale blows across the
stark canyon floor. Luke adjusts his goggles and walks to
the edge of the craggy bluff where Ben is standing. BEN
Well, there it is, Mos Eisley Spaceport.
You won't find a more wretched hive of
scum and villainy. The Empire is on the
alert, so we must be very cautious. Ben looks over Luke who gives the old Jedi a determined
smile. LUKE
I'm ready for anything.
48 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - STREET - LATE AFTERNOON 48
The speeder is stopped on a crowded street by several
combat hardened stormtroopers who look over the two robots.
A trooper questions Luke. TROOPER
How long have you had these droids? LUKE
Three of four seasons. BEN
They're up for sale, if you want them. TROOPER
Did you come from the south? LUKE
Ahh .. No, no .. We live in the west ...
near Bestine. TROOPER
Let me see your identification ... Luke becomes very nervous as he fumbles to find his I.D.
Ben speaks to the trooper in a very controlled voice. BEN
You don't need to see his
identification. TROOPER
I don't need to see your
identification. BEN
These aren't the Droids you're
looking for. TROOPER
These aren't the Droids we're
looking for. BEN
He can go about his business. TROOPER
You can go about your business. Luke looks relieved but astonished.
BEN (to Luke)
Move along. TROOPER
Move along.
49 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - CANTINA - DAY 49
The speeder pulls up in front of a rundown blockhouse
cantina on the outskirts of the spaceport. Various
strange forms of transport, including several
unusual beasts of burden are parked outside the bar.
A Jawa runs up and begins to fondle the speeder.
Luke shoos the vile little creature away. THREEPIO
I can't abide those Jawas.
Disgusting creatures. LUKE (to Ben)
I can't understand how we got by those
troops, I thought we were dead. BEN
The Force is a strong influence
on the mind ... it's a powerful
ally but as you come to know the
force, you will discover it can also
be a danger.. LUKE
Do you really think we can find a
pilot who will take us to Alderaan? BEN
Most of the good freighter pilots
frequent here but watch you step,
this place can be a little rough.
50 INT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA - DAY 50
The young adventurer and his two mechanical servants
follow Ben Kenobi into the smoke-filled cantina.
The murky, moldy den is filled with a startling array
of weird and exotic alien creatures and monsters, laughing
at the long metallic bar. At first the sight is
horrifying. One-eyed, thousand-eyed, slimy, furry,
scaly tentacles and claws huddle over drinks. Ben and
Luke move to an empty spot at the bar near a group of
repulsive but human Corellian pirates. A huge rough-looking
BARTENDER comes over to Luke and the robots. BARTENDER
We don't serve "their kind" in here. Luke still recovering from the shock of seeing so many
outlandish creatures doesn't quite catch the Bartender's
drift. LUKE
What? BARTENDER
Your "droids" will have to wait outside.
We don't serve 'em here. Luke looks to old Ben who is busy talking to one of the
Corellian pirates. He notices that several of the gruesome
creatures along the bar are giving him a very unfriendly
glare. LUKE
Yes, of course. I'm so sorry.
(Turns to Threepio)
You'd better stay with the speeder.
We don't want any trouble. THREEPIO
I heartily agree with you sir. Threepio and his stubby partner go outside and most of
the creatures at the bar go back to their drinks. Ben
is standing next to CHEWBACCA, an eight foot tall
savage-looking creature resembling a huge gray bushbaby
monkey with fierce "baboon-like" fangs. His large
yellow eyes dominate a fur-covered face and soften his
otherwise awesome appearance. Over his matted, furry
body he wears two chrome bandoliers, a flak jacket
painted in a bizarre camouflage pattern, brown cloth
shorts and little else. He is a two hundred year old
WOOKIEE and a sight to behold. Ben speaks to the
wookiee pointing to Luke several times during his
conversation and the huge creature suddenly lets out a
horrifying laugh. Luke is more than a little bit
disconcerted and pretends not to hear the conversation
between Ben and the giant wookiee. He is terrified but
tries not to show it. He quietly sips his drink, looking
over the crowd for a more sympathetic ear or whatever. A large, multiple-eyed CREATURE gives Luke a rough shove.
CREATURE
Negola dewaghi wooldugger?!? The hideous freak is obviously drunk. Luke tries to ignore
the creature and turns back to his drink. A short, grubby
HUMAN and an even smaller RODENT-like beast join the
belligerent monstrosity. HUMAN
He doesn't like you. LUKE
I'm sorry. HUMAN
I don't like you either. The big creature is getting agitated and yells some
unintelligible gibberish at the now rather nervous
young adventurer. HUMAN (cont'd)
Don't insult us. You just watch
yourself. We're wanted men. I have
the death sentence on twelve systems. LUKE
I'll be careful then. HUMAN
You'll be dead. The rodent lets out a loud grunt and everything at the
bar moves away. Luke tries to remain cool but it isn't
easy. His three adversaries ready their weapons. Old
Ben moves in behind Luke. BEN
This little one isn't worth the
effort. Come let me buy you something... A powerful blow from the unpleasant creature sends the young
would-be Jedi sailing across the room, crashing through
tables and breaking a large jug filled with a foul-looking
liquid. With a blood-curdling shriek, the monster draws a
wicked chrome laser pistol from his belt and levels it at
old Ben.. The bartender panics. BARTENDER
No blasters! No blasters! With an astounding agility, Old Ben's laser sword sparks to
life and in a flash an arm lies on the floor. The rodent is
cut in two and the giant, multiple-eyed creature lies double,
cut from chin to groin. Ben carefully and precisely turns
off his laser sword and replaces it on his utility belt.
Luke, shaking and totally amazed at the old man's abilities,
attempts to stand. The entire fight has lasted only a matter
of seconds. The cantina goes back to normal, although Ben is
given a respectable amount of room at the bar. Luke, rubbing
his bruised head, approaches the old man with new awe. BEN
This is Chewbacca, he's first-mate on
a ship that might suit our needs.
ZA50 EXT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA STREET DAY ZA50
Threepio paces in front of the cantina as Artoo carries on
an electronic conversation with another little red R-2 unit. THREEPIO
What could be taking them so long? A patron comes out of the cantina and approaches two
stormtroopers in the street. THREEPIO
I don't like the looks of this.
ZB50 INT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA - DAY ZB50
Luke is still giddy and downs a fresh drink as he follows
Ben and Chewbacca to a booth where HAN SOLO is sitting. He
is a tough James Dean style starpilot about thirty years
old. A mercenary in a starship, simple, sentimental and
cocksure of himself. A lovely young alien girl has her arms
around him but the young space rogue sends her bouncing on
her way as the group approaches. HAN
You're pretty handy with that saber old
man, not often one sees that kind of
sword play on this side of the galaxy.
I'm Han Solo, Captain of the Millennium
Falcon. Chewie tells me you're looking
for passage to the Alderaan system. BEN
Yes indeed. If it's a fast ship. HAN
Fast ship! You mean you've never heard
of the Millennium Falcon? BEN
(amused) Should I? HAN
It's the ship that made the Kessel run in
less than 12 par-sec's! I've outrun
Imperial starships, not local bulk-
cruisers mind you. These are the big
Corellian ships I'm talking about. I think
she's fast enough for you old man. What's
your cargo? BEN
No questions. Is it local trouble? BEN
Let's just say we'd like to avoid any
Imperial entanglements. HAN
These days, that can be a real trick.
And it will cost you a little extra.
All in ... about ten thousand ... in
advance. LUKE
Ten thousand! We could almost buy our
own ship for that. HAN
But could you fly it? LUKE
(Insulted - starts to get up) You bet I
could. I'm not such a bad pilot myself...
I don't ... BEN
(Sits Luke down) We haven't that much
with us. But, we could pay you two
thousand now, plus another fifteen when
we reach Alderaan. Han ponders this for a few moments.
HAN
That's seventeen ... alright. You've
got yourselves a ship. Docking Bay 94.
We can take off as soon as you're ready...
looks like someone's taking an interest
in your handi-craft. Ben and Luke turn around to see four Imperial stormtroopers
looking at the dead bodies and asking the bartender some
questions. The Bartender points to the booth. The storm-
troopers look over at it but Luke and Ben are gone. The
bartender shrugs his shoulders in puzzlement.
A50 EXT. MOS EISLEY STREET CANTINA A50
Luke and Ben secure Artoo to the back of the speeder.
BEN
If the speed of Solo's ship is as fast as
his boasting, we should do well. LUKE
But it will be expensive. BEN
I'm afraid you'll have to sell your
speeder. LUKE
It's all right. I don't think I will ever
come back to this planet.
AA50 INT. CANTINA - MOS EISLEY AA50
The stormtroopers walk past Han and Chewbacca giving them
both a careful check out. Han turns to the giant Wookiee. HAN
Chewie, this charter could save out neck.
Seventeen thousand! Those two really
must be desperate. As Han and Chewbacca slide out of the booth, a slimy purple-
faced alien with a short trunk nose pokes a gun in Han's side.
He speaks with an electronically translated voice. ALIEN
Going somewhere, Solo? HAN
As a matter of fact, I was just going to
see your boss. Tell Jabba that I have his
money. ALIEN
That's what you said yesterday, but it's
too late ... I'm not going back to Jabba
with another one of your stories. HAN
But I've got the money this time! ALIEN
Then I'll take it now. Han sits down and the alien sits across from him holding the
gun on him. HAN
I haven't got it here with me. Tell Jabba ... ALIEN
It's too late I think. Jabba would rather
have your ship. HAN
Over my dead body. ALIEN
That's the idea, Solo. You will
come outside with me or must I finish
it here? HAN
I don't think they'd like another
killing in here. ALIEN
They'd hardly notice ... get up.
I've been looking forward to this
for a long time ... HAN
I bet you have ... Suddenly the slimy alien disappears in a blinding flash
of light. Han pulls his smoking gun from beneath the
table as the other patrons look on in bemused amazement. HAN
... but it will take a lot more than
the likes of you to finish me off ... Han gets up and starts out of the cantina, flipping the
bartender some coins as he leaves. HAN
Sorry for the mess ...
B50 OMITTED OMITTED B50
C50 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - ALLEYWAY C50
Four heavily armed stormtroopers move menacingly along
a narrow slum alleyway crowded with darkly-clad creatures
hawking exotic goods in dingy little stalls. Men, monsters
and robots crouch in waste-filled doorways whispering and
hiding from the hot winds. One of the troopers checks a
tightly locked door and moves on down the alleyway. The
door slides open a crack and Threepio peeks out. Artoo is
barely visible in the background. THREEPIO
I would rather have gone with Master
Luke then stay here with you. I don't
quite know what all the trouble is about,
but I'm sure it must be your fault.
(Artoo beeps) You watch your language.
53 EXT. ALLEYWAY - MOS EISLEY STREET - USED SPEEDER LOT 53
Ben and Luke are standing in a sleazy used-speeder lot,
talking with a tall grotesque, insect-like used-speeder
dealer. Strange exotic bodies and spindly legged beasts
pass by as the insect concludes the sale by giving Luke
some coins. LUKE
He says it's the best he can do. Since
the XP-38 came out, they just aren't in
demand. BEN
It will be sufficient. I've got enough
to cover the rest. Ben and Luke leave the speeder-lot and walk down the dusty
alleyway past a small robot herding a bunch of anteater-like
creatures. Luke turns and gives one last forlorn look at
his faithful speeder as he rounds a corner. A darkly clad
creature moves out of the shadows as they pass and watches
them as they disappear down another alley.
AA53 INT. DOCKING BAY 94 - DAY AA53
Jabba the Hut and a half dozen grisly pirates and purple
aliens stand in the middle of the docking bay. Jabba is
the grossest of the salivering hulks and his scarred face
is a grim testimonial to his prowess as a vicious killer. JABBA
Come on out Solo! A voice from directly behind the pirates startles them and
they turn around to see Han Solo and the giant Wookiee
Chewbacca standing behind them with no weapons in sight. HAN
I've been waiting for you Jabba. JABBA
I expected you would be. HAN
I'm not the type to run. JABBA
(Fatherly-smooth) Han, my boy, there are
times when you disappoint me ... why
haven't you paid me? And why did you have
to fry poor Greedo like that ... after all
we've been through together. HAN
You sent Greedo to blast me. JABBA
(Mock surprise) Han, why you're the best
smuggler in the business. You're too
valuable to fry. He was only relaying
my concern at your delays. He wasn't
going to blast you. HAN
I think he thought he was. Next time
don't send one of those twerps. If you've
got something to say to me, come see me
yourself. JABBA
Han, Han! If only you hadn't had to dump
that shipment of spice ... you understand
I just can't make an exception. Where
would I be if every pilot who smuggled for
me dumped their shipment at the first sign
of an Imperial starship? It's not good
business. HAN
You know, even I get boarded sometimes,
Jabba. I had no choice, but I've got a
charter now and I can pay you back, plus
a little extra. I just need some more time. JABBA
(To his men) Put your blasters away. Han,
my boy, I'm only doing this because you're
the best and I need you. So, for an extra,
say ... twenty percent I'll give you a
little more time ... but this is it. If
you disappoint me again, I'll put a price
on your head, so large you won't be able
to go near a civilized system for the rest
of your life. HAN
Jabba, I'll pay you because it's my pleasure.
BA53 INT. DEATH STAR - CORRIDOR BA53
Darth Vader and a stormtrooper commander stride down one of
the long Death Star corridors, followed by several aides. COMMANDER
We've started to search the spaceport
at Mos Eisley. It's just a matter of
time before we've found the droids. VADER
Send in more men if you have to. It's
her hope of that data being used against
us that is the pillar of her resistance
to the mind probe. COMMANDER
Until then we must waste our time with
Governor Tarkin's foolish plan to break
her.
CA53 OMITTED OMITTED CA53
A53 OMITTED OMITTED A53
54 OMITTED OMITTED 54
55 OMITTED OMITTED 55
56 EXT. DOCKING PORT ENTRY - ALLEYWAY 56
Chewbacca waits restlessly at the entrance to Docking Bay 94.
Ben, Luke and the robots make their way up the street.
Chewbacca jabbers excitedly and signals for them to hurry.
The darkly clad creature has followed them from the speeder
lot. He stops in a nearby doorway and speaks into a small
transmitter.
57 OMITTED OMITTED 57
58 INT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - DOCKING BAY 94 58
Chewbacca leads the group into the giant dirt pit that is
Docking Bay 94. Resting in the middle of the huge hole is
a large, round, beat-up, pieced together hunk of junk that
could only loosely be called a starship. LUKE
What a piece of junk. This ship
couldn't possibly go above sub-light
speeds. The tall figure of Han Solo comes down the boarding ramp.
HAN
She may not look like much, but
she's go it where it counts. I've
added some special modifications
myself. She'll make point five
beyond light speed. Luke scratches his head, it's obvious he's not too sure about
all this. Chewbacca rushes up the ramp and urges the others
to follow. HAN
We're a little rushed, so if you'll
hurry aboard, we'll be off. The group rushes up the gang plank, passes a grinning Han Solo.
AA58 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP AA58
Chewbacca settles into the pilot's chair and starts the mighty
engines of the starship.
A58 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - ALLEYWAY A58
Eight Imperial Stormtroopers rush up to the darkly clad creatures
and he points to the door of the docking bay. The troops hold
their guns at the ready and charge down the docking bay entrance.
B58 INT. DOCKING BAY 94 - MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT B58
Han Solo looks up and sees the Imperial Stormtroopers rushing
into the docking bay. Several of the troopers fire at Han as
he ducks into the spaceship. HAN
Chewie! Deflector shields quick!
Get us out of here. Han draws his laser pistol and pops off a couple of shots
which force the stormtroopers to dive for safety. The
starship engines whine as Han hits the release button that
slams the overhead entry shut.
C58 OMITTED OMITTED C58
59 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - STREET - MORNING 59
The half dozen stormtroopers at a check point hear the general
alarm and look to the sky as the huge starship rises above the
dingy slum dwellings and quickly disappears into the morning sky.
60 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 60
Han climbs into the pilot's chair next to Chewbacca who chatters
away as he points to something on the radar scope. HAN
It looks like an Imperial cruiser.
Our passengers must be hotter than
I thought. Try to hold it off, angle
the deflectors until I can make the
calculations for the jump to light
speed. Han frantically types information into the ship's computer.
Little Artoo appears momentarily at the cockpit doorway,
makes a few beeping remarks, then scurries away.
61 EXT. SPACE TATOOINE ORBIT 61
Pan with the pirate starship as it races away form the yellow
planet, Tatooine, followed by one - two - three huge Imperial
stardestroyers.
62 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 62
Luke and Ben make their way into the crowded cockpit where
Han continues his calculations. HAN
Stay sharp! We've got two more coming
in, they're going to cut us off. LUKE
(Sarcastically) Can't you outrun them?
I thought you said this thing was fast. HAN
Watch your mouth kid, or you'll find
yourself floating home. We'll be safe
enough once we've made the jump into
hyperspace. They can't track us
accurately at light speeds. Plus I
know a few maneuvers that should lose
them. The ship shudders as an explosion flashes outside the window.
