INTERIOR:
MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT.
Han,
removes his gloves and smiling, is at the controls of the
ship.
Chewie moves into the aft section to check the damage.
Leia is
seated near Han.
HAN:
Not a bad bit of rescuing, huh? You know, sometimes I even amaze
myself.
LEIA:
That doesn't sound too hard. Besides, they let us go. It's the
only
explanation for the ease of our escape.
HAN:
Easy...you call that easy?
LEIA:
Their tracking us!
HAN:
Not this ship, sister.
Frustrated,
Leia shakes her head.
LEIA:
At least the information in Artoo is still intact.
HAN:
What's so important? What's he carrying?
LEIA:
The technical readouts of that battle station. I only hope that
when
the data is analyzed, a weakness can be found. It's not over yet!
HAN: It
is for me, sister! Look, I ain't in this for your revolution,
and I'm
not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I'm in
it for
the money!
LEIA:
You needn't worry about your reward. If money is all that you
love,
then that's what you'll receive!
She
angrily turns, and as she starts out of the cockpit,
passes
Luke coming in.
LEIA:
Your friend is quite a mercenary. I wonder if he really cares
about
anything...or anyone.
LUKE: I
care!
Luke,
shaking his head, sits in the copilot seat. He and
Han
stare out at the vast blackness of space.
LUKE:
So...what do you think of her, Han?
HAN:
I'm trying not to, kid!
LUKE:
(under his breath) Good...
HAN:
Still, she's got a lot of spirit. I don't know, what do you
think?
Do you think a princess and a guy like me...
LUKE:
No!
Luke
says it with finality and looks away. Han smiles at
young
Luke's jealousy.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN.
The
battered pirateship drifts into orbit around the planet
Yavin
and proceeds to one of its tiny green moons.
EXTERIOR:
FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN.
The
pirateship soars over the dense jungle.
EXTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST.
An
alert guard, his laser gun in hand, scans the countryside.
He sets
the gun down and looks toward the temple, barely
visible
in the foliage.
EXTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- JUNGLE TEMPLE.
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. Han, Luke and the
others
are greeted by the Rebel troops.
Luke
and the group ride into the massive temple on an
armored
military speeder.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI -- MAIN HANGAR DECK.
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 father.
LEIA:
We don't have time for our sorrows, Commander. The battle
station
has surely tracked us here (looking pointedly to Han). It's
the
only explanation for the ease of our escape. You must use the
information
in this R2 unit to plan the attack. It is our only hope.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The
surface of the Death Star ominously approaches the red
planet
Yavin.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM.
Grand
Moff Tarkin and Lord Vader are interrupted in their
discussion
by the buzz of the comlink. Tarkin moves to answer
the
call.
TARKIN:
Yes.
DEATH
STAR INTERCOM VOICE: We are approaching the planet Yavin. The
Rebel
base is on a moon on the far side. We are preparing to orbit the
planet.
EXTERIOR:
YAVIN -- JUNGLE.
A lone
guard stands in a tower high above the Yavin landscape,
surveying
the countryside. A mist hangs over the jungle of
twisted
green.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI -- WAR ROOM BRIEFING AREA.
Dodonna
stands before a large electronic wall display. Leia
and
several other senators are to one side of the giant
readout.
The low-ceilinged room is filled with starpilots,
navigators,
and a sprinkling of R2-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 a
firepower
greater than half the star fleet. It's defenses are designed
around
a direct large-scale assault. A small one-man fighter should be
able to
penetrate the outer defense.
Gold
Leader, a rough looking man in his early thirties,
stands
and addresses Dodonna.
GOLD
LEADER: Pardon me for asking, sir, but what good are snub
fighters
going to be against that?
DODONNA:
Well, the Empire doesn't consider a small one-man fighter to
be any
threat, or they'd have a tighter defense. An analysis of the
plans
provided by Princess Leia has demonstrated a weakness in the
battle
station.
Artoo-Detoo
stands next to a similar robot, makes beeping
sounds,
and turns his head from right to left.
