The basic story set, "long ago, in a place far, far away," involves a young man's quest to save a princess, with the help of an old mythic warrior, cocky space jockey, large hairy alien, and cute robots.

Lucas supposedly decided to write and direct "Star Wars" after he was unable to secure the right to make a film out of the old "Flash Gordon." Considering that the serial, as well as the 1980 feature, were rather hokey, things seem to have worked out for the best.

My favorite scene takes place at the planetary Cantina. When an alien threatens Hamill in the bar, Guinness, with lightning speed and samurai grace, swiftly produces his light sabre, which he activates and then slices off the alien's arm in the blink of an eye.

"Star Wars" spawned many imitators, including the TV series, "Battlestar Galactica" and "Buck Rogers." Few got close, with the notable exceptions of "The Last Starfighter," "Stargate" and "Independence Day."

The film won six Oscars. Most were for technical achievements, with a much deserved one for the triumphant score by John Williams.

Because Lucas didn't have much dough to make the movie, he gave the actors a percentage of the profits, ultimately providing them with quite a nest egg.

If you enjoyed STAR WARS you may like "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi," "Stargate," "Independence Day," "STAR WARS 1-Phantom Menace," and "STAR WARS 2-Attack of the Clones."