HAN
Here's where it gets interesting. BEN
Well, how long before you can make the
jump to light speed? HAN
It'll take a few minutes for the navi-
computer to calculate the coordinates. LUKE
A few minutes!! At the rate they're
gaining .... HAN
Traveling through hyper-space isn't
like dusting crops, boy. Without
calculations we could pass right
through a star or bounce to near a
supernova. And that would end our
trip real quick. The ship is now constantly battered with laser fire as a red
warning light begins to flash. LUKE
What's that? HAN
We're losing a deflector shield. Better
strap yourselves in, we're ready to make
the jump to light speed.
63 INT. MAIN HOLD AREA 63
The ship rocks violently as Threepio holds on to his seat for
dear life. Artoo sways to and fro under the thundering impact
of the incoming laser blasts. THREEPIO
Was this trip really necessary? I
forgot how much I hate space travel. Luke and Ben enter and strap themselves into their chairs.
64 OMITTED OMITTED 64
65 OMITTED OMITTED 65
66 INT. DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM 66
Admiral Motti enters the quiet control room and bows before
Governor Tarkin, who stands before the huge wall screen
displaying a small green planet. MOTTI
We are entering the Alderaan star system.
We await your order. Vader enters with Leia and two stormtroopers.
LEIA
Governor Tarkin, I should've expected to
find you holding Vader's leash. I
recognized your foul stench when I was
brought on board. TARKIN
Charming to the last. You don't know
how hard I found it signing the order
to terminate your life. LEIA
I'm surprised you had the courage to
take the responsibility yourself. TARKIN
Princess Leia, before your execution
I would like you to be my guest at a
ceremony that will make this battle
station operational. No star system
will dare oppose the Emperor now. LEIA
The more you tighten you grip Tarkin,
the more star systems will slip through
your fingers. TARKIN
Not after we demonstrate this battle
station's power. In a way, you yourself
have determined the choice of the planet
that will be destroyed first. Since you
are reluctant to provide us with the
location of the rebel stronghold, I have
chosen to test the station's destructive
power, on your home planet of Alderaan. LEIA
No! Alderaan is peaceful. We have no
weapons, you can't ... TARKIN
You would prefer another target? A
military target? Then name the system.
I grow tired of asking this, so it will
be the last time. Where is the rebel base? Leia overhears an intercom announcing the approach to Alderaan.
LEIA
(Softly) Dantooine ... they're on
Dantooine. TARKIN
There, you see Lord Vader? She can
be reasonable.
(To the others)
Proceed with the operation. You may
fire when ready. LEIA
What? TARKIN
Dantooine is too remote to be an
effective demonstration ... we will
deal with your rebel friends soon
enough. The small green planet is blown into space dust. Princess Leia
is seething with rage. LEIA
And you call yourselves humans. TARKIN
You are far too trusting ... you will
shortly see your hopeless rebellion
vanish in a similar fashion.
67 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN HOLD AREA 67
Ben falters, seems almost faint, then rubs his forehead as if he
has a headache. LUKE
Are you alright? What is it? What's
wrong? BEN
I feel a great ebbing in The Force, the
cry of a billion voices stopping all at
once. It's the feeling of death. Some-
thing terrible has happened .... Ben seems to drift into a trance, then fixes his gaze on Luke.
BEN
Continue with your exorcise. Han enters and begins checking charts and various computer
readouts. HAN
You can stop worrying about your troubles
with those Imperial slugs. I told you I'd
lose them.
(Nobody says anything)
Don't everybody thank me at once. Anyway,
I calculate our arrival on Alderaan at of
two hundred. Chewbacca and the two robots sit around a lighted table
covered with many small hologram figures. Each side of the
table has a small computer monitor embedded in it. Chewbacca
seems very pleased with himself as he rests his lanky fur-
covered arms over his head. Artoo immediately reaches up
and taps the computer with his stubby claw hand, causing one
of the hologram figures to walk to a new square. A sudden
frown crosses Chewbacca's face and he begins yelling gibberish
at the tiny robot. Threepio intercedes on behalf of his small
companion and begins to argue with the huge wookiee. THREEPIO
(To Chewie) He made a fair move.
Screaming about it can't help you. HAN
(To Threepio) Let him have it. It's
not wise to upset a wookiee. THREEPIO
But, sir, no one worries about upsetting
a droid. HAN
That's because a droid doesn't rip
peoples arms out of their sockets when
they lose ... wookiees have been known
to do that. THREEPIO
I see your point.
(To Artoo)
I suggest a new strategy, Artoo. Let ...
the wookiee ... win. Luke stands in the middle of the small hold area. He seems
frozen in place, a humming laser sword held high over his
head. Ben watches him from the corner, studying his move-
ments. Han watches with a bit of smugness. BEN
Remember, a Jedi warrior can feel The Force
flowing from him. LUKE
You mean that it controls your actions? BEN
Partially, but it also obeys your commands. Suspended at eye level, about ten feet in front of Luke, a
chrome baseball covered with antenna hovers slowly in a wide
arc. The ball floats to one side of the youth, then to the
other. Suddenly it makes a lightning swift lunge and stops
within a few feet of Luke's face. Luke doesn't move and the
ball backs off. It slowly moves behind the boy, then makes
another quick lunge, this time emitting a blood red laser
beam as it attacks, hitting Luke in the leg causing him to
tumble over. Han lets loose with a burst of laughter. HAN
Hocus-pocus religion and ancient weapons
are no substitute for a good blaster at
your side. LUKE
You don't believe in The Force? HAN
I've flown from one end of this galaxy to
the other and I see a lot of strange
things ... too strange to believe that
one all powerful force controls everything.
No mystical energy field determines my
destiny. I wouldn't listen to him, he's
full of simple tricks and mischief. BEN
I suggest you try it again, Luke. This
time, let go your conscious self and act
on your instinct. Ben places a large helmet on Luke's head which covers his eyes.
LUKE
But now I can't even see! So how can I
fight? BEN
Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them. Han skeptically shakes his head as Ben throws the seeker into
the air. The ball shoots straight up in the air, then drops
like a rock. Luke swings the laser sword around blindly
missing the seeker, which fires off a laser bolt which hits
Luke square on the seat of the pants. He lets out a painful
yell and attempts to hit the seeker. BEN
Stretch out with your feelings, in the
dark. Luke stands in one place, seemingly frozen. The seeker makes
a dive at Luke and he incredibly manages to deflect the bolt.
The ball ceases firing and moves back to its original position. BEN
You see, you can do it! HAN
I'd call it luck. BEN
In my experience there is no such thing
as luck. HAN
Good against "remotes" is one thing.
Good against the living is another. A small light on the far side of the cabin begins flashing.
Chewbacca notices it and calls out to Han. HAN
We're coming up on Alderaan. Han and Chewbacca head back to the cockpit.
LUKE
You know, I did feel something. I
could almost see the "remote." BEN
That's good. You have taken your first
step into a larger world.
A67 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT A67
The cockpit is alive with humming meters and softly burning
readouts. Han and Chewbacca are busy at the controls. HAN
Stand by, here we go ... cut in the
sub-light engines. Han pulls back on a control lever and, outside the cockpit
window, stars begin streaking past, slow, then stop.
Suddenly the starship begins to shudder and then violently
shake about. Asteroids begin to race toward them battering
the sides of the ship. HAN
What the .... The giant wookiee flips off several controls and seems very
cool in the emergency. Luke makes his way into the bouncing
cockpit. LUKE
What's going on? HAN
We've come out of hyper-space into a meteor
storm or some kind of asteroid collision.
It doesn't appear on any of my charts. Our
position is correct ... except ... Alderaan? LUKE
What about it? Where is it? HAN
That's what I'm talking about. It's not
there. Alderaan's been .. blown away
... totally. Ben moves into the cockpit behind Luke as the ship begins to
settle down. LUKE
Destroyed? How? BEN
The Empire. HAN
But their entire starfleet couldn't have
destroyed the whole planet. It would
take a thousand ships with more fire power
than ... A signal light starts flashing on the control panel and a
muffled alarm starts humming. HAN
It's another ship. LUKE
Maybe they know what happened. BEN
It's an Imperial fighter. Chewbacca barks his concern. A huge explosion bursts outside
the cockpit window, shaking the ship violently. A tiny finned
Imperial tie fighter races past the cockpit window. LUKE
It followed us! HAN
It couldn't have. BEN
No. It's a short-range fighter. HAN
But where'd it come from? There are
no bases near here. LUKE
It's leaving in a big hurry. If it
identifies us we're in big trouble. HAN
Not if I can help it! Chewie, jam
it's transmission. BEN
It would be best to let it go. It's
too far out of range. HAN
Not for long ....
68-70 OMITTED OMITTED 68-70
71 EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP 71
(B22) (B22)
The pirate starship zooms over the camera and away into the
vastness of space after the Imperial tie fighter.
72 EXT. IMPERIAL TIE FIGHTER - SPACE 72
(B23) (B23)
The Imperial tie fighter darts overhead, quickly followed by
the huge pirate starship.
73 INT. COCKPIT PIRATE STARSHIP 73
(B24) (B24)
The tension mounts as the pirate starship gains on the tiny
fighter. In the distance one of the stars becomes brighter
until it is obvious the tie ship is heading for it. Ben
stands behind Chewbacca. BEN
A fighter of that size could never
be this deep into space on its own. LUKE
It must have gotten lost, been part
of a convoy or something ... HAN
Well he won't be around to tell
anyone about us.
74 EXT. SPACE - PIRATE STARSHIP - IMPERIAL FIGHTER 74
(B26) (B26)
The Imperial fighter is losing ground to the larger pirate
starship as they race toward camera and disappear overhead.
A74 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT A74
(B27) (B27)
The distant star can now be distinguished as a small moon or
planet. LUKE
He's heading for that small moon. HAN
I think I can stop him before he gets
there ... he's almost in range. The small moon begins to take on the appearance of a monstrous
spherical battle station.
B74 OMITTED OMITTED B74
C74 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT C74
(B27 & B27A) (B27 & B27A)
BEN
That's no moon, it's a space station. HAN
But it's too big to be a space station. LUKE
I have a very bad feeling about this. BEN
Turn the ship around! HAN
Yes, I think you're right. Full
reverse! The pirate starship shudders and the tie fighter accelerates
away toward the gargantuan battle station.
D74 OMITTED OMITTED D74
E74 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT E74
(B28 & B28A) (B28 & B28A)
The giant wookiee chatters something to Han. HAN
Lock in the auxiliary power! The control board begins to go wild. The Death Star grows
larger as they continue their approach. LUKE
Why are we still moving toward it? HAN
We're caught in a tractor beam.
It's dragging us in. LUKE
You mean there's nothing you can ...? HAN
I'm full power, kid! It's no use.
I'm going to have to shut down. But
they're not going to suck me up like
so much space dust without a fight! Han starts to get out of his pilot's chair. Ben Kenobi puts
a hand on his shoulder. BEN
If it is a fight you cannot win ...
there are many alternatives to fighting.
75 EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP - DEATH STAR 75
(B28 & B31) (B28 & B31)
As the battered pirate starship is towed closer to the awesome
metal moon, the immense size of the massive battle station
becomes staggering. Running along the equator of the gigantic
sphere is a mile high band of huge docking ports into which
the helpless pirateship is dragged.
76 INT. DEATH STAR - CONFERENCE ROOM 76
Imperial Officer Cass stands before Governor Tarkin and the
evil Dark Lord Darth Vader. OFFICER CASS
The scout ships have reached Dantooine.
They have found the remains of a rebel
base ... but they estimate it has been
deserted for sometime. They are conducting
an extensive search of the surrounding
system. TARKIN
She lied! She lied to us! VADER
I told you she would never consciously
betray the rebellion ... unless she
thought she could destroy this station
in the process. TARKIN
Terminate her immediately! VADER
And lose your only link to the rebel
base? She can still be of value to us. TARKIN
You'll get nothing more out of her.
I'll find that hidden fortress if I
have to destroy every star system in
this sector. A quiet beeping tone interrupts the governor.
VOICE
We've captured a freighter entering the
remains of the Alderaan system. It's
markings match those of the ship that
blasted it's way out of the quarantine
on Mos Eisley. VADER
They must have been trying to return the
stolen data tapes to the princess ... we
might be of some help.
77 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN FORWARD BAY 77
The pirate starship rests in a huge hangar bay of the Death Star.
Thirty stormtroopers stand at attention in front of the lowered
main ramp to the starship. Vader and a commander approach the
troops as an officer and several heavily armed troops exit the
spacecraft. OFFICER
There is no one aboard. According to
the ships log, the crew abandoned ship
right after take-off. It must have been
a decoy. Several of the escape pods
have been jettisoned. VADER
Did you find any droid? OFFICER
No sir. If there were any, they must
have also jettisoned. VADER
Send a scanning crew on board, I want
every part of this ship checked. I
sense something ... a presence I
haven't felt since ... Vader turns quickly and exits the hangar.
78 OMITTED OMITTED 78
79 OMITTED OMITTED 79
80 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - HALLWAY 80
A lone trooper runs through the hallway heading for the exit.
In a few moments all is quiet. The muffled sounds of a
distant officer giving orders finally fade. Two floor panels
suddenly pop up revealing Han Solo and Luke. Ben Kenobi sticks
his head out of a third locker. LUKE
Lucky you had these compartments. HAN
I use them for smuggling. I never
expected to smuggle myself in them.
This is ridiculous. It isn't going
to work. Even if I could take off,
we'd never get past that tractor beam. BEN
You leave that to me. HAN
I was afraid you'd say that. You're
a damn fool. BEN
Who is more foolish ... the fool or
the man follows him? Han shakes his head, muttering to himself.
81 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN FORWARD BAY 81
The two crewmen carry a heavy box on board the ship, past the
two stormtroopers guarding either side of the ramp. STORMTROOPER
The ship's all yours. If the scanners
pick up anything, report it immediately. The crewmen enter the pirate starship and a loud crashing sound
is followed by a voice calling out to the guards below. HAN
Hey down there, could you give us a
hand with this? The stormtroopers enter the ship and a second loud crashing
sound is heard.
82 INT. DEATH STAR - FORWARD BAY - COMMAND OFFICE 82
In a very small command office near the entrance to the pirate
starship, a gantry officer looks out his window and notices the
guards are missing. He speaks into the comlink. GANTRY OFFICER
TX-421. Why aren't you at your post?
TX-421, do you copy? A stormtrooper comes down the ramp of the pirate starship and
waves to the gantry officer and points to his ear indicating
his comlink is not working. The gantry officer shakes his
head in disgust and heads for the door, giving his aide an
annoyed look. GANTRY OFFICER
Take over. We've got another bad
transmitter. I'm going to see what I
can do. As the officer approaches the door, it slides open revealing
the towering Chewbacca. The gantry officer in a momentary state
of shock, stumbles backward. With a bone-chilling howl, the
giant wookiee flattens the officer with one blow. The aide
immediately reaches for his pistol, but is blasted by Han,
dressed as an Imperial stormtrooper. Ben and the robots enter
the room, quickly followed by Luke, also dressed as a stormtrooper. LUKE
Between his howling and your blasting
everything in sight, it's a wonder
the entire station doesn't know we're
here. HAN
Bring them on, I prefer a straight
fight to all this sneaking around. Ben feeds some information into the computer and a map of the
city appears on the monitor. He begins to inspect it carefully.
Threepio and Artoo look over the control panel. Artoo finds
something that makes him whistle wildly. BEN
Plug him in. He should be able to
read the entire Imperial computer
network. Artoo punches his claw arm into the computer socket and the
vast Imperial brain network comes to life, feeding information
to the little robot. After a few moments, he beeps something. THREEPIO
The tractor beam is coupled to the main
reactor in seven locations. Most of the
data is restricted, but he'll try to get
what there is to come through on the
monitor. Ben studies the data on the monitor readout.
BEN
I don't think there is any way you boys
can help in this. I must go alone. HAN
Whatever you say. I've done more
than I bargained for on this trip
already. I think putting that tractor
beam out of commission is going to
take more than your magic, old man. LUKE
I want to go with you. BEN
Don't be impatient, young Luke. This
requires skills you haven't yet mastered.
Your destiny lies along a different path.
Stay and watch over the droids. They
must be delivered to the rebel forces or
many more star systems will meet the same
fate as Alderaan. Trust your feelings
Luke. The Force is with you. Ben adjusts his laser sword on his belt and silently steps out
of the command office and disappears down a long gray hallway.
Chewbacca makes some noises and Han shakes his head in agreement. HAN
You said it, Chewie.
(To Luke)
Where did you dig up that old fossil? LUKE
Ben is a great man. HAN
Great at getting us into trouble. LUKE
I didn't hear you give any ideas ... HAN
Anything would be better than just
waiting here for them to pick us up ... Suddenly Artoo begins to whistle and beep a blue streak. Luke
goes over to him. LUKE
What is it? THREEPIO
I'm afraid I don't understand myself sir.
He says "I found her" and keeps repeating,
"she's here". LUKE
Who ... who has he found? Artoo whistles a frantic reply.
THREEPIO
Princess Leia. LUKE
The princess? She's here!? HAN
Princess? What's gong on? LUKE
Where? Where is she? THREEPIO
Level five. Detention block AA-23 ...