DODONNA:
The approach will not be easy. You are required to maneuver
straight
down this trench and skim the surface to this point. The
target
area is only two meters wide. It's a small thermal exhaust
port,
right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the
reactor
system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should
destroy
the station.
A
murmer of disbelief runs through the room.
DODONNA:
Only a precise 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 hotshot pilot
about
sixteen years old.
WEDGE:
That's impossible, even for a computer.
LUKE:
It's not impossible. I used to bull's-eye womp rats in my
T-sixteen
back home. They're not much bigger than two meters.
DODONNA:
Man your ships! And may the Force be with you!
The
group rises and begins to leave.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The
Death Star begins to move around the planet toward the
tiny
green moon.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Tarkin
and Vader watch the computer projected screen with
interest,
as a circle of lights intertwines around one another
on the
screen showing it's position in relation to Yavin and
the
forth moon.
DEATH
STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Orbiting the planet at maximum velocity.
The
moon with the Rebel base will be in range in thirty minutes.
VADER:
This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of
Kenobi
and it will soon see the end of the Rebellion.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- MAIN HANGAR DECK.
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 armaments and
unlocking
power couplings. In an area isolated from this
activity
Luke finds Han and Chewbacca loading small boxes onto
an
armored speeder.
MAN'S
VOICE: (over loudspeaker) All flight trooper, man your stations.
All
flight troops, man your stations.
Han is
deliberately ignoring the activity of the fighter
pilots'
preparation. Luke is quite saddened at the sight of
his
friend's departure.
LUKE:
So...you got your reward and you're just leaving then?
HAN:
That's right, yeah! I got some old debts I've got to pay off with
this
stuff. Even if I didn't, you don't think I'd be fool enough to
stick
around here, do you? Why don't you come with us? You're pretty
good in
a fight. I could use you.
LUKE:
(getting angry) Come on! Why don't you take a look around? You
know
what's about to happen, what they're up against. They could use a
good
pilot like you. You're turning your back on them.
HAN:
What good's a reward if you ain't around to use it? Besides,
attacking
that battle station ain't my idea of courage. It's more like
suicide.
LUKE:
All right. Well, take care of yourself, Han. 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 Chewie who growls at his captain,
HAN:
What're you lookin' at? I know what I'm doing.
INTERIOR:
MAIN HANGAR DECK -- LUKE'S SHIP.
Luke,
Leia, and Dodonna meet under a huge space fighter.
LEIA:
What's wrong?
LUKE:
Oh, it's Han! I don't know, I really thought he'd change his
mind.
LEIA:
He's got to 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. 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...
Red
Leader, a rugged handsome man in his forties, comes up
behind
Luke and Biggs. He has the confident smile of a born
leader.
RED
LEADER: Are you...Luke Skywalker? Have you been checked out on the
Incom
T-sixty-five?
BIGGS:
Sir, Luke is the best bushpilot in the outer rim territories.
Red
Leader pats Luke on the back as they stop in front of
his
fighter.
RED
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.
Red
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. He heads for
his
ship.
As Luke
begins to climb up the ladder into his sleek,
deadly
spaceship, the crew chief, who is working on the craft,
points
to little Artoo, who is being hoisted into a socket on
the
back of the fighter.
CHIEF:
This R2 unit of your seems a bit beat up. Do you want a new
one?
LUKE:
Not on your life! That little droid and I have been through a
lot
together. (to Artoo) You okay, Artoo?
The
crewmen lower Artoo-Detoo into the craft. Now a part of
the
exterior shell of the starship, the little droid beeps
that he
is fine.
Luke
climbs up into the cockpit of his fighter and puts an
his
helmet. Threepio looks on from the floor of the massive
hangar
as the crewmen secure his little electronic partner
into
Luke's X-wing. It's an emotional-filled moment as Artoo
beeps
good-bye.
CHIEF:
Okay, easy she goes!
THREEPIO:
Hang on tight,Artoo, you've got to come back.
Artoo
beeps in agreement.
THREEPIO:
You wouldn't want my life to get boring, would you?
