It was early summer, 1977, and I was on my way to the movies… I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I did have some ideas.
For example, that was back when Freon was the coolant of choice, so theater air conditioners really worked. I knew it would be much cooler inside than outside. Of course, I was in Texas – everywhere was cooler than outside.
I knew my dad would order peanut M&Ms for himself, and a large popcorn for the family to share.
I knew that the movie had something to do with space – and that a couple of my friends had already seen it, and said it was the best thing ever!!!
I was never a very patient person – and that was well before I came to actually look forward to movie previews – but eventually the wait was over.
That opening sequence is permanently etched in the minds of millions of Americans. The sudden explosion of the symphonic theme music. The maddeningly slow pace of the exposition text as it flowed along, introducing us to the Empire and the rebellion. The amazingly realistic spaceship that first came into view – followed by the heart-stopping, jaw-dropping enormity of the Star Destroyer that roared onto the screen.
Even now, at my advanced age (HA!), that scene evokes a strong emotional response… but when I was 9 years old – it was beyond anything I’d experienced.
It was life-changing. It’s difficult to over-estimate the impact the movie had on my thinking.
Evil was a very real thing. Heroism was possible, even if you were a whiny farm boy. Dedicated small groups of people could make a difference, even if the group was made up of an orphan from the sticks, a rogue with questionable ethics, and a snooty and sarcastic princess. Right was more important than might. And robots & big furry critters were cool!
These are things that I didn’t learn from Sunday School, or from Indian Guides, or from Mrs. Krutilek – my super-hot fourth grade homeroom teacher. Maybe I should’ve been able to learn it in those traditional arenas, but I definitely didn’t.
But I did learn it. And in the 35 years since I first saw the movie, I haven’t forgotten it. I’m still not a fan of evil, or empires. I still root for the underdog team. I still really prefer being right. And I love my furry critters.
Star Wars has had an enormous influence over my generation – and over me. You could probably make an argument that its influence was too great, but I might have to argue that point. Just take a quick peek at the news… it’s hard to deny that evil is real, that underdogs are embattled, and that loyalty is rare outside the world of the furry critters. I can think of a LOT of worse things that could influence me.
And so, on this lovely Star Wars Day, let me add my voice to those who have turned what might seem a silly phrase into a timeless benediction:
“May the Force be with you!”