I'm afraid she's scheduled to be
terminated. LUKE
No! We've got to do something. HAN
What are you talking about? LUKE
The droids belong to her. She's
the one in the message. We've got
to help her. HAN
Don't get any funny ideas. The old
man said to wait here. LUKE
But he didn't know she was here. If
we could just figure a way into that
detention block. HAN
I'm not going anywhere. LUKE
If we don't do something, they're
going to execute her! A minute ago
you said you didn't want to just
wait here and be captured ... and
now all you want to do is stay. HAN
Marching into the detention area is
not what I had in mind. LUKE
But they're going to execute her! HAN
Better here than me ... LUKE
I've seen her ... she's beautiful! HAN
So's life. LUKE
She's rich. HAN
So ... uh ... rich? LUKE
Yes, powerful and rich and if we were
to rescue her, the reward would be
more wealth than you can imagine. HAN
I don't know ... I can imagine quite
a bit. LUKE
You'll get it! Han looks at Chewie who grunts a short grunt.
HAN
(Shrugging to Chewie) All right, you'd
better be right about this. What's your
plan kid. LUKE
Give me those binders and tell Chewbacca
to come over here. Han gives Luke the electric cuffs as Chewbacca comes over.
LUKE
(To Chewie) Now, I'm going to put these
on you and ...
(Chewie growls hideously)
Now, Han is going to put these on you and ... Luke sheepishly hands the binders to Han.
HAN
Don't worry, Chewie. I think I know
what he has in mind. The wookiee has a worried and frightened look on his face as Han
binds him with electronic cuffs. THREEPIO
Luke, sir! Pardon me for asking ...
but, ah ... what should Artoo and I
do if we're discovered here. HAN
Hope they don't have blasters. THREEPIO
That isn't very reassuring. Luke and Han put on their armored helmets and start off into the
giant Imperial Death Star.
83 OMITTED OMITTED 83
84 INT. DEATH STAR - DETENTION AREA - ELEVATOR TUBE 84
Han and Luke try to look inconspicuous in their armored suits
as they wait for a vacuum elevator to arrive. Troops, bureaucrats
and robots bustle about ignoring the trio completely. Only a
few give the giant wookiee a curious glance. Finally a small
elevator arrives and the trio enter. A bureaucrat races to get
aboard also, but is signaled away by Han. The door to the pod-
like vehicle slides closed and it takes off through a vacuum
tube.
85 OMITTED OMITTED 85
86 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN HALLWAY 86
Several Imperial officers walk through the wide main passageway.
They pass several stormtroopers and a robot similar to Threepio
but with an insect face. At the far end of the hallway, a
passing flash of Ben Kenobi appears, then disappears down a
small hallway. His appearance was so fleeting that it is hard
to tell if he was real or just an illusion. No one in the
hallway seemed to notice him.
87 OMITTED OMITTED 87
88 INT. DEATH STAR - DETENTION SECURITY AREA 88
The giant wookiee and his two guards enter the old gray security
station. Guards and laser gates are everywhere. Han whispers
to Luke under his breath. HAN
This isn't going to work. LUKE
Why didn't you say so before? HAN
I think I did. A tall, grim-looking officer approaches the trio.
OFFICER
Where are you going with this ... thing? Chewie growls a bit at the remark but Han nudges him to shut up.
LUKE
Prisoner transfer from block TS-138. OFFICER
I wasn't notified. I'll have to
clear it. The officer goes back to his console and begins to punch in
the information. There are only three other troopers in the
area. Luke and Han survey the situation, checking all of the
alarms, laser gates and camera eyes. Han unfastens one of
Chewbacca's electronic cuffs and shrugs to Luke. Suddenly Chewbacca throws up his hands and lets out with one
of his ear-piercing howls. He grabs Han's laser rifle. HAN
Look out! It's loose! It'll rip
us all apart. The startled guards are momentarily dumbfounded. Luke and Han
have already pulled out their laser pistols and are blasting
away at the terrifying wookiee. Their barrage of laser fire
misses Chewbacca, but hits the camera eyes, laser gate controls
and the Imperial guards. The officer is the last of the guards
to fall under the laser fire, just as he is about to push the
alarm system. Han rushes to the comlink system, which is
screeching questions about what is going on. He quickly checks
the computer readout. HAN
We've got to find out which cell
this princess of yours is ... here
it is ... cell 2187. I'll hold them
here. Luke races down one of the cell corridors. Han speaks into
the buzzing comlink. HAN
(Sounding official) Everything is
under control. Situation normal. INTERCOM VOICE
What happened? HAN
(Getting nervous) Uh well ... slight
weapon malfunction. No problem now ...
we're all fine thank you. How about you? INTERCOM VOICE
We're sending a squad up. HAN
Uh ... negative, negative. We have a
reactor leak, give us a few minutes
to lock it down. Large leak ... very
dangerous. INTERCOM VOICE
Who is this? What's your operating ... Han blasts the comlink and it explodes.
HAN
It was a boring conversation anyway.
(Yelling down the hall)
Luke! We're going to have company!
89 INT. DEATH STAR - CELL ROW 89
Luke stops in front of one of the cells and blasts the door
away with his laser pistol. When the smoke clears, Luke sees
the dazzling young princess-senator, standing before him with
an uncomprehending look on her face. Luke is stunned by her
incredible beauty, and stands staring at her with his mouth
hanging open. LUKE
You're even ... more beautiful ...
than I Luke doesn't go on and there's another pause as she stares at him.
LEIA
(Finally) Aren't you a little short
for a stormtrooper? Luke takes off his helmet, coming out of it.
LUKE
What? Oh ... the uniform. I've come
to rescue you. I'm Luke Skywalker. LEIA
You're who? LUKE
I've come to rescue you. Ben Kenobi is
with me ... we've got your droids .... LEIA
Ben Kenobi! Where is he? Obi-wan!!
89A INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DEATH STAR 89A
Darth Vader paces the room as Governor Tarkin sits at the far
end of the conference table. VADER
He is here ... TARKIN
Obi-wan Kenobi! Impossible. What makes
you think so? VADER
A tremor in The Force. But the only
time I've felt it such as this was in
the presence of my old master. TARKIN
Surely he must be dead by now. VADER
Perhaps ... it was just a feeling. TARKIN
The Jedi are extinct ... their fire
has gone out of the universe. You,
my friend, are all that's left of their
religion. There is a quiet buzz on the comlink and Tarkin answers.
INTERCOM VOICE
We have an emergency alert in detention
block AA-23 TARKIN
The princess! VADER
Obi-wan is here ... The Force is intense
with him, I can feel it. TARKIN
Put all sections on alert: if you're
right, he must not be allowed to escape. VADER
Escape may not be Obi-wan Kenobi's plan.
He is the last of the Jedi ... and the
strongest. The danger must not be under-
estimated. I must face him alone.
90 OMITTED OMITTED 90
91 INT. DEATH STAR - DETENTION AREA - DUNGEON - HALLWAY 91
A series of explosions knock a hole in the wall through which
several Imperial troops begin to emerge. Han and Chewie fire
their laser pistols at them through the smoke and flames.
They turn and run down the cell hallway, meeting up with Luke
and Leia running toward them. HAN
We can't go back that way! LEIA
No, it look like you've managed to cut
off our only escape route. HAN
(Sarcastically) Begging your forgiveness,
your highness ... but maybe you'd prefer
it back in your cell? Luke takes a small comlink transmitter from his belt.
LUKE
See Threepio! See Threepio! THREEPIO
Yes sir? LUKE
We've been cut off! Are there any other
ways out of the cell bay? ... What was
that? I didn't copy!
92-93 OMITTED OMITTED 92-93
94 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN BAY GANTRY - CONTROL TOWER 94
Threepio paces the control center as little Artoo beeps and
whistles a blue streak. Threepio yells into the small comlink
transmitter. THREEPIO
I said, all systems have been alerted
to your presence, sir. The main entry
seems to be the only way in our out ...
all other information on your sector
is restricted. Someone begins banging on the door.
THREEPIO
Oh, no!
95 OMITTED OMITTED 95
96 INT. DEATH STAR - CELL ROW 96
Han and Chewbacca are barely able to keep the stormtroopers
at bay at one end of the hallway. The laserfire is very
intense and smoke fills the narrow cell corridor. LUKE
There isn't any other way out. HAN
Well they're closing in on us .. what
now? LEIA
This is some rescue ... when you came
in, didn't you have a plan for getting
out? HAN
He's the brains, sweetheart. Luke manages a sheepish grin and shrugs his shoulders. The
princess grabs Luke's gun and fires at a small grate in the
wall next to Han. HAN
What do you think you're doing? LEIA
I've decided it's up to me to save
our skins. Get into that garbage chute
flyboy! She jumps through the narrow opening as Han and Chewbacca look
on in amazement. Chewbacca says something. HAN
No, Chewie ... I don't want you to
rip her apart. I've got an odd
feeling ... either I'm beginning to
like her, or I'm about to kill her.
go on you furry oaf! I don't care
what you smell. We don't have time
to worry about it now. He shoves the wookiee into the tiny opening and the wookiee
disappears into the darkness followed quickly by Han. Luke
fires off a couple of quick blasts, creating a smoky cover,
then slides into the garbage chute and is gone.
A97 INT. DEATH STAR - GARBAGE ROOM A97
Luke has tumbled into a large room filled with garbage and muck.
Han is already stumbling around looking for an exit. He finds
a small hatchway and struggles to get it open. It won't budge. HAN
(Sarcastically) The garbage chute
was a wonderful idea. What an
incredible smell you've discovered.
Unfortunately these trash chambers
are vacuum sealed. He draws his laser pistol and fires at the hatch. The laserbolt
ricochets wildly around the small metal room. Everyone dives
for cover in the garbage as the bolt explodes almost on top of
them. Leia climbs out of the garbage with a rather grim look
on her face. LEIA
Put that thing away or you're going to
get us all killed. HAN
Yes, your worship. But it won't take
long for them to figure out what
happened to us. We had things well
under control, until you led us down
here. LEIA
It could be worse ... A loud, horrible, inhuman moan works its way up from the murky
depths. Chewbacca lets out a terrified howl and begins to back
away. Han and Luke stand fast with their laser pistols drawn.
The wookiee is cowering near one of the walls. LUKE
What was that? HAN
I'm not too sure. LUKE
Something just moved past me. Watch out. Suddenly Luke is yanked under the garbage.
LEIA
It's got Luke! It took him under! Luke surfaces with a a gasp of air and thrashing of limbs with a
membrane tentacle wrapped around his throat. LUKE
Blast it! Blast it! HAN
I can't even see it. Luke is pulled back in to the muck by the slimy tentacle.
Suddenly the walls of the garbage receptacle shudder and move
in a couple of inches. Then everything is deathly quiet.
Luke bobs back to the surface. LEIA
What happened? LUKE
I don't know, it just disappeared ... HAN
I've got a very bad feeling about this. Before anyone can say anything the walls begin to rumble and
edge toward the rebels. LEIA
Don't just stand there. Try to brace
it with something. They place poles and long metal beams between the closing walls,
but they are simply snapped and bent as the giant trash masher
rumbles on. The situation doesn't look too good. Luke pulls
out his comlink. LUKE
Threepio, come in Threepio.
98 OMITTED OMITTED 98
99 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN GANTRY - COMMAND OFFICER 99
A soft buzzer and the muted voice of Luke calling out for See
Threepio can be heard on Threepio's hand comlink which is
sitting on the deserted computer console. Artoo and Threepio
are nowhere in sight. Suddenly there is a great explosion
and the door to the control tower flies across the floor.
Four armed stormtroopers enter the chamber. A muffled voice
can be heard coming from one do the supply cabinets. THREEPIO
Help! Help! Let us out. The troops inspect the dead bodies and release Threepio from
the supply cabinets. Artoo follows his bronze companion out
into the office. THREEPIO
They're madmen! They are heading for
the prison level. They just left, if
you hurry, you might catch them. The troops hustle off down the hallway, leaving two guards
to watch over the command office. THREEPIO
All this excitement has over run the
circuits in my counterpart here. If
you don't mind, I'd like to take him
down to maintenance. The guard nods and Threepio with little Artoo in tow
hurries out the door.
A100 INT. GARBAGE ROOM - DEATH STAR A100
The room gets smaller and smaller. Chewie is whining and trying
to hold a wall back with his giant paws. Han is leaning back
against the other wall. Garbage is snapping and popping. HAN
One thing for sure, we're all
going to be much thinner ... LUKE
What's happened to Threepio? LEIA
Try to blast the door again, it's our
only hope. Han fires, but it is to no avail.
A101 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN FORWARD BAY - SERVICE PANEL A101
Little Artoo carefully plugs his claw arm into a new wall
socket and a complex array of electronic sounds spew from
the tiny robot. THREEPIO
Wait a minute, slow down! ... That's
better. They're where? They what? Oh
no! They're going to be mashed into
conduit before this is over ...
A102 INT. DEATH STAR - GARBAGE ROOM A102
The walls are only feet apart. Leia and Han are standing
sideways. The princess is frightened. They look at each
other, their heads turned sideways. Leia reaches out and
takes Han's hand and holds it tightly. She's terrified
and suddenly groans as she feels the first crushing pressure
against her body. Meanwhile, Luke is lying on his side, trying to keep his
head above the rising ooze. Luke's comlink begins to buzz
and he rips it off his belt. LUKE
Threepio! THREEPIO
Are you there, sir? We've had some
problems. LUKE
Threepio, shut up! And shut down all
the garbage mashers on the detention
level ... do you copy? Shut down the
garbage ...
A103 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN FORWARD BAY - SERVICE PANEL A103
Threepio finishes and then holds his head in agony as he hears
the incredible screaming and hollering from Luke's comlink. THREEPIO
No, shut them all down ... hurry. Oh
no! Listen to them ... they're dying
Artoo! I curse this metal body of mine.
I was not fast enough ... it was my
fault ... my poor master ... all of them
... no, no, no!
A104 INT. DEATH STAR - GARBAGE ROOM A104
But the screaming and hollering is the sound of joyous relief.
The walls have broken open and they move apart again. LUKE (Into the comlink)
Artoo, Threepio, we are all right!
Do you read me? You did fine! Luke moves to the pressure hatch and scrapes some muck off a
number. LUKE
Open the pressure maintenance hatch on
unit 366117891.
A105 INT. DEATH STAR - TRACTOR BEAM POWER GENERATOR TRENCH A105
Ben enters a humming service trench that powers the huge
tractor beam. The trench seems to be a hundred miles deep.
The clacking sound of huge switching devices can be heard.
The old Jedi edges his way along a narrow ledge leading to
a control panel that connects two large cables. He carefully
makes several adjustments in the computer terminal and
several lights on the board change from red to blue. Suddenly a door behind Ben slides open and a detachment of
stormtroopers marches to the power trench. Ben instantly
slips into the shadows as an officer moves to within a few
feet of him. OFFICER
Secure this entry area until the alert
is canceled.
B105 INT. DEATH STAR - UNUSED HALLWAY B105
The group exit the garbage room into a dusty unused hallway.
The Dia Nogu bangs against the opening and a long slimy tentacle
works its way out of the doorway searching for a victim. Han
aims his pistol as Leia makes her way past Chewbacca. LEIA
Somebody get the big hairy walking
carpet out of my way. No, wait!
They'll hear. Han fires at the doorway. The noise of the blast echoes
relentlessly throughout the empty passageway. Luke simply
shakes his head in disgust. LEIA
Listen, I don't know who are, or
where you came from, but from now on
you do as I tell you. Han is stunned at the command of the petite young girl.
HAN
Listen, your holiness ... let's get
something straight! I take orders
from one person ... me. LEIA
It's a wonder you're still alive. Han watches her start away. He looks at Luke.
HAN
No reward in worth this. They follow her moving swiftly down the deserted corridor.
106 INT. DEATH STAR - POWER TRENCH 106
A half dozen troops are milling around the entrance to the
power trench. Ben carefully moves out of the shadows and
into the main passageway past several stormtroopers. They
don't seem to notice him. He deftly slips past all of the
troops and into a main passageway.
107 INT. DEATH STAR - HALLWAY 107
Luke, Han, Chewbacca and Leia run down an empty hallway and
stop before a bay window overlooking the pirate starship. Luke
takes out his pocket comlink. LUKE
See Threepio ... do you copy? THREEPIO
I read you, sir. LUKE
Are you safe? THREEPIO
For the moment. We're in the main hangar,
across from the ship. LUKE
We're right above you. Stand by. Han is watching the dozen or so troops moving in and out of the
starship. HAN
Getting back to the ship's going to
be like flying through the Five Fire
Rings of Fornax. LEIA
You came in that thing? You are braver
than I thought! Han gives her a dirty look, and they start off down the hallway.
They round a corner and run smack dab into twenty Imperial
stormtroopers heading toward them. Both groups are taken by
surprise and stop in their tracks. Before even thinking, Han
draws his laser pistol and charges the troops, yelling at the
top of his lungs. The troops are startled by this assault and
start to back off. Han manages to blast off several shots before
the rest flee in panic. Planned with his prowess, Han starts
after them, yelling back to Luke as he goes. HAN
Get to the ship! LUKE
Come back here .. where are you going? Han has already rounded a corner and does not hear. Chewbacca,
quite upset at his master's disappearance, lets out a mighty
howl and chases after him. LEIA
Maybe I was too hard on him. he
certainly has courage. LUKE
I don't know what good it will do us
if he gets himself killed. Luke is furious but doesn't have time to think about it, for
muted alarms begin to go off down on the hangar deck. Luke
and Leia start off toward the starship hangar.