Artoo
whistles his reply.
All
final preparations are made for the approaching battle.
The
hangar is buzzing with the last minute activity as the
pilots
and crewmen alike make their final adjustments. The hum
of
activity is occasionally trespassed by the distorted voice
of the
loudspeaker issuing commands. Coupling hoses are
disconnected
from the ships as they are fueled. Cockpit
shields
roll smoothly into place over each pilot. A signalman,
holding
red guiding lights, directs the ships. Luke, a trace
of a
smile gracing his lips, peers about through his goggles.
BEN'S
VOICE: Luke, the Force will be with you.
Luke is
confused at the voice and taps his headphones.
EXTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- JUNGLE.
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 disappears into the morning cloud cover.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
The
princess, Threepio, and a field commander sit quietly
before
the giant display showing the planet Yavin and its 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. A din of indistinct chatter fills the war room.
MASSASSI
INTERCOM VOICE: Stand-by alert. Death Star approaching.
Estimated
time to firing range, fifteen minutes.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The
Death Star slowly moves behind the massive yellow surface
of
Yavin in the foreground, as many X-wing fighters flying in
formation
zoom toward us and out of the frame.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE -- ANOTHER ANGLE.
Light
from a distant sun creates an eerie atmospheric glow
around
a huge planet, Yavin. Rebel fighters flying in
formation
settle ominously in the foreground and very slowly
pull
away.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER STARSHIP -- COCKPIT.
Red
Leader lowers his visor and adjusts his gun sights,
looking
to each side at his wing men.
RED
LEADER: All wings report in.
INTERIOR:
ANOTHER COCKPIT.
One of
the Rebel fighters checks in through his mike.
RED
TEN: Red Ten standing by.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs
checks his fighter's controls, alert and ready for
combat.
RED
SEVEN: (over Biggs' headset) Red Seven standing by.
BIGGS:
Red Three standing by.
INTERIOR:
PORKINS' COCKPIT.
PORKINS:
Red Six standing by.
RED
NINE: (over headset) Red Nine standing by.
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
WEDGE:
Red Two standing by.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
RED
ELEVEN: (over headset) Red Eleven standing by.
LUKE:
Red Five standing by.
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER
Artoo-Detoo,
in position outside of the fighter, turns his
head
from side to side and makes beeping sounds.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: Lock S-foils in attack position.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The
group of X-wing fighters move in formation toward the
Death
Star, unfolding the wings and locking them in the "X"
position.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT
READ
LEADER: (over headset) We're passing through their magnetic
field.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: Hold tight!
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
adjusts his controls as he concentrates on the
approaching
Death Star. The ship begins to be buffeted
slightly.
RED
LEADER: (over headset) Switch your deflectors on.
INTERIOR:
ANOTHER COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: (over headset) Double front!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The
fighters, now X-shaped darts, move in formation. The Death
Star
now appears to be a small moon growing rapidly in size as
the
Rebel fighters approach. Complex patterns on the metallic
surface
begin to become visible. A large dish antenna is built
into
the surface on one side.
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
Wedge
is amazed and slightly frightened at the awesome
spectacle.
WEDGE:
Look at the size of that thing!
RED
LEADER: (over headset) Cut the chatter, Red Two.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
As the
fighters move closer to the Death Star, the awesome
size of
the gargantuan Imperial fortress is revealed. 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 a city
at
night as seen from a weather satellite.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S COCKPIT.
GOLD
LEADER: Red Leader, this is Gold Leader.
RED
LEADER: (over headset) I copy, Gold Leader.
GOLD
LEADER: We're starting for the target shaft now.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader looks around at his wingmen; the Death Star looming
in from
behind. Two Y-wing fighters bob back and forth in the
background.
He moves his computer targeting device into
position.
RED
LEADER: We're in position. I'm going to cut across the axis and
try and
draw their fire.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
Two
squads of Rebel fighters peel off. The X-wings dive
towards
the Death Star surface. A thousand lights glow across
the
dark grey expanse of the huge station.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Alarm
sirens scream as soldiers scramble to large turbo-
powered
laser gun emplacements. Electronic drivers rotate the
huge
guns into position as crew adjust their targeting
devices.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Laserbolts
streak through the star-filled night. The Rebel
X-wing
fighters move in toward the Imperial base, as the Death
Star
aims its massive laser guns at the Rebel forces and
fires.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Princess
Leia listens to the battle over the intercom.
Threepio
is at her side.
WEDGE:
(over war room speaker system) Heavy fire, boss! Twenty-degrees.
RED
LEADER: (over speaker) I see it. Stay low.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
An
X-wing zooms across the surface of the Death Star.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Technical
crews scurry here and there loading last-minute
armaments
and unlocking power cables.
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
Wedge
maneuvers his fighter toward the menacing Death Star.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
X-wings
continue in their attack course on the Death Star.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
nosedives radically, starting his attack on the monstrous
fortress.
The Death Star surface streaks past the cockpit
window.
LUKE:
This is Red Five; I'm going in!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
Luke's
X-wing races toward the Death Star. Laserbolts streak
from
Luke's weapons, creating a huge fireball explosion on the
dim
surface.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Terror
crosses Luke's face as he realizes he won't be able to
pull
out in time to avoid the fireball.
BIGGS:
(over headset) Luke, pull up!
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF DEATH STAR.
Luke's
ship emerges from the fireball, with the leading edges
of his
wings slightly scorched.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
BIGGS:
Are you all right?
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
adjusts his controls and breathes a sigh of relief. Flak
bursts
outside the cockpit window.
LUKE: I
got a little cooked, but I'm okay.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Rebel
fighters continue to strafe the Death Star's surface
with
laserbolts.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Walls
buckle and cave in. Troops and equipment are blown in
all
directions. Stormtroopers stagger out of the rubble.
Standing
in the middle of the chaos, a vision of calm and
foreboding,
is Darth Vader. One of his Astro-Officers rushes
up to
him.
ASTRO-OFFICER:
We count thirty Rebel ships, Lord Vader. But they're so
small
they're evading our turbo-lasers!
VADER:
We'll have to destroy them ship to ship. Get the crews to their
fighters.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
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 overwhelming noise of
the
monstrous weapon. One troopers bangs his helmet with his
hand in
an attempt to stop the ringing.
INTERIOR:
READ LEADER'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
Red
Leader flies through a heavy hail of flak.
RED
LEADER: Luke, let me know when you're going in.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
The Red
Leader's X-wing flies past Luke as he puts his nose
down
and starts his attack dive.
LUKE:
I'm on my way in now...
RED
LEADER: Watch yourself! There's a lot of fire coming from the
right
side of that deflection tower.
LUKE:
I'm on it.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke
flings his X-wing into a twisting dive across the horizon
and
down onto the dim grey surface.
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING TRAVELING.
A shot
hurls from Luke's guns. Laserbolts streak toward the
onrushing
Death Star surface. Several small radar emplacements
erupt
in flame. Laserfire erupts from a protruding tower on
the
surface.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
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.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The
Death Star superstructure races past Luke as he maneuvers
his
craft through a wall of laserfire and peels away from the
surface
towards the heavens.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
The
thunder and smoke of the big guns reverberate throughout
the
massive structure. Many soldiers rush about in the smoke
and
chaos, silhouetted by the almost continual flash of
explosions.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
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 laserfire streaks by on all sides.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Imperial
star pilots dash in unison to a line of small
auxiliary
hatches that lead to Imperial TIE fighters.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
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 headset.
CONTROL
OFFICER: Squad leaders, we've picked up a new group of
signals.
Enemy fighters coming your way.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
Luke
looks around to see if he can spot the approaching
Imperial
fighters.
LUKE:
My scope's negative. I don't see anything.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
The
Death Star's surface sweeps past as Red Leader searches
the sky
for the Imperial fighters. Flak pounds at his ship.