108 OMITTED OMITTED 108
109 INT. DEATH STAR - SUB HALLWAY 109
Han chases the ten stormtroopers down a long sub hallway. He
is yelling and brandishing his laser pistol. The troops reach
a dead end and are forced to turn and fight. Han stops a few
feet from them and assumes a defensive position. He is ready
to blast them. The troops begin to raise their laser guns.
Soon all ten troopers are moving into an attack position in
front of the lone starpirate. Han's determined look begins
to fade as the troops begin to advance.
110 INT. DEATH STAR - SUB HALLWAY 110
Chewbacca runs down the sub hallway in a last ditch attempt
to save his bold captain. Suddenly he hears the firing of
laser guns and yelling. Around the corner shoots Han, pirate
extraordinaire, running for his life, followed by a host of
furious stormtroopers. Chewbacca turns and starts running the
other way also.
A110 INT. DEATH STAR - HALLWAY A110
Luke fires at the advancing troops and the pair rush down
a narrow sub hallway, chased by the stormtroopers. They
quickly reach the end of the sub hallway and race through
an open hatchway.
B110 INT. CENTRAL CORE SHAFT - DEATH STAR B110
Luke races through the hatch onto a narrow bridge that spans
a huge deep shaft that seems to go into infinity. The bridge
has been retracted into the wall of the shaft and Luke almost
rushes into the abyss. He stops so quickly, Leia bangs into
him sending both of them close to death. A blast from a
stormtrooper's laser bolt explodes over their heads reminding
them of the oncoming danger. Luke draws his laser pistol and
fires back at the advancing troops. LUKE
I think we made a wrong turn. Leia reaches over and hits a switch that pops the hatch door
shut with a resounding boom, leaving them precariously perched
on a short piece of bridge overhang. Luke blasts the controls
with his laser pistol. LUKE
That's a shielded door, but it won't
hold them long. LEIA
We must get across to the passageway.
Find the extension control for the
bridge! They look for an exterior bridge control while the stormtroopers
on the opposite side of the hatch begin making ominous drilling
and pounding sounds. LUKE
They're coming through! LEIA
I'm afraid the controls are on the
other side! Luke notices something on his stormtrooper utility belt. He
pulls out a thin nylon cable, swings it across the metallic
gorge and it wraps itself around an outcropping of pipes. He
tugs on the rope to make sure it is secure, then grabs the
princess in his arms. Leia looks at Luke, then kisses him
quickly on the lips. Luke is very surprised. LEIA
Just for luck. We're going to need it. Luke pushes off and they swing across the treacherous abyss to
the corresponding hatchway on the opposite side. Just as Luke
and Leia reach the far side go the canyon, the stormtroopers
break through the hatch and begin to fire on the escaping duo.
Luke returns the fire before ducking into the tiny sub hallway,
closing the hatch behind him.
111 INT. DEATH STAR - HANGAR PASSAGEWAY 111
Ben hides in the shadows of a narrow passageway as twenty or
thirty stormtroopers rush past him in the main hallway. He
checks to make sure they're gone, then runs down the hallway
in the opposite direction. Darth Vader appears at the far
end of the hallway and starts after the old Jedi.
112 OMITTED OMITTED 112
113 INT. DEATH STAR - CORRIDOR - BLAST SHIELD DOOR 113
Han and Chewbacca run down a long corridor with several troopers
hot on their trail. At the end of the hallway a multi-layered
series of doors begins to close in front of them. HAN
Hurry Chewie! The young starpilot and his furry companion race past the huge
door just as they are closing and manage to get off a couple
of laser blasts at the pursuing troops before the five layers
of door finally slam shut. HAN
That ought to hold them for awhile.
114 OMITTED OMITTED 114
115 OMITTED OMITTED 115
116 INT. DEATH STAR - HALLWAY LEADING TO MAIN FORWARD BAY 116
Ben hurries along one of the tunnels leading to the starship
hangar. Just before he is about to reach the hangar. Darth
Vader steps into view at the end of the tunnel not more than
ten feet away. VADER
I have been waiting, Obi-wan Kenobi.
We meet again at last. The circle
is now completed. When I left you,
I was but a learner, but now I am
the master. BEN
You still have much to learn. Ben Kenobi lights his laser sword and moves with elegant ease
into a classical offensive position. The fearsome Dark Knight
ignites his laser sword and takes a defensive stance. The two
galactic warriors stand perfectly still for a few moments,
sizing each other up and waiting for the right moment. Ben
seems to be under increasing pressure and strain, as if an
invisible weight were being placed upon him. He shakes his
head and blinking, tries to clear his eyes. VADER
Your powers are weak ... old man, you
should never have come back. BEN
You only know half The Force, Darth.
you perceive its full power as little
as a spoon perceives the taste of food. Ben makes a sudden lunge at the huge warrior but is checked by
a lightning movement of the Sith. A masterful slash-stroke by
Vader is blocked by the old Jedi. Another of the Jedi's blows
is blocked, then countered. Ben moves around the Dark Lord
and starts backing into the massive starship hangar. The two
powerful warriors stand motionless for a few moments with
laser swords locked in mid-air, creating a low buzzing sound.
117 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN FORWARD BAY - STARSHIP 117
Threepio looks around at the troops milling about the starship
entry ramp. THREEPIO
Where could they be? ... Oh, no! Threepio ducks out of sight as a trooper looks over toward him.
When the robot ventures another peek, he spots Han and Chewbacca
in a tunnel on the other side of the starship. Han surveys the
troops around the starship. HAN
Didn't we just leave this party? Luke and the princess join Han and Chewie.
HAN
What kept you? LEIA
We ran into some old friends ... LUKE
Is the ship all right? HAN
Seems OK ... if we could get near it. LEIA
Look! They look up and see Ben and Vader emerging from the hallways
on the far side of the Docking Bay. The troops also see the
battling knights. HAN
Now's our chance. Threepio ducks out of sight as the seven stormtroopers who were
guarding the starship rush past them heading toward Ben and the
Sith Knight. He pulls on Artoo. THREEPIO
Unplug yourself. We're going. Ben sees the troops charging toward him and realizes that he is
trapped. Vader takes advantage of Ben's momentary distraction
and brings his mighty laser sword down on the old man. Ben
manages to deflect the blow and swiftly turns around. VADER
Prepare to meet The Force, Obi-wan. BEN
This is a fight you cannot win, Darth.
I have grown much since our parting.
If my blade finds its mark, you will
cease to exist. But, if you cut me
down, I will only become more powerful.
Heed my words. VADER
Not this time ... I am the master now. Vader brings his sword down, cutting Old Ben in half. Ben's
cloak falls to the floor in two parts, but Ben in not in it.
Vader is puzzled at Ben's disappearance and pokes at the empty
cloak. As the guards are distracted, the adventurers and the
robots race to the starship. Luke see Ben cut in two and
starts for him. LUKE
Ben! He starts firing wildly at the troops. Han pops off a couple
of shots, one of which hits the safety lock on the blast door,
causing it to slam shut, cutting off Vader. HAN
Come on! Luke starts for the advancing troops as Han runs up the ramp.
LEIA
It's too late! LUKE
No! BEN'S VOICE
Luke! Luke looks around to see where the voice came from, but only
see Princess Leia running up the ramp. LEIA
Come on! Luke takes aim and blasts a couple of troops before racing up
the ramp.
118 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 118
Han pulls back on the controls and the ship begins to move.
The dull thud of laser bolts can be heard bouncing off the
outside of the ship as Chewie adjusts his controls. HAN
I hope that old man managed to knock
out that tractor beam, or this is
going to be a very short ride.
AA118 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - HOLD AREA AA118
Luke sits with his head in his hands. Princess Leia puts a
cloak around him protectively. LEIA
There wasn't anything you could have
done. LUKE
I can't believe he's gone.
A118 EXT. DEATH STAR - NEAR EQUATOR - SPACE A118
The pirate starship powers away from the Death Star docking
bay and disappears into the vastness of space.
A119 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - HOLD AREA A119
Han rushes into the hold area where Luke is sitting with the
princess. HAN
Come with me kid, we aren't out of
this yet. An explosion shakes the ship.
A120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORTS - COCKPIT A120
(B37) (B37)
Luke settles into one of the two main laser cannons mounted
in large rotating turrets on either side of the ship.
B120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORTS - COCKPIT B120
(B38) (B38)
Han climbs through a hatch and activates the laser cannons
on his side of the ship.
C120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORTS - COCKPIT C120
(B39) (B39)
Chewbacca and Leia search the heavens for the attacking tie
fighters. The wookiee pulls back on the speed controls. LEIA
Here they come!
D120 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE D120
(B40) (B40)
POV. out the front of the cockpit as an Imperial tie fighter
races overhead and away into the blackness of space.
E120 INT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE E120
(B41) (B41)
CU. Imperial tie pilot, the stars whip past behind the
Imperial pilot's head as he adjusts his maneuvering "joy stick."
F120 EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP - SPACE F120
(B42) (B42)
POV. from tie fighter as it races past the pirate starship.
G120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT G120
(B43) (B43)
A tie fighter races up through Han's gunport and his laser
gun flashes as he fires at the Imperial ship.
H120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT H120
(B44) (B44)
Luke lowers his glare reflector and, with a burst of powerful
electronic charge, opens up on the enemy craft.
J120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT J120
(B45 & B46) (B45 & B46)
POV. out of the cockpit window as a tie fighter powers overhead
and away. Chewbacca and Leia watch for a second fighter.
K120 EXT. SPACE K120
(B47) (B47)
Full Shot. Two tie fighters dive down through the frame toward
the pirateship.
L120 EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT L120
(B48) (B48)
CU. Han from outside the gunport as he fires at the descending
Imperial fighters.
M120 EXT. SPACE - TIE FIGHTER M120
(B49) (B49)
A tie fighter drifts past to the left of the frame against a
star background.
N120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP N120
(B50) (B50)
CU. over Luke's shoulder as he fires at an unseen fighter. LUKE
They're coming in too fast!
O120 EXT. SPACE - PIRATE STARSHIP - TIE FIGHTERS O120
(B51) (B51)
Pan with pirateship as two tie fighters charge through the
background. Laserbolts streak from all the craft.
Q120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP Q120
(B52) (B52)
CU. Chewbacca. The ship shudders as a laserbolt hits very
close to the cockpit. The wookiee chatters something to Leia.
R120 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE R120
(B53) (B53)
Full shot of a tie fighter as it moves fast through the frame
firing on the pirate starship.
S120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN PASSAGEWAY S120
CU. a laserbolt streaks into the side of the pirateship causing
a control panel in the main passageway to blow out creating a
shower of sparks. Little Artoo starts toward the inferno as
the ship lurches violently, throwing poor Threepio into a
cabinet full of small computer ships.
T120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT T120
(B54) (B54)
CU. over Luke's shoulder as his gun follows an unseen Imperial
tie fighter.
U120 EXT. SPACE - TIE FIGHTER U120
(B55) (B55)
A tie fighter races toward camera from the vastness of space.
Pan with it as it passes at an incredible speed.
V120 EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT V120
(B56) (B56)
CU. of Han from outside the gunport as he fires furiously at
the tie fighter. The constant flashing of deflected laser-
bolts reflects in the turret bubble.
W120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT W120
(B57) (B57)
View over Han's shoulder through the gunport as a tie fighter
explodes into a million flaring bits. Han turns and gives
Luke a victory wave which Luke gleefully returns.
X120 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE X120
(B58) (B58)
An Imperial tie fighter storms over the top of the pirateship
past its transmitter dish.
Y120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN PASSAGEWAY Y120
A fine white powder spray issues forth from Artoo's head as
the sparkling flames rage around him.
Z120 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - PIRATE STARSHIP Z120
(B59) (B59)
Pan with a tie fighter as it zooms past the pirateship.
A121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT A121
(B60) (B60)
POV. over Luke's shoulder as he hits one of the fighters with
a concentrated barrage of laser bolts and it explodes. He
flashes Han a big grin.
B121 EXT. TIE FIGHTER B121
(B61) (B61)
A tie fighter flies past the pirate starship.
C121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT C121
(B62) (B62)
Leia watches the computer readouts and searches the heavens for
more tie fighters. LEIA
There are still two more of them
out there. We've lost the lateral
controls and starboard deflector
shield. HAN
Don't worry, she'll hold together.
(Looking around)
You hear me ship?! Hold together!!
D121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT D121
(B63) (B63)
CU. Han through the gunport window as he fires at a tie fighter.
E121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT E121
(B64) (B64)
POV. over Luke's shoulder as he fires at a tie fighter
racing up through the frame.
F121 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE F121
(B65) (B65)
POV. out the cockpit of a tie fighter coming from overhead.
G121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT G121
(B66) (B66)
CU. Leia as she watches the tie ship fly over.
H121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT H121
(B67) (B67)
POV. over the shoulder of Han as a tie fighter heads right
for him, them zooms overhead.
J121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - TIE FIGHTER J121
(B68) (B68)
POV. over Luke's shoulder as he fires on a tie fighter diving
below the pirateship.
K121 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - PIRATE STARSHIP K121
(B69) (B69)
Full shot of a tie fighter diving past the pirate starship.
L121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT L121
(B71) (B71)
CU. of Han as he fires his powerful laser cannons.
M121 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE M121
(B72) (B72)
Full shot tie fighter diving and twisting toward the pirate
starship.
N121 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE N121
A tie fighter races past in the background.
P121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT P121
(B74) (B74)
POV. over Luke's shoulder as he fires at a tie fighter
coming toward him and racing overhead.
Q121 EXT. TIE FIGHTERS - SPACE Q121
(B75) (B75)
Full shot of two tie fighters diving and twisting.
R121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUNPORT R121
(B76) (B76)
POV. over Luke's shoulder as he fires at a tie fighter.
S121 EXT. TIE FIGHTER - SPACE S121
(B77 & B78) (B77 & B78)
Full shot of a tie fighter racing toward camera, one of
Luke's laserbolts hits it and it explodes into dust.
A122 INT. COCKPIT - PIRATE STARSHIP A122
Leia and Chewbacca congratulate each other.
LEIA
We've made it!
A123 INT. GUNPORT - PIRATE STARSHIP A123
Luke and Han congratulate each other on their victory.
A124 INT. DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM A124
Vader strides into the control room where Tarkin is watching
the huge view screen. A sea of stars is before him. TARKIN
Are they away? VADER
They've just made the jump to hyper-space. TARKIN
I'm taking an awful chance Vader. This
had better work. Are you sure the homing
beacon is secure aboard their ship? VADER
Have no fear. This will be a day long
remembered. It has seen the end of the
end of the Jedi and will soon see the
end of the rebellion.
A125 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT A125
Han is at the controls of the ship. Chewie moves into the
aft section to check the damage as the princess enters the
cockpit with a determined look on her face. HAN
What do you think, sweetheart? Not a
bad bit of rescuing. You know, sometimes
I amaze even myself. LEIA
That doesn't sound too hard. At least
the information in R-2 is still intact. HAN
What's that droid carrying that's so
important anyway. LEIA
The technical readouts of that battle
station. I only hope that when the
data is analyzed, it's weakness can
be found. I'm afraid it's not over yet. HAN
It is for me. I'm not doing this for
your revolution ... and I'm not doing
it for you ... Princess. I expect to
be well paid. LEIA
(Sadly) You needn't worry about your
reward. If money is all that you
love ... that is what you will receive. She turns and, as she starts out of the cockpit, she passes
Luke coming in. LEIA
(Quietly) Your friend is indeed a
mercenary. I wonder is he really
cares about anything ... or anybody. LUKE
(After she's gone) I do ... I care. Luke sits in the co-pilot's seat. He and Han stare out at the
vast blackness of space. LUKE
What do you think of her, Han? HAN
I try not to. LUKE
(Under his breath) Good ... HAN
Still, she's got a lot of spirit. I
don't know, do you think it's possible
for a princess and a guy like me ... LUKE
No. Luke says it with finality and looks away. Han smiles at
young Luke's jealousy. They both stare at the stars and think
about it.
126 OMITTED OMITTED 126
127 OMITTED OMITTED 127
128 EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN 128
The battered pirate starship drifts into orbit around the
emerald green fourth moon of Yavin.
129 OMITTED OMITTED 129
130 OMITTED OMITTED 130
131 EXT. FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN 131
Rotting in a forest of gargantuan trees, an ancient temple
lies shrouded in an eerie mist. The air is heavy with the
fantastic cries of unimaginable creatures.
132 EXT. MASASSI OUTPOST - JUNGLE TEMPLE 132
Luke and the group ride into the massive temple on an armored
military speeder.
A132 INT. MASASSI - MAIN HANGAR DECK A132
The military speeder stops in a huge spaceship hangar, set
up in the interior of the crumbling temple. Willard,
the commander of the rebel forces rushes up to the group and
gives Leia a big hug. Every one is pleased to see her. WILLARD
(Holding Leia) You're safe! We had
feared the worst. Willard composes himself, steps back and bows formally.
WILLARD
When we heard about Alderaan, we were
afraid that you were ... lost along
with your planet. LEIA
We don't have time for our sorrows, Commander.
The battle station has surely tracked us here
... (looking pointedly at Han) It's the
only explanation for the ease of our escape.
You must use the information in this R-2
unit to plan the attack. It is our only
hope.
133 OMITTED OMITTED 133
134 OMITTED OMITTED 134
135 INT. MASASSI - WAR ROOM BRIEFING AREA 135
Dodonna and Ben stand before a large electronic wall display.
Leia and several other senators get to one side of the giant
readout. The low ceilinged room is filled with starpilots,
navigators and a sprinkling of Artoo-type robots. Everyone is
listening intently to what Dodonna is saying. Han and Chewbacca
are standing near the back. DODONNA
The battle station is heavily shielded
and carries more firepower than half
the star fleet ... but its defenses
are designed around direct large scale
assault. A small one man fighter
should be able to penetrate its
defense screen. Red Leader, a roguish looking man in his early thirties
stands and addresses Dodonna. RED LEADER
Pardon me for asking, sir, but what
good are "snub" fighters going to be
against that? DODONNA
Well, the Empire doesn't think a one
man fighter is any threat, or they
would have a tighter defense. But,
an analysis of the plans provided by
Princess Leia have revealed a weakness
in the battle station. A small thermal
exhaust port right below the main port.
It is an unshielded shaft that runs
directly into the reactor system. A
direct hit will set up a chain
reaction that will destroy the station. A murmur of disbelief runs through the room.
DODONNA
Your approach will not be easy. You
must maneuver straight in
down this shaft, level off in the
trench and skim the surface to this
point. The target is only two meters
across. It will take a very precise
hit at exactly ninety degrees to get
into the reactor system. And only a
direct hit will set up a chain
reaction. The shaft is ray shielded,
so you'll have to use proton torpedoes. Luke is sitting next to WEDGE ANTILLES, a hot-shot pilot about
sixteen years old. Artoo is sitting next to a little R-2
robot who lets out a long whistle of hopelessness and
skepticism. WEDGE
A two meter target at maximum speed
with a torpedo yet! That's impossible
even for the computer. LUKE
But it's not impossible. I used to bulls-
eye womp-rats in my T-16 back home. They
are not much bigger than two meters. WEDGE
With all that firepower directed at us,
this will take a little more than a
barnyard marksmanship, believe me. DODONNA
Yellow squadron will cover for red on
the first run. The green will cover for
blue on the second. Any questions? A muted buzz moves throughout the room, but there are no
questions. DODONNA
Then man your ships and may The Force be
with you.
136 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - MAIN HANGAR DECK 136
Luke, Threepio and little Artoo enter the huge spaceship hangar
and hurry along a long line of gleaming spacefighters. Flight
crews rush around loading last minute armament and unlocking
power couplings. In an area isolated from this activity, Luke
finds Han and Chewbacca loading small boxes onto an armored
speeder. Han is deliberately ignoring the activity of the
fighter pilots' preparations. Luke is quite saddened at the
sight of his friend's departure. LUKE
You got your reward.
(Han just nods)
And you're leaving then. HAN
That's right, kid. I've got some old
debts to pay off and even if I didn't
I don't think I'd be fool enough to
stick around here. You're pretty good
in a scrap kid, why don't you come with
us ... I could use you. LUKE
(Getting angry) Why don't you look
around? You know what's about to
happen ... what they're up against.
They could use a good pilot, but you're
turning you back on them. HAN
What good's a reward if you're not
around to spend it. Attacking that
battle station isn't my idea of
courage ... it's more like suicide. LUKE
Take care of yourself, Han. But I
guess that's what you're best at,
isn't it. Luke goes off and Han hesitates, then calls to him.
HAN
Hey, Luke, ... may The Force be with you. Luke turns and sees Han wink at him. Luke lifts his hand in a
small wave and then goes off. Han turns to Chewbacca. HAN
What're you looking at? I know what
I'm doing. Luke reaches his ship, where Princess Leia is waiting for him.
LEIA
Are you sure this is what you want? LUKE
More than anything. LEIA
Then what's wrong? LUKE
It's Han, I thought he would change
his mind. LEIA
A man must follow his own path. No
one can choose it for him. LUKE
I only wish ... Ben were here. Leia gives Luke a little kiss, turns and goes off.
LEIA
May The Force be with you. As Luke heads for his ship, another pilot rushes up to him and
grabs his arm. BIGGS
Luke! I don't believe it! How'd
you get here ... are you going out
with us?! LUKE
Biggs! Of course, I'll be up there
with you! Listen, have I got some
stories to tell you ... Blue Leader, a rugged handsome man in his forties, comes up
behind Luke and Biggs. He has the confident smile of a born
leader. BLUE LEADER
Are you ... Luke Skywalker? Have
you been checked out on the Incom
T-65? BIGGS
Sir, Luke is the best bushpilot in
the outer rim territories. Pilot Leader pats Luke on the back as they stop in front of
his fighter. PILOT LEADER
I met your father once when I was just
a boy, he was a great pilot. You'll
do all right. If you've got half of
your father's skill, you'll do better
than all right. LUKE
Thank you, sir. I'll try. Luke makes a short bow from the waist as Blue Leader hurries
to his own ship. BIGGS
I've got to get aboard. Listen, you'll
tell me your stories when we come back.
All right? LUKE
I told you I'd make it someday, Biggs. BIGGS
(Going off) You did, all right. It's
going to be like old times Luke.
We're a couple of shooting stars that'll
never be stopped! Luke laughs and shakes his head in agreement. Then he runs
to his ship. There Luke's ground crew has hoisted little Artoo
into a socket on the back of the one-man starship fighter.
Threepio is watching his little friend being rigged. It's
an emotion filled moment as Artoo beeps goodbye. THREEPIO
Hold on tight. You've got to come
back ... you wouldn't want my life
to get boring would you? Luke climbs aboard the sleek, deadly spacecraft. Blue Leader
gives his ground crew the signal that he is starting his ion
engines. Luke's CREW CHIEF pats him on the helmet and has to
yell to be heard over the ion engines. CHIEF
That R-2 unit of yours seems a
little beatup. Do you want a new one? LUKE
Not on your life ... that droid and
I have been through a lot. All
secure, Artoo? The little droid, who is now part of the exterior shell of the
starship, beeps that he is fine.
137 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 137
The princess sits quietly before the giant display showing
the planet of Yavin and her four moons. The red dot that
represents the Death Star moves ever closer to the system.
A series of green dots appear around the fourth moon.
Dodonna stands behind the princess with several other field
commanders. CONTROLLER
The red signal is on the station, it's
moving into our system. COMMANDER
The ships are away.
138 EXT. FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN - MASASSI OUTPOST - JUNGLE 138
All that can be seen of the fortress is a lone guard standing
on a small pedestal jutting out above the dense jungle. The
muted, gruesome crying sounds that naturally permeate this
eerie purgatory are overwhelmed by the thundering din of ion
rockets as four silver starships catapult from the foliage in
a tight formation and disappear into the morning cloud cover.
139 EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN 139
(82) (82)
Long Shot. The small green Fourth Moon slowly moves behind the
massive yellow surface of Yavin in the foreground, as four X wing
fighters flying in formation zoom toward us and out of frame.
They are followed by twenty more distant ships, which are merely
points of light.
139A EXT. SPACE - ANOTHER ANGLE 139A
(82A) (82A)
Tracking Shot. The massive surface of Yavin slowly moves toward
the upper left part of the frame as the camera orbits the planet.
Light from a distant sun creates an eerie atmospheric glow
around the huge planet. A small bright speck appears out of
the ozone haze and begins to move toward us. Four Y ships and
four X ships flying in formations (X in front) settle ominously
in the foreground and very slowly pull away from the tracking
camera as the orbiting speck grows brighter.
140 INT. BLUE LEADER STARSHIP - COCKPIT 140
(82B) (82B)
CU. Blue pilot leader lowers his visor and adjusts his gun
sights, looking to each side at his wing men. (One distant
Y wing in background). BLUE LEADER
Blue boys, this is Blue Leader. Adjust
your selectors and check in. Approaching
target at one point three parsec ...
141 OMITTED OMITTED 141
142 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 142
(83) (83)
Tracking Shot. Behind three of the X wing fighters, the Death
Star grows brighter and the faintest hint of surface is
suggested. The huge planet of Yavin is almost out of frame.
143 INT. BLUE LEADER STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 143
(83A) (83A)
CU. Pilot leader looks to his left. PILOT LEADER
This is it boys. Blue Two, you're out
too far, close it up, Wedge.
144 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 144
(83B) (83B)
CU. Wedge with his brightly painted helmet looks up to his right
and makes some adjustment on his control panels. One Y wing
fighter moves down through the background. WEDGE
Sorry Boss, my ranger seems to be
a few points off ... I'll have to
go on manual. BLUE LEADER
Stand by to lock "S-Foils" in
attack position. WEDGE
Blue Two standing by. BIGGS
Blue Three standing by. JOHN D
Blue Four standing by. LUKE
Blue Five standing by. PIGGY
Blue Six standing by. BLUE LEADER
Execute!
145 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 145
(84) (84)
Tracking Shot with the rebel ships. The large wings on the
fighters unfold, turning them into an X shaped dart. The
Death Star now appears to be a small moon growing rapidly
in size as the rebel fighters approach. We can now vaguely
perceive the complex patterns on the metallic surface. A
large dish antenna is built into the surface on one side.
146 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING 146
(84A) (84A)
CU. Luke adjusts his controls as he concentrates on the
approaching Death Star. The ship begins to be buffeted
slightly. PILOT LEADER
We're passing through their magnetic
shields, hold tight. Lock down your
control units. Switch your deflector
shields on ... double front.
A146 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING A146
(84B) (84B)
CU. As the shaking and buffeting grows stronger, little R-2
riding on the back of the fighter gets jostled quite a bit.
Luke holds on to his controls for dear life, then suddenly
all the turbulence is gone and everything is deathly calm. PILOT LEADER
Keep the channels quiet until we've
reached the surface.
147 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 147
(85) (85)
Tracking Shot. As the fighters move closer to the Death Star
(which now almost fills the frame) the awesome size of the
gargantuan Imperial space fortress is revealed. The vast
complicated surface is ringed at the equator by thousands of
huge docking ports. Half of the deadly space station is in
shadow and this area sparkles with thousands of small lights,
running in thin lines, and occasionally grouped in large
clusters. (Somewhat like L.A. at night as seen from a
weather satellite).
148 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 148
(85A) (85A)
CU. Wedge. Blue Two is amazed and slightly frightened at the
awesome spectacle. WEDGE
Look at the size of that thing! BLUE LEADER
Cut the chatter Blue Two! Accelerate
to attack speed.
149 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 149
(86) (86)
Tracking Shot. The Death Star is now an immense surface.
A huge band of docking ports dot the equator. The glow
from the X wing after burners intensifies as they double
their power. The Blue squad pulls away from the camera as
they jam down to the shadowed surface.
150 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 150
(86A) (86A)
CU. Luke. Grim determination sweeps across Luke's face as
he flips several switches above his head and adjusts his
computerized target readout.
151 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 151
(86B) (86B)
CU. Little Artoo sits snuggled in his nest behind the cockpit
watching the awesome planet whip by.
(87) OMITTED OMITTED (87)
152 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 152
(88) (88)
CU. Blue Leader looks around at his wing men. The left side
of the background is filled with swiftly moving Death Star
surface, as viewed from a rather high altitude. Two Y wing
fighters bob back and forth in the background. He moves his
computer targeting device into position. BLUE LEADER
Red Leader, this is Blue Leader. We're
in position. You can go right in. The
exhaust shaft is further to the north.
We'll keep them busy down here.
153 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 153
(89) (89)
CU. Red Leader. The Y wing fighter is filled with various
computer readouts and displays. Red Leader looks screen left
to the passing Death Star surface, which rotates into horizontal
position. RED LEADER
We're starting for the target shaft now.
Dutch, stand by to take over is anything
happens. BLUE LEADER
I'm going to cut across the axis and try
to draw their fire. May The Force be
with you.
154 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 154
(90) (90)
Long Shot. The two squads of rebel fighters peel off. The
Y ships rise out of the top of the frame. The X wing ships
dive towards the Death Star surface. A thousand light glow
across the dark gray expanse of the huge station.
155 EXT. SPACE - ANOTHER ANGLE 155
(91) (91)
Full Shot. Three X wing fighters dive through the frame
towards the Death Star surface, crossing the horizon line
of the huge station.
156 INT. DEATH STAR 156
(92) (92)
Alarm sirens scream as soldiers scramble to large turbo
powered laser gun emplacements. Electronic drivers rotate
the huge guns into position as the crew adjusts their
targeting devices.
157 INT. DEATH STAR 157
(93) (93)
Men and robots of various shapes and sizes run to their battle
stations. The sound of distant guns pounding away are replaced
by the shudder of a nearby artillery battery opening up.
158 INT. DEATH STAR 158
(94) (94)
A squad of Imperial troopers rush down a hallway in close
formation passing a gunnery crew opening fire.
159 INT. DEATH STAR 159
(95) (95)
Imperial officers yell orders through the smoke and confusion.
Several more armored officers run up to the group, still putting
on helmets and equipment.
160 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 160
(96) (96)
Long Shot. Laser bolts streak through the star filled night.
161 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 161
(97) (97)
CU. Luke. He nosedives radically starting his attack on the
monstrous fortress. The Death Star surface streaks past the
cockpit window. LUKE
This is Blue Five, I'm going in. BIGGS
I'm right behind you, Blue Five.
162 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING 162
(98) (98)
POV. Gunsight Shot. Laserbolts streak from Luke's weapons
creating a huge fireball explosion on the dim surface.
163 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING 163
(99) (99)
CU. Luke. Terror crosses his face as he realizes he won't
be able to pull out in time to avoid the fireball. BIGGS
Pull out. Luke, pull out!
A163 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING A163
(100) (100)
POV. Shot from Luke's ship. The huge explosion continues to
climb from the surface, and the ship dives into it.
B163 EXT. SURFACE OF DEATH STAR B163
(101) (101)
Full Shot. The explosion dominates the frame. Finally
Luke's ship emerges from the fireball, with the leading
edges of his wings slightly scorched.
C163 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING C163
(102) (102)
CU. Luke. He adjusts his controls and breathes a sigh of
relief. Flak bursts outside the cockpit window. BIGGS
Are you all right, Luke? LUKE
I got a little cooked, but, I'm OK. BLUE LEADER
Blue Five, give yourself more lead time,
or you're going to blast yourself out
of the sky. LUKE
Yes sir, I've got the hang of it now.
D163 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR D163
(103) (103)
Long Shot. The surface of the Death Star is pock marked
with explosions. Laserbolts criss-cross the sky in all
directions. Three x wing fighters pass low over-head, dodging
the explosions. Three Y wing ships skim the horizon far in
the background.
E163 EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE E163
(104) (104)
Full Shot. Two ships scream low over the camera firing on a
power terminal. It explodes, generating weird electrical arcs
that leap off the station's surface.
F163 INT. DEATH STAR F163
(105) (105)
Walls buckle and cave in. Troops and equipment are blown in
all directions. Stormtroopers stagger out of the rubble.
G163 INT. DEATH STAR G163
(106) (106)
Standing in the middle of the chaos, a vision of calm and
foreboding, is Darth Vader. One of his astro-officer aides
rushes up to him. AIDE
We count at least thirty rebel ships,
Lord Vader. But they're so small
they're evading our turbo-lasers. VADER
Get the crews to their fighters. Lift
off immediately. We'll have to destroy
them ship to ship ...
H163 INT. DEATH STAR H163
(107) (107)
Ready room chaos. Red scramble lights are flashing.
Imperial starpilots already in their space suits, grab
helmets and space packs as they scramble out the door.
I163 EXT. DEATH STAR I163
(108) (108)
Full Shot. An X wing fighter (Wedge) skims close to the
surface of the Death Star, maneuvering among gun towers and
projecting superstructures.
J163 INT. DEATH STAR J163
(109) (109)
Smoke belches from the giant laser guns as they wind up their
turbine generators to create sufficient power. The crew rushes
about preparing for another blast. Even the troopers head
gear is not adequate to protect them from the over-whelming
noise of the monstrous weapon. One trooper bangs his helmet
with his hand in an attempt to stop the ringing.
K163 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING K163
(110) (110)
CU. Blue Leader flies through a heavy hail of flak. BLUE LEADER
Luke, let me know when you are off the
block.
L163 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING L163
(111) (111)
CU. Luke. Pilot leaders X wing flies past Luke as he puts
his nose down and starts his attack dive. LUKE
I'm on my way in now ... BLUE LEADER
Watch yourself! There's a lot of fire
coming from the right side of that
deflection tower. LUKE
I'm on it.
M163 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR M163
(112) (112)
Full Shot. Luke flings his X wing into a twisting dive across
horizons and down onto the dim gray surface.
N163 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING N163
(113) (113)
POV. Shot from Luke's guns. Laserbolts streak toward the
onrushing Death Star surface. Several small radar emplacements
erupt in flame. Laser fire erupts from a protruding tower on
the surface.
O163 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING O163
(114) (114)
CU. Luke. The blurry Death Star surface races past the cockpit
window as a big smile sweeps across Luke's face at the success
of his run. Flak thunders on all sides of him.
P163 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR P163
(115) (115)
Full Shot. The Death Star superstructure races past Luke as
he maneuvers his craft through a wall of laser fire and peels
away from the surface towards the heavens.
Q163 INT. DEATH STAR Q163
(116) (116)
The thunder and smoke of the big guns reverberates throughout
the massive structure. Many soldiers rush about in the smoke
and chaos, silhouetted by the almost continual flash of
explosion.
R163 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING R163
(117) (117)
Pan Shot. Biggs dives through a forest of radar domes,
antennae and gun towers as he shoots low across the Death
Star surface. A dense barrage of laser fire streaks by on
all sides.
S163 INT. DEATH STAR S163
(118) (118)
Imperial star pilots dash in unison to a line of small
auxiliary hatches that lead to Imperial tie fighters.
T163 INT. DEATH STAR T163
(119) (119)
Technical crews scurry here and there loading last minute
armaments and unlocking power cables.
U163 INT. TIE SHIP - DEATH STAR U163
(120) (120)
Vader slides into his cramped one man craft and tightens a
second set of eye shields. Technical personnel rush all
around him making last minute adjustments, the impression
is that of a champion boxer between rounds.
164 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 164
(121) (121)
Princess Leia, surrounded by her generals and aides, paces
nervously before a lighted computer table. On all sides
technicians work in front of many lighted glass walls.
Dodonna watches quietly from one corner. One of the officers
working over a screen speaks into his head set. CONTROL OFFICER
Squad leaders, we've picked up a new group
of signals. Enemy fighters coming your way.
165 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 165
(122) (122)
CU. Luke looks around to see if he can spot the approaching
Imperial fighter. LUKE
My scope's negative. I don't see
anything.
166 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 166
(123) (123)
CU. Blue Leader. The Death Star surface sweeps past as he
searches the sky for the Imperial fighter. Flak pounds at
this ship. PILOT LEADER
Keep us your visual scanning. With all
this jamming, they'll be on top of you
before your scope can pick them up.
167 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 167
(124) (124)
Long Shot. Silhouetted against the rim lights of the Death
Star horizon, four ferocious Imperial tie ships dive on the
rebel fighters. Two of the tie fighters peel off and drop
out of frame. Pan with the remaining two tie ships.
168 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 168
(125) (125)
CU. Biggs panics when he discovers a tie ship on his tail.
The horizon in the background twists around as he peels off,
hoping to lose the Imperial fighter. LUKE
Biggs! You've picked one up ...
watch it! BIGGS
I can't see it! Where is he?!
169 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 169
(126) (126)
Full Shot. Biggs zooms off the surface and into space, closely
followed by an Imperial tie fighter. The tie ship fires
several laserbolts at Biggs, but misses.
170 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 170
(127) (127)
CU. Biggs sees the tie ship behind him and swings around,
trying to avoid him. BIGGS
He's on me tight, I can't shake him ...
I can't shake him.
171 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 171
(128) (128)
Full Shot. Biggs, flying at high altitude, peels off and dives
toward the Death Star surface, but he is unable to lose the tie
fighter, who sticks close to his tail.
172 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 172
(129) (129)
CU. Luke is flying upside down. He rotates his ship around
to a normal altitude as he comes out of his dive. LUKE
Hang on Biggs, I'm coming in.
173 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 173
(130) (130)
Full Shot. Biggs and the tailing tie ship dive for the surface,
now followed by a fast gaining Luke. After Biggs goes out of
the frame, pan with Luke chasing the Imperial fighter.
174 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 174
(131) (131)
Medium Shot. In the foreground the Imperial fighter races
across the Death Star surface, closely followed by Luke in
the background.
A174 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR A174
(132) (132)
Full Shot. Tie fighter in foreground, pan with Luke as he
dives toward the surface.
175 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 175
(133) (133)
CU. Luke rotates his ship as the Death Star blurs past the
cockpit.
176 INT. COCKPIT CONTROL PANEL - INSERT 176
(133A) (133A)
The electronic sights line up on the computer readout.
177 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 177
(133A) (133A)
LUKE
Got him!
178 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 178
(133A) (133A)
POV. Shot from Luke's X wing of the tie ship exploding in
a mass of flames.
(134) OMITTED OMITTED (134)
(135) OMITTED OMITTED (135)
179 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 179
(136) (136)
Full Shot. Wedge rolls his ship and dives toward the Death
Star surface, passing a tie ship going in the other direction.
180 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 180
(137) (137)
Full Shot. Blue Leader soars up from the Death Star surface.
181 INT. JOHN D's STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 181
(138) (138)
CU. John D, a young pilot with a scar across one eye, adjusts
his targeting device. JOHN D
I'm on one! I've got one!
182 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 182
(139) (139)
Full Shot. A tie ship races by camera followed by John D.
183 INT. JOHN D's STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 183
(140) (140)
POV. shot over John D's shoulder. The tie ship attempts to
outmaneuver the young rebel, to no avail. John D closes on
the Imperial craft as it skims the surface.
(141) OMITTED OMITTED (141)
184 INT. JOHN D's STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 184
(142) (142)
CU. John D reaches up and pulls the trigger of his laser
cannon.
185 EXT. JOHN D's STARSHIP - TRAVELING 185
(143) (143)
POV. Gunsite. The ship is blown to oblivion and spirals down
toward the Death Star.
186 INT. JOHN D's STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 186
(143A) (143A)
CU. John D. A gleeful expression crosses his face at his good
shooting. BLUE LEADER
Good shooting, Blue Six ... watch it,
you've got one on your tail. John D's smile instantly disappears from his face as he looks
around, but can't see the ship behind him. His ship shudders
as a laserbolt explodes nearby, creating flak out the cockpit
window.
187 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 187
(144) (144)
Full Shot. John D's x wing races past camera, closely chased
by an Imperial tie ship firing both guns.
188 INT. JOHN D's STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 188
(145) (145)
CU. John D. The inside of the cockpit explodes as John D is hit. JOHN D
I'm hit! I'm hit!
189 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 189
(146) (146)
Full Shot. John D's x wing explodes in a fiery ball, parts
flying in all directions.
190 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 190
(146A) (146A)
Threepio, Princess Leia and her generals listen and watch
the battle on a huge view screen. (Gunsite POV.) Suddenly
the image flickers and goes dead, but the sound remains,
technicians rush to and fro trying to fix it. TECHNICIANS
The high band receiver has failed. It
will take some time to fix ... LEIA
Switch to audio. Everyone moves about quietly listening to the battle over the
intercom. BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Tighten it up. Blue Two, tighten it up.
Watch those towers. WEDGE (BLUE TWO) (V.O.)
Heavy fire, boss. Twenty-three degrees. BLUE LEADER
I see it. Pull in. Pull in. We're
picking up some interference. BIGGS (BLUE THREE) (V.O.)
I can't believe it ... I've never seen
such fire power! BLUE LEADER
Pull in, Blue Five. Pull in. Luke,
do you read me? Luke? LUKE (V.O.)
I'm all right, chief. I've got a
target. I'm going in to check it out. BIGGS (BLUE THREE) (V.O.)
There's too much action down there, Luke.
Get out. Do you read me, Luke? Pull out. In the war room, Leia stands frozen as she listens and worries
about Luke. BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Break off, Luke. Acknowledge. We've
hit too much interference. Luke, I
repeat, break off! I can't see him.
Blue Six, can you see Blue Five? WEDGE (V.O.)
I've lost Luke. There's a heavy fire
zone on this side. My scanner's
jammed. Blue Five, where are you? Luke, are you all right. BIGGS (V.O.)
He's gone. No wait. There he is.
Fin damage, but Luke's all right. The
kid's fine. A sigh of relief sweeps across the war room. Leia holds onto a
chair and composes herself, knowing Luke is safe.
(147) OMITTED OMITTED (147)
191 INT. DEATH STAR 191
(148) (148)
Smoke belches from the huge guns as troopers struggle to hook
up more power cables.
192 INT. DEATH STAR 192
(149) (149)
Troopers riding a big gun, brace themselves as it fires and
recoils causing the entire room to shudder.
193 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 193
(150) (150)
Long Shot. Laserbolts blast through the night sky.
194 INT. DEATH STAR 194
(151) (151)
Troopers carry exhausted comrades out of the gunport as fresh
gunners jump in to the huge weapon.
(152) OMITTED OMITTED (152)
195 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 195
(153) (153)
Full Shot. Luke dives out of the stars toward the Death Star
surface, past two tie ships in the background.
196 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - SPACE 196
(154) (154)
CU. Luke maneuvers his ship as the twisting blurry surface of
the Death Star zooms by outside the cockpit. BLUE LEADER
Stick close Blue Five, where are you
going? LUKE
My scopes picked up a lateral stabilizer,
I'm going to try for it.
197 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING 197
(155) (155)
POV Shot from Luke's gunsite. Luke skims the Death Star
surface as his laser homes in on a small projection, which
explodes in a spectacular ball of fire.
198 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 198
(155A) (155A)
Full Shot. The Princess is beside Threepio and seems angry
and scared at the same time. LEIA
(Under her breath) Why is Luke taking
so many chances?! LUKE (V.O.)
Got it ... I'm moving south for the
other one. BIGGS (V.O.)
Watch your back, Luke. Watch your
back! Fighters above you, coming in. Leia strains to hear more clearly. Threepio listens nervously
to the continuing battle. THREEPIO
Help him Artoo, and keep holding on.
199 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 199
(156) (156)
Luke continues his dive as a tie fighter appears on his tail,
and begins to close fast.
200 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 200
(157) (157)
CU. Luke as he spots the tie fighters behind him and soars
away from the Death Star surface.
201 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 201
(158) (158)
Full Shot. Wedge dives across the horizon toward Luke and the
tie fighter.
202 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 202
(159) (159)
CU. Wedge, as the Death Star whips below him. WEDGE
I'm on him Luke ... hold on.
203 INSERT - FIRING SWITCH 203
(160) (160)
CU. Wedge's hand as he activates the firing switch on the
compact rebel fighter.
204 EXT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING 204
(161) (161)
POV. Shot from Wedge's gun camera as the tie ship explodes
against the stars. Luke's ship can be seen far into the
distance.
205 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 205
(162) (162)
CU. Biggs races along against a star background. LUKE
Thanks Wedge. BIGGS
Good shooting, Wedge ... Blue Six, I'm
going in. Cover me, Porkins. PORKINS
I'm right with you, Blue Three.
206 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 206
(163) (163)
Full Shot. Biggs' X wing peels off and dives toward the Death
Star surface.
207 EXT. BIGGS' GUNSITE - DEATH STAR SURFACE - SPACE 207
(164) (164)
POV. Biggs' gunsite as his lasers hit the Death Star surface
blowing up a small tower. Lasers stream toward camera from
the surface. A chain reaction is set off creating a series
of explosions leaping across the surface of the fortress
from terminal to terminal.
208 INT. PORKINS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - DEATH STAR 208
(165) (165)
CU. Porkins (Blue Pig). The Death Star horizon rotates outside
the cockpit, as the control panels inside Pig's ship go wild. PORKINS
I've got a problem here ... my
converter is running wild ... BIGGS
Eject, eject, Blue Six, do you read? PORKINS
I'm all right. I can hold it. Give
me a little room, Biggs. BIGGS
Pull up ... pull up.
209 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 209
(166) (166)
Full Shot. Biggs and Porkins race over a mechanical surface
gun emplacement, which follows them relentlessly. Flak and
explosions are everywhere.
210 INT. PORKINS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 210
(167) (167)
CU. Porkins. His cockpit explodes over the low altitude
horizon of the Death Star.
211 INT. DEATH STAR 211
(168) (168)
Full Shot Plate. Porkins' X wing comes apart in a million
flaming pieces against the stars, as Imperial troops watch from
a gun emplacement in the foreground.
212 INT. DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE 212
(169) (169)
Troops rush toward the scene of the crash.
213 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 213
(170) (170)
CU. Biggs. He reacts to the destruction of his comrade and
wing man.
214 INT. CONTROL ROOM - MASASSI TEMPLE 214
(170A) (170A)
General Dodonna approaches the princess and speaks in a calm,
hushed voice.
(171) OMITTED OMITTED (171)
215 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 215
(172) (172)
CU. Red Leader peels off and starts toward the long trenches at
the Death Star surface pole. The background rushes towards us. RED LEADER
Blue Leader, this is Red Leader. We are
starting our attack run. The exhaust
port is marked and locked in. No flak,
no enemy fighters up here ... look's
like we'll get a smooth run at it. BLUE LEADER
I copy Red Leader. We'll try to keep
them busy on this end.
216 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 216
(172) (172)
Full shot. Three Y wing fighters of the red group dive out
of the stars toward the Death Star surface.
217 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 217
(174) (174)
POV. Shot from Red Leader as he approaches the surface and
pulls out to skim the surface of the huge station. The ship
moves into a deep trench. The surface streaks past in front
of them.
218 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 218
(175) (175)
CU. Blue Leader looks around to see if any enemy ships are
near. He makes some adjustments to his control panel. RED LEADER
There it is boys ... remember, when you
think you're close, go in closer before
you drop that rock. Switch all power
to front deflector screens.
A218 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING A218
(176) (176)
Over shoulder POV. Shot. Red Leader races down the enormous
trench that leads to the exhaust port. Laserbolts begin to
race toward him in increasing numbers, occasionally exploding
near the ship, causing it to bounce about. RED TWO
A little aggressive aren't they? RED LEADER
How many guns do you think, Red Five?
B218 INT. RED FIVE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING B218
(176A) (176A)
CU. Red Five is a pilot in his early fifties with a very
battered helmet that looks like it's been through many battles. RED FIVE (POPS)
I'd say about twenty guns. Some on
the surface and some in the towers.
C218 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR C218
(177) (177)
Full Tracking Shot. Three Y wings skim the Death Star surface
deep in the trench as laserbolts streak past on all sides.
D218 EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE - GUN EMPLACEMENT D218
(178) (178)
Full Shot. An exterior surface gun blazes away at the
oncoming rebel fighters.
E218 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING E218
(179) (179)
POV. from Red Leader's ship as it skims the blurred canyon
surface, heading into a vertical wall of laser fire, which
creates almost a slit-scan effect.
219 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 219
(180) (180)
Low Angle Tracking Shot. The three Y wing fighters race
toward camera and zoom over head through a hail of laser fire.
A219 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP A219
(181) (181)
CU. Red Leader pulls his computer targeting device down in
front of his eye. Laserbolts continue to batter the rebel craft. RED LEADER
Switch to targeting computer.
B219 INT. RED TWO'S STARSHIP B219
(181A) (181A)
CU. Red Two, a younger pilot about Luke's age, pulls down
his targeting eye viewer and adjusts it. His ship shudders
under the intense laser barrage. RED TWO
Computers locked and I'm getting a signal.
C219 INT. RED FIVE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING C219
(181B) (181B)
CU. Red Five adjusts the targeting device in front of him.
He seems oblivious to the laser flak. He is very cool and
sure of himself. RED FIVE (POPS)
No doubt about it, this is going to
be some trick.
D219 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING D219
(182) (182)
POV. over Red Leader's shoulder. As the fighter begins to
approach the target area, suddenly all the laser fire stops.
An eerie calm clings over the trench as the surface whips
past in a blur. RED TWO (V.O.)
What's that? They stopped? RED LEADER
I don't like it.
E219 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR E219
(183) (183)
Full Tracking Shot. The three Y wings drive through the
narrow trench flat out. There is now no laser fire to slow
them down.
F219 INT. RED FIVE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING F219
(184) (184)
CU. Red Five as he looks behind him. RED FIVE (POPS)
Stabilize your rear deflectors. Watch
for enemy fighters. RED LEADER
There they are. Coming in. Three
marks at two ten. In the background a computer voice can be heard calling out
the distance to the target. Red Five spots something. RED LEADER
We're sitting ducks down here. RED FIVE (POPS)
We'll have to ride it out.
G219 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR G219
(185) (185)
Full Shot. Three Imperial tie ships in precise formation
dive almost vertically toward the Death Star surface.
H219 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING H219
(186) (186)
CU. Darth Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars
whip past in the window above his head. VADER
3-8-104 I'll take them myself. Cover me.
I219 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE I219
(187) (187)
POV. Gunsite. Vader lines up Red Two in his targeting computer.
J219 INT. RED TWO'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING J219
(188) (188)
CU. Red Two. The cockpit explodes around Red Two.
(189) OMITTED OMITTED (189)
K219 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING K219
(190) (190)
CU. Red Leader. The Death Star races by outside the cockpit
window as he adjusts his targeting device. RED LEADER
(Panicked) We're trapped down here. I
can't maneuver. I'm too close ... loosen
it up. RED FIVE (POPS)
(Calmly) Stay on target. Stay on target.
(191) OMITTED OMITTED (191)
L219 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR L219
(192) (192)
Full Shot. The three tie fighters race along in the trench
in a tight formation.
M219 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER M219
(193) (193)
CU. Vader calmly adjusts his targeting computer and pushes the
fire button.
(194) OMITTED OMITTED (194)
(195) OMITTED OMITTED (195)
N219 INT. RED LEADER'S STARSHIP N219
(196) (196)
CU. Red Leader panicked. RED LEADER
It's no good, I'm hit, I'm hit.
(197) OMITTED OMITTED (197)
(198) OMITTED OMITTED (198)
(199) OMITTED OMITTED (199)
220 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 220
(200) (200)
(Use Board 189) Full Shot. Red Leader explodes in a ball of
flames throwing debris in all directions.
A220 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING A220
(200A) (200A)
POV. from Vader's ship as the Y wing fighter peels off and
heads toward space. The horizon drops away as Vader follows.
B220 INT. RED FIVE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING B220
(201) (201)
CU. Red Five as he moves in on the exhaust port. RED FIVE (POPS)
Red Five to Blue Leader. Aborting run,
under heavy fire. Tie fighter came out
of nowhere ... I can't ... wait!
C220 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT C220
(202) (202)
CU. Vader as he adjusts his control stick, then presses the
firing button.
D220 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR D220
(203) (203)
Full Shot. One of the engines explodes on Red Five's Y winged
fighter, blazing and out of control he dives past the horizon
toward the Death Star surface, passing a tie fighter during his
descent.
E220 INT. RED FIVE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING E220
(204) (204)
CU. Red Five, a veteran of countless campaigns, spins toward
his death. BLUE LEADER
Are you all right? RED FIVE
Lost Tiree ... lost Dutch ... they come
from behind, can't maneuver in the trench
... sorry, it's your baby now ... so long,
Dave ... (static)
F220 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING F220
(205) (205)
CU. Blue Leader reacts to the loss of his old friend. BLUE LEADER
Blue Boys, this is Blue Leader. Rendezvous
at mark six point one. All wings report in. BLUE TEN
Blue Leader, this is Blue Ten, I copy. BLUE TWO (WEDGE)
This is Blue Two. I'm flying towards you.
G220 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING G220
(206) (206)
CU. Luke looks back and sees an Imperial tie fighter on his
tail. His ship wobbles as he tries to maneuver away from it. LUKE
This is Blue Five, I have a problem here,
I'll be right with you.
H220 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR H220
(207) (207)
Full Shot. Luke takes evasive action diving toward the
surface. The tie ship drops in behind him as Luke continues
his dive then soars up, leaving the Death Star far below.
I220 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING I220
(208) (208)
CU. Biggs flying at high altitude. Biggs spots his friend in
trouble. BIGGS
I see you Luke, stay with it.
J220 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR J220
(209) (209)
Full Shot. At an incredible speed, Biggs' fighter drops
through the frame racing for Luke.
K220 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING K220
(210) (210)
CU. Luke with tie ship in the background. The tie ship fires
a laser at Luke, which streaks over head causing the entire
fighter to shudder. LUKE
Blasted, Biggs. Where are you?
L220 INT. TIE FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING L220
(211) (211)
POV. of Luke racing toward the horizon, from over the tie pilot's
shoulder. He fires another laser at Luke and watches his
targeting device intently waiting for Luke to get in the cross
hairs. Suddenly he looks up in surprise as Biggs drops into
view just ahead and races toward him, firing both guns. The
tie fighter explodes in a fiery hell.
M220 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING M220
(212) (212)
CU. Luke peels off and heads for Blue Leader. LUKE
Good move Biggs.
(213) OMITTED OMITTED (213)
(214) OMITTED OMITTED (214)
(215) OMITTED OMITTED (215)
N220 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - TRAVELING N220
(216) (216)
CU. Biggs. The horizon twists wildly behind his head. BIGGS
I'm just getting started ...
221 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 221
(217) (217)
POV. of Space from behind Luke's shoulder as Biggs races
past Luke doing a victory roll. BIGGS
Just point me at the target.
A221 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM A221
(218) (218)
Dodonna moves to the intercom as he fiddles with the computer keys. DODONNA
(Into intercom) Blue Leader, this is
base one. Double check your attack.
Have your wing men hold back and cover
for you. Keep half of your group out of
range to make the next run. BLUE LEADER
Copy base one ... Blue Ten, Blue Twelve,
join with me.
B221 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR B221
(219) (219)
Long Shot. Three X wings level off over the Death Star surface.
(Blue Leader, Ten and Twelve).
C221 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING C221
(220) (220)
CU. Blue Leader looks over at his wing men. BLUE LEADER
Blue Five, this is Blue Leader. Luke
take Blue Two and Three. Hold up here
and wait for my signal to start your run.
D221 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING D221
(221) (221)
CU. Luke flying high over the Death Star surface. LUKE
May The Force be with you. Biggs, Wedge,
let's close it up.
E221 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR E221
(222) (222)
Long Shot. Luke, Biggs and Wedge fly in formation high above
the Death Star surface.
F221 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING F221
(223) (223)
CU. Blue Leader. The high altitude horizon twists as Blue
Leader starts his dive toward the Death Star surface. BLUE LEADER
Blue Ten, Blue Twelve, stay back until
we spot those fighters, then cover me.
G221 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR G221
(224) (224)
Full Shot. Blue Leader's x wing drops down to the surface
leading to the exhaust port.
H221 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE H221
(225) (225)
Full Shot. X-Ten and X-Twelve drop toward the Death Star surface.
I221 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE I221
(226) (226)
Long Shot panning with Blue Leader in the trench. Blue Ten
and Twelve keep moving further and further behind, until they
drop out of frame.
J221 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING J221
(227) (227)
CU. Blue Leader. The silence of the deep trench is spooky.
Blue Leader looks around rather nervously, then double checks
his instruments. BLUE LEADER
This doesn't seem right ... BLUE TEN
You should be able to see it by now. BLUE LEADER
The magnetic disruption down here is
unbelievable. I think my instruments
are off. Is this the right trench?
K221 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR K221
(228) (228)
Tracking Full Shot. Blue Leader's X wing races toward camera
and zooms overhead. Blue Ten and Twelve can be seen far in
the distance, as vaguely articulated points of light.
L221 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING L221
(229) (229)
POV. from inside Blue Leader's ship. As laserbolts begin to
stream toward him from the end of the trench, the rebel craft
begins to shudder under the turbulence.
M221 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR M221
(230) (230)
Blue Ten and Twelve blast through the wall of laser fire in
the deep trench leading to the exhaust port.
N221 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING N221
(231) (231)
CU. Blue Leader. Laserbolts streak around him in all directions. BLUE LEADER
It's not going to be easy with that tower
there. Stand by to close up when I tell
you.
O221 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR O221
(232) (232)
Full Shot looking down on Blue Leader as he plows through
the trench filled with laser fire.
222 EXT. DEATH STAR - GUN EMPLACEMENT 222
(233) (233)
Full Shot. A huge remote control laser cannon fires at the
approaching rebel fighters.
A222 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR A222
(234) (234)
Full Shot. Laser streak across the black heavens.
B222 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING B222
(235) (235)
POV. from inside Blue Leader's fighter as he roams down the
trench. Suddenly the laser stops.
C222 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING C222
(236) (236)
CU. Blue leader looks around to watch for the tie fighters. BLUE LEADER
This is it. Keep your eyes open for
those fighters.
D222 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR D222
(237) (237)
Full Shot. Blue Ten and Twelve race along through the now
silent trench.
E222 INT. BLUE TEN'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING E222
(237A) (237A)
CU. Blue Ten looks around for the Imperial fighters. BLUE TEN
All short and long range scopes are
blank. There is too much interference
... Blue Five, can you see them from
where you are?
F222 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING F222
(238) (238)
CU. Luke looks down at the Death Star surface far below. LUKE
No sign of ... wait! Coming in point
three five.
G222 INT. BLUE TEN'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING G222
(239) (239)
CU. Blue Ten looks up and see the Imperial fighters. BLUE TEN
I see them.
H222 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR H222
(240) (240)
Full Shot. Three tie fighters dive in a tight formation.
The sun reflects off their dominate solar fins, as they
loop toward the Death Star surface.
I222 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING I222
(240A) (240A)
CU. Blue Leader pulls his targeting device in front of his
eye and makes several adjustments. BLUE LEADER
I'm in range. Targets ready ... coming up ...
just hold them for a few seconds.
J222 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - TRAVELING J222
(241) (241)
CU. Vader adjusts his control lever and dives on the X wing
fighters. VADER
Close up the formation. I'll take
them myself.
K222 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING K222
(242) (242)
POV. from Vader's tie ship as he rapidly approaches the
two X wings of Blue Ten and Twelve. Vader's laser cannon
flashes below the view of the front porthole.
L222 INT. BLUE TWELVE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING L222
(243) (243)
CU. Blue Twelve as his ship explodes filling the cockpit
with smoke and flames.
M222 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR M222
(244) (244)
Full Shot. Blue Twelve explodes against the wall of the trench.
N222 INT. BLUE TEN'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING N222
(244A) (244A)
CU. Blue Ten works at his controls furiously trying to
avoid the fighter behind him. BLUE TEN
I can't hold them. You'd better let
it loose. We're closing on you.
223 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 223
(245) (245)
CU. Blue Leader is concentrating on his targeting device. BLUE LEADER
We're almost home. Steady, steady.
A223 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR A223
(246) (246)
Full Shot. Blue Leader and Blue Ten race through the trench. BLUE TEN
They're right behind me.
B223 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING B223
(246A) (246A)
CU. Blue Leader takes careful aim and watches his computer
targeting device.
C223 INSERT C223
(246B) (246B)
CU. computer targeting device as it lines up the target
in the cross hairs and fires. BLUE LEADER
Almost there, almost there ...
torpedoes away, torpedoes away.
(247) OMITTED OMITTED (247)
D223 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR D223
(248) (248)
Tracking Full Shot looking into trench as the two X wings
pull up and zoom out the top of the frame, just before a
huge explosion billows out of the trench.
(248A & B)TWO ADDITIONAL ANGLES TO STORYBOARD 248. (248A & B)
E223 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING E223
(248C) (248C)
CU. Blue Leader as he looks back at the receding Death Star.
(Tiny explosions visible in the distance). BLUE TEN
It's a hit, we've done it!!! BLUE LEADER
No, we haven't. It didn't go in.
It just exploded on the surface.
(249) OMITTED OMITTED (249)
F223 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR F223
(250) (250)
Full Shot. Vader and his two wing men race down the trench
and zoom overhead.
G223 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER G223
(251) (251)
CU. Vader as he pulls back on his control stick and the
horizon zips through the port behind his head. VADER
Take them ...
H223 INSERT - TRIGGER H223
(252) (252)
CU. Vader's hand pulls the trigger of his laser cannon. The
ship shudders as the laserbolt screams away.
I223 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING I223
(253) (253)
POV. from Vader's ship as Blue Ten explodes, blowing debris
toward camera.
J223 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING J223
(253A) (253A)
CU. Vader as he swings his ship around for his next kill. VADER
I'll take him, you go back.
K223 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR - TIE FIGHTER K223
(254) (254)
Full Shot. Vader peels off in pursuit as Blue Leader's
X wing passes the Death Star horizon.
L223 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING L223
(255) (255)
CU. Luke as he tries to spot Blue Leader. BLUE LEADER
Blue Five, this is Blue Leader ...
Move into position, Luke. Start
your attack run, stay low and wait
until you're right on top of it ...
it's not going to be easy. LUKE
Are you all right? BLUE LEADER
They're on top of me ... but I'll
shake them. LUKE
Blue Five to Blue pack ... let's go!
M223 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR M223
(256) (256)
Full Shot. High Altitude. The Death Star surface rushes
toward the ships as they peel off and dive toward the trench.
N223 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING N223
(256A) (256A)
CU. Blue Leader flying over the medium altitude Death Star
surface, glances back at Darth Vader, and dives to avoid him.
O223 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR O223
(257) (257)
Full Shot. Vader passes Blue Leader firing a laserbolt
that creates a small explosion in one engine.
P223 EXT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING P223
(258) (258)
CU. An R-2 unit scrambles back to the engine on Blue Leader's
X wing fighter in an attempt to repair it.
Q223 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING Q223
(259) (259)
CU. Blue Leader watches his readouts which are going wild. BLUE LEADER
R-2, shut off the main feed to the star-
board engine. Hang on tight, this could
get rough.
(260) OMITTED OMITTED (260)
R223 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING R223
(261) (261)
CU. Luke looks down at the Death Star surface. LUKE
Blue Leader, we're right above you.
Turn to point oh five and we'll
cover for you. BLUE LEADER
I've lost my starboard engine. LUKE
We'll come down. BLUE LEADER
Stay there. Get set up for your
attack run. LUKE
Are you all right? BLUE LEADER
I think so ... stand by.
S223 INT. BLUE LEADER'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING S223
(261A) (261A)
POV. behind Blue Leader's shoulder as he plows into the
Death Star surface.
(262) OMITTED OMITTED (262)
T223 EXT. SPACE - DEATH STAR T223
(263) (263)
Long Shot Tracking over high altitude of Death Star surface
as Blue Leader buys it, creating a tremendous explosion far
below. (Luke's POV.)
U223 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING U223
(264) (264)
CU. Luke looking out the window of his X wing at the
explosion far below. (Off screen). For the first time
he feels the helplessness of his situation. LUKE (Quietly)
We've lost Blue Leader ...
(265) OMITTED OMITTED (265)
(266) OMITTED OMITTED (266)
(267) OMITTED OMITTED (267)
V223 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM V223
(268) (268)
Dodonna and Princess Leia listen intently to the talk between
pilots. The room is grim after Blue Leader's death. Princess Leia
nervously paces the room. LEIA
(To Dodonna) Can they go on? DODONNA
They must. LEIA
We've lost so many. Without Blue
Leader, how will they regroup? LUKE (V.O.)
Close it up, Wedge. Biggs, where
are you? BIGGS (V.O.)
Coming in, right behind you. WEDGE (V.O.)
OK Boss, we're in position. Dodonna looks at Leia. He seems concerned.
W223 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR W223
(269) (269)
Full Shot. The three X wing fighters are lined up over the
Death Star surface. The blurred horizon streaks by in the
background.
X223 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING X223
(270) (270)
CU. Luke with vertical Death Star horizon in background. He
struggles with one of his controls which seems to be malfunctioning. BEN'S VOICE
Trust your feelings, Luke. Luke isn't sure if he heard the voice or not. He taps his
helmet intercom. His puzzled look gives way to concentration
as he starts his run. LUKE
Wedge, Biggs, we're going in. We'll
go in full throttle. That should keep
those fighters off us.
Y223 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING Y223
(270A) (270A)
CU. Biggs. Same blurred background. BIGGS
We'll stay back far enough to cover
you. At that speed will you be able
to pull out in time?
Z223 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING Z223
(271) (271)
CU. Wedge. The horizon twists as he begins to pull out. LUKE
It will be just like Beggars Canyon
back home. WEDGE
I'm right with you, boss. Let's go ...
224 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 224
(272) (272)
Full Shot. Luke and Biggs peel off against a background of
stars and dive out of frame.
A224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING A224
(273) (273)
X wing POV. as Luke dives toward the Death Star surface. At
the last possible moment, he pulls out of his dive and skims
the metallic terrain. Laser fire begins to stream toward
camera from the horizon.
B224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING B224
(274) (274)
CU. Luke. Flak and laserbolts flash outside the cockpit
window. BIGGS
We seem to have upset them. LUKE
This is fine. I can see everything. WEDGE
My scope shows the tower, but I can't
see the exhaust port. It must be
awfully small. Are you sure the
computer can hit it?
C224 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR C224
(275) (275)
Full Shot. Luke's X wing streaks through the trench leading
to the exhaust port. Flak and lasers are everywhere. Pan
with him as he goes.
D224 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE D224
(276) (276)
Full Shot of Biggs and Wedge as they charge through the trench.
Pan up with them as they pull away.
E224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING E224
(277) (277)
POV. out window of Luke's X wing as he approaches the target.
The laserbolts streaming past suddenly stop.
F224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING F224
(278) (278)
CU. Luke. He looks around for the Imperial tie fighters.
He thinks for a moment and then moves his targeting device
into position. LUKE
Watch yourself. Increase your speed
full throttle. WEDGE
What about that tower? LUKE
You worry about those fighters. I'll
worry about the tower.
G224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING G224
(279) (279)
POV. through computer sight as it marks off the distance
to the target.
H224 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING H224
(280) (280)
CU. Wedge as he looks up and sees the tie ships. WEDGE
Coming in ... point three.
I224 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR I224
(281) (281)
Full Shot. Vader and his wing men zoom toward camera.
J224 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING J224
(282) (282)
CU. Vader adjusts his controls. VADER'S WINGMAN
They're making the approach too fast. VADER
Stay with them. WINGMAN ONE
They're going too fast to get a fix.
K224 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING K224
(283) (283)
POV. over Vader's shoulder at Biggs' X wing flying down trench. VADER
They'll have to slow down before they
reach that tower ...
L224 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR L224
(284) (284)
Full Pan Shot across trench wall as Biggs and Wedge race
after Luke.
M224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING M224
(285) (285)
CU. Luke looking into targeting device. LUKE
Almost home.
N224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING N224
(286) (286)
CU. computer readout as it homes in on the target and fires
at the exhaust port. LUKE
Torpedoes away! Pull up. Pull up.
O224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING O224
(287) (287)
POV. from Luke's ship as the torpedoes head for the exhaust
port and explode, harmlessly to one side.
(288) OMITTED OMITTED (288)
P224 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR P224
(289) (289)
Full Shot. The explosion billows out of the trench. A tie
fighter races out of the fire ball.
Q224 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING Q224
(290) (290)
CU. Vader as he moves in on the three X wings. VADER
Take them.
R224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING R224
(291) (291)
CU. Luke as he soars above the Death Star trying to evade
Darth Vader. LUKE
Wedge, Biggs, split up ... it's the
only way we'll shake them.
S224 EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE S224
(292) (292)
Full Shot. Luke, Biggs and Wedge's X wings dive toward the
Death Star surface, and split up. Luke's ship goes off camera
left.
T224 EXT. SPACE - TIE FIGHTERS T224
(292A) (292A)
Full Shot of the Imperial tie fighters in pursuit. They
go after Luke.
U224 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING U224
(292B) (292B)
CU. Vader as he fires on Luke. VADER
The Force is strong with this one.
I'll take him myself.
V224 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR V224
(293) (293)
Full Shot. Luke's X wing zooms overhead as a laserbolt
streaks past him, kicking one of his wings close to the
engine.
W224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING W224
(294) (294)
CU. Luke. The left engine begins to spark as he fights to
regain control of his wavering ship. He dives down into the
trench. LUKE
I'm hit ... but not bad ... Artoo, see
what you can do with it.
X224 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP X224
(295) (295)
CU. Artoo pops out of his nest and starts to repair the
damaged engine fin. The canyon wall rushes by in the background
making his delicate task seem even more precarious.
Y224 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING Y224
(296) (296)
POV. from inside Luke's cockpit as he maneuvers through some
protruding towers in the trench. LUKE
Hang on back there.
Z224 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING Z224
(296A) (296A)
CU. Artoo as the ship bobs and waves past the towers.
225 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 225
(297) (297)
Full Shot Tracking with Luke's X wing as it streaks across
the trench surface. Flak and lasers erupt from the Death
Star surface. Artoo is working on the back engine.
A225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING A225
(298) (298)
CU. Luke as the flak and lasers streak around him. LUKE
I think you've got it Artoo, I thin
that's it ... just try to lock it down.
B225 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR B225
(299) (299)
Lasers streak across the star filled sky.
C225 INT. DEATH STAR C225
(300) (300)
Medium Shot. An Imperial gunner fires away at Luke's ship.
D225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING D225
(301) (301)
CU. Luke looks around in all directions. The lasers and flak
pound all around him. LUKE
I think we lost those fighters, Artoo.
Blue Group, this is Blue Five. Are
you clear?
E225 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR E225
(302) (302)
Full Shot. Luke's X wing flies up out of the laser infested
trench and zooms out of the top of the frame.
F225 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING F225
(303) (303)
CU. Wedge flies high over the Death Star. WEDGE
I'm up here waiting, boss. LUKE
I'm on my way ... Blue Three are you
clear? ... Biggs.
G225 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING G225
(303A) (303A)
Biggs flies high over the Death Star. BIGGS
I've had some trouble, but I think
I've lost him ...
H225 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR H225
(304) (304)
Full Shot. Biggs speeds over the high altitude horizon.
I225 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE I225
(304A) (304A)
An Imperial tie fighter drops in behind him, and he peels
off and dives for the Death Star surface, trying to avoid it.
J225 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - TRAVELING J225
(305) (305)
CU. Biggs as he twists out of his dive. BIGGS
Hold on Luke, I'll be right there.
(306) OMITTED OMITTED (306)
(307) OMITTED OMITTED (307)
K225 INT. WAR ROOM - MASASSI OUTPOST K225
(308) (308)
Princess Leia returns her general's worried and doubtful
glances with a solid grim determination. Threepio seems
nervous. THREEPIO
Hang on Artoo, hang on!
L225 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR L225
(309) (309)
Full Shot. Luke and Wedge's X wing fighters close up high
on the Death Star surface.
M225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING M225
(310) (310)
CU. Luke, high over the Death Star looks around for Biggs. LUKE
We're goin' in Biggs, join up ... Biggs
are you all right? ... Biggs. Wedge,
do you see him anywhere? Luke looks out of his cockpit down to his right.
N225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING N225
(311) (311)
POV. out Luke's window of Wedge's X wing bobbing along right
next to Luke's ship.
O225 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING O225
(312) (312)
CU. Wedge looks up to his left a Luke. WEDGE
Nothing ... wait a little longer,
he'll show.
P225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING P225
(313) (313)
CU. Luke makes one final look around. LUKE
We can't wait, we've got to go now ...
I don't think he made it. BIGGS
(Radio breaking up) Hey you guys,
what are you waiting for? Luke looks behind him to his right.
Q225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING Q225
(314) (314)
POV. inside Luke's cockpit of Biggs' X wing roaring past
the cockpit window and pulling out ahead of Luke.
R225 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING R225
(315) (315)
CU. Biggs as he looks back at Luke. BIGGS
Don't ever give up on old Biggs ...
(316) OMITTED OMITTED (316)
S225 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR S225
(317) (317)
Full Shot of the three X wings in formation above the Death
Star surface. The horizon races by behind them.
SS225 INT. DEATH STAR CONTROL ROOM SS225
An officer approaches Governor Tarkin.
OFFICER
Sir, we analyzed their attack plan,
and there is a danger. Should we
make plans to evacuate? Your ship
is standing by. TARKIN
Evacuate! On our moment of triumph?
I think you overestimate their chances.
T225 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM T225
(318) (318)
Everyone seems frozen in place as they wait for Luke to make
his run. One of the generals shakes his head. The Princess
moves next to Dodonna and he gives her a reassuring look.
U225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING U225
(319) (319)
CU. Luke as he starts his dive. The Death Star surface races
up behind him. LUKE
We're goin in. BEN'S VOICE
Let go ... Luke. Luke looks up to see where the voice is coming from.
V225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING V225
(320) (320)
Luke dives toward the Death Star surface, then at the last
minute, levels off and skims the surface. Lasers start to
stream toward him.
W225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING W225
(321) (321)
CU. cockpit control board, light and shadows dance across
the humming dashboard.
X225 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING X225
(322) (322)
CU. Luke. Lasers and flak burst around him everywhere. LUKE
Artoo, that stabilizer has broken
loose again. See if you can't
lock it down.
226 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP 226
(323) (323)
CU. Artoo. Ignoring the bumpy ride, flak and lasers, Artoo
struggles to repair the engines.
A226 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING A226
(324) (324)
POV. out Luke's window. Lasers and flak streak by, buffeting
the ship, as he approaches the target.
B226 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR B226
(325) (325)
Full Shot as Luke streaks out of the distance and over the
camera. Biggs and Wedge can be seen as light points far in
the distance. Lasers are everywhere.
C226 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING C226
(326) (326)
CU. Luke as he thinks about using the targeting device and
then rather hesitantly pulls it down in front of his eye.
Lasers and flak burst around him.
D226 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING D226
(327) (327)
POV. out Luke's cockpit window. As he approaches the target,
suddenly the lasers and flak stop. The X wing races toward
its destiny in the now silent and eerie trench.
E226 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING E226
(328) (328)
CU. Wedge riding low in the trench, looks up and sees Vader
and his men approach. WEDGE
Here we go again.
F226 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR F226
(329) (329)
Full Shot. Vader and his men zooming across the Death Star
trench.
G226 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING G226
(330) (330)
CU. Vader as he adjusts his control stick.
H226 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING H226
(331) (331)
POV. out Vader's window as he races through the trench. Far
in the distance Biggs and Wedge try to cover for Luke. Vader
gains on the two X wings.
I226 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING I226
(332) (332)
CU. Luke looking into his targeting device. He moves it away
for a moment and ponders its use. He looks back into the
computer targeter.
J226 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING J226
(332A) (332A)
CU. computer targeting device as it calculates the ship's
relationship to the exhaust port.
K226 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING K226
(333) (333)
CU. Biggs as he looks around at the tie fighter. BIGGS
Hurry Luke. They're coming in
much faster this time. We can't
hold them.
L226 INT. VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING L226
(334) (334)
Close shot of tie fighter racing overhead.
M226 INT. VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING M226
(334A) (334A)
CU. Vader as he squeezes the fire button on his controls.
N226 INT. BIGGS' STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING N226
(335) (335)
CU. Biggs as the cockpit explodes around him. BIGGS
Wait ... wait ...
O226 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR O226
(336) (336)
Full Shot as Biggs ship bursts into a million flaming bits and
scatters across the surface.
P226 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING P226
(336A) (336A)
CU. Wedge as he reacts to Biggs' death and frantically looks
around for the tie fighters. WEDGE
We lost Biggs.
Q226 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR Q226
(337) (337)
Full Shot of Luke's X wing streaking through the trench.
R226 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING R226
(338) (338)
CU. Luke, reacting to Biggs death. His eyes are watering but
his anger is also growing as he repeats his friends boast ... LUKE
We're a couple of shooting star, Biggs
... and we'll never be stopped. The trench races behind him. His ship shakes a little.
LUKE
Close it up, Wedge. You can't do
anymore good back there. Artoo,
try to increase the power.
S226 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING S226
(339) (339)
CU. Artoo as he moves to repair the damaged stabilizer.
T226 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR T226
(340) (340)
Full Shot Luke racing through the trench as Wedge pulls up
alongside of him.
U226 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE U226
(341) (341)
Full Shot. The three tie fighters zoom through the trench
after the X wing fighters.
V226 INT. VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING V226
(342) (342)
CU. Vader as he takes aim on Luke and talks to his wing man. VADER
I'm on the leader, take the other ones ...
W226 INT. VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING W226
(343) (343)
POV. through Vader's scope as he tries to take aim on Luke's
constantly bobbing and weaving X wing. Luke is right in front
of Wedge on his left side.
X226 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING X226
(344) (344)
CU. Luke concentrating on his targeting device, hardly noticing
the laserbolts streaking around him from Vader's ship. The X
wing shudders under the impact of a flak burst.
Y226 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING Y226
(344A) (344A)
CU. Artoo as the flak explodes around him.
Z226 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING Z226
(344B) (344B)
CU. Wedge. His ship wavers as he struggles to gain control as
there are several small electrical flashes as the control panel
explodes. He gets the ship under control. WEDGE
I've got a malfunction Luke ... I can't
stay with you ... LUKE
O.K. Wedge, get clear. WEDGE
Sorry ...
227 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 227
(345) (345)
Full Shot. The two X wings charging through the trench.
Wedge peels off and rises out of frame.
228 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - TRAVELING 228
(346) (346)
POV. from Vader's ship as he bears down on Luke, who maneuvers
his ship around trying to avoid the tie fighters. Artoo can
be seen adjusting the rear deflectors.
A228 INT. DARTH VADER'S FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE A228
(347) (347)
CU. Vader as he fires on the X wing.
229 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING 229
(347A) (347A)
CU. Artoo as a large burst of flak engulfs him, leaving a
smoking shell of twisted metal where little Artoo once stood.
The arms go limp on the smoking little droid.
230 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 230
(348) (348)
Full Overhead Pan. Three tie fighters charging away down the
trench toward Luke.
231 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE 231
(349) (349)
Full Shot tracking behind one of Vader's wing men as a laser-
bolt streaks in and blasts it to smithereens. Flaming
debris rushes past camera.
232 INT. TIE FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 232
(350) (350)
CU. Vader's other wing man as he looks up to see what's going on. WING MAN
Wha ...
233 INT. TIE FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING 233
(351) (351)
Full shot wing man's POV. Out of the sun charges Han Solo
in his pirate mantor-ship heading right for the tie ships.
234 INT. TIE FIGHTER - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING 234
(352) (352)
CU. Vader's wing man panics at the sight of the pirate ship
diving for him, and yanks back on his control stick in an
attempt to avoid collision.
235 EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR 235
(353 & (353 &
353A) Full Tracking Shot looking down on the tie fighters racing 353A)
through the trench. Han swoops over in the foreground,
causing the wing man to peel off, hitting Vader as he goes.
There is a small explosion where the two giant colored fins
collide. As soon as the wing man leaves frame, his ship
explodes. Vader starts spinning out of frame.
236 INT. VADER'S FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 236
(354) (354)
CU. Vader. The impact of the collision throws Vader out of
control and creates havoc on his control board. He looks
around frantically trying to salvage his situation.(355) OMITTED OMITTED (355)
237 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 237
(356) (356)
Full Shot of Vader's ship spinning out of control with a bent
solar fin, heading for deep space.
238 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE 238
(357) (357)
Full Shot of pirate starship as it swings around and heads
back toward Luke. Stars and Death Star horizon in the background.
239 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 239
(358) (358)
CU. Han and Chewbacca grinning ear to ear. HAN
You're all clear, kid. Now blow
this thing so we can go home.
(359) OMITTED OMITTED (359)
240 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 240
(360) (360)
CU. Luke as he looks up and smiles, then looks back into the
targeting device. BEN'S VOICE
Luke ... trust me. He has second thoughts, then moves it away. A grim determination
sweeps across his face as he closes his eyes and starts to mumble
to himself. BASE (V.O.)
Base to Blue five, your targeting device
is switched off. What's wrong? LUKE
Nothing.
241 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - ANOTHER ANGLE - TRAVELING 241
(360A) (360A)
CU. Luke's hand switches the computer targeting to manual and
pushes the button.
242 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 242
(361) (361)
Long Shot Tracking POV. of the torpedoes shooting toward the
Death Star surface. The exhaust port is not visible at this
distance and the torpedoes seem to simply disappear into the
surface and not explode.
243 EXT. DEATH STAR - EXHAUST PORT 243
(362) (362)
Stand by Insert (Tracking POV.) Close shot of torpedoes going
into exhaust port.
244 INT. WEDGE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 244
(363) (363)
CU. Wedge flying high over the Death Star surface looking
down at the exhaust port. WEDGE
You did it! You did it! They went
right in ...
245 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 245
(363A) (363A)
CU. Han and Chewbacca high over Death Star. Chewbacca is
howling for joy. HAN
Good shot, kid. That was one in
a million ...
246 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 246
(363B) (363B)
CU. Luke as he rises high above the Death Star. (The horizon
drops away to stars). His ship shudders from distant rumbling,
muted explosions. LUKE
Glad you were here to see it ... now
let's get some distance before that
thing goes supernova.
247 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - TRAVELING 247
(363C) (363C)
CU. a blackened, smoldering Artoo still clings to Luke's ship.
248 EXT. SPACE AROUND YAVIN 248
(364) (364)
Long Shot Yavin. Several X wing, Y wing and the pirate ship
race over the camera toward Yavin in the distance.
249 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR 249
(365) (365)
Long Shot. The rebel ship racing out of frame leaving the
moon-like Death Star alone against a blanket of stars.
Several small flashes appear on the surface.
250 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR - ANOTHER ANGLE 250
(366) (366)
Long Shot. The Death Star supernova creating a spectacular
heavenly display.
251 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - MAIN HANGAR 251
Luke climbs out of his starship fighter and is cheered by a
throng of ground crew and pilots. The fried little Artoo is
lifted off the back of the ship and carried off under the
worried eyes of Threepio. THREEPIO
Oh my! Artoo? Can you hear me?
Say something. You can repair
him can't you? TECHNICIAN
We'll do our best. THREEPIO
You must repair him! Sir, if any
of my circuits or gears will help,
I'll gladly donate them. Han, Chewbacca and Luke are slapping one another on the back
and congratulating themselves. LUKE
I knew you'd come back! I just
knew it! I would've been nothing
but space dust if you hadn't
sailed in like that Han! HAN
Well I couldn't very well let a
flying farmboy go up against that
battle station by himself. Besides,
I felt terrible about it Luke ...
leaving you to take all the credit
and get all the reward. They all laugh, Luke turns to see Leia rushing toward them.
LEIA
You did it Luke! You did it. She hugs Luke and he spins her around. And then she goes over
to Han. She grabs him, hugging him and laughing. LEIA
And you ... I knew there was more
to you than money. Luke makes a short glance up to the ceiling, almost expecting to
see Ben there. A warm smile crosses his face.
252 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - MAIN THRONE ROOM 252
Luke, Threepio, Han and Chewbacca enter the huge ruins of the
main temple. Hundreds of troops are lined up in neat rows.
Banners are flying and at the far end stands a vision in white,
the beautiful young Senator Leia. Luke and the others
solemnly march up the long aisle and kneel before Senator Leia.
From one side of the temple marches a shined up and fully
repaired Artoo-Detoo. He waddles up to the group and stands
next to Threepio who is rather awestruck by the whole event.
Chewbacca is confused. Dodonna and several other dignitaries
sit on the left of Princess Leia. Leia is dressed in a long,
white dress and is staggeringly beautiful. She rises and
places a gold medallion around Han's neck, then repeats the
ceremony with Luke. They turn and face the assembled troops,
who all bow before them.
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
NEXT DRAFT