RED
LEADER: Keep up your visual scanning. With all this jamming,
they'll
be on top of you before your scope can pick them up.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
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.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
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.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: Biggs! You've picked one up...watch it!
BIGGS:
I can't see it! Where is he?!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
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.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
Biggs
see 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.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
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.
INTERIOR:
X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
Luke is
flying upside down. He rotates his ship around to
normal
attitude as he comes out of his dive.
LUKE:
Hang on, Biggs, I'm coming in.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Biggs
and the tailing TIE ship dive for the surface, now
followed
by a fast-gaining Luke. After Biggs dives out of
sight,
Luke chases the Imperial fighter.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
In the
foreground, the Imperial fighter races across the Death
Star's
surface, closely followed by Luke in the background.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
There
is a shot from Luke's X-wing of the TIE ship exploding
in a
mass of flames.
LUKE:
Got him!
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Darth
Vader strides purposefully down a Death Star corridor,
flanked
by Imperial stormtroopers.
VADER:
Several fighters have broken off from the main group. Come with
me!
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
A
concerned Princess Leia, Threepio, Dodonna, and other
officers
of the Rebellion stand around the huge round readout
screen,
listening to the ship-to-ship communication on the
room's
loudspeaker.
BIGGS:
(over speaker) Pull in! Luke...pull in!
WEDGE:
(over speaker) Watch your back, Luke!
INTERIOR
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
WEDGE:
(over headset) Watch your back! Fighter's above you, coming in!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
Luke's
ship soars away from the Death Star's surface as he
spots
the tailing TIE fighter.
INTERIOR:
TIE FIGHTER'S COCKPIT.
The TIE
pilot takes aim at Luke's X-wing.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The
Imperial TIE fighter pilot scores a hit on Luke's ship.
Fire
breaks out on the right side of the X-wing.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks out of his cockpit at the flames on his ship.
LUKE:
I'm hit, but not bad.
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Smoke
pours out from behind Artoo-Detoo.
LUKE'S
VOICE: Artoo, see what you can do with it. Hang on back there.
Green
laserfire moves past the beeping little robot as his
head
turns.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
nervously works his controls.
RED
LEADER: (over headset) Red Six...
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
In the
war room, Leia stands frozen as she listens and worries
about
Luke.
RED
LEADER: (over speaker) Can you see Red Five?
RED
TEN: (over speaker) There's a heavy fire zone on this side. Red
Five,
where are you?
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
spots the TIE fighter behind him and soars away from the
Death
Star surface.
LUKE: I
can't shake him!
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's
ship soars closer to the surface of the Death Star, an
Imperial
TIE fighter closing in on him in hot pursuit.
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
The
Death Star whips below Wedge.
WEDGE:
I'm on him, Luke!
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
WEDGE:
(over headset) Hold on!
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Wedge
dives across the horizon toward Luke and the TIE
fighter.
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
Wedge
moves his X-wing in rapidly.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
reacts frantically.
LUKE:
Blast it! Wedge where are you?
INTERIOR:
TIE FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
The
fighter pilot watches Wedge's X-wing approach. Another
X-wing
joins him, and both unleash a volley of laserfire on
the
Imperial fighter.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The TIE
fighter explodes, filling the screen with white light.
Luke's
ship can be seen far in the distance.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks about in relief.
LUKE:
Thanks, Wedge.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia,
Threepio, Dodonna and other Rebel officers are listening
to the
Rebel Fighter's radio transmissions over the war room
intercom.
BIGGS:
(over speaker) Good shooting, Wedge!
GOLD
LEADER: (over speaker) Red Leader...
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Leader peels off and starts toward the long trenches at
the
Death Star surface pole.
GOLD
LEADER: This is Gold Leader. We're starting out attack run.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Three
Y-wing fighters of the Gold group dive out of the stars
toward
the Death Star surface.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia
and the others are grouped around the screen, as
technicians
move about attending to their duties.
RED
LEADER: (over speaker) I copy, Gold Leader. Move into position.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Three
Imperial TIE ships in precise formation dive toward the
Death
Star surface.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Darth
Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars whip
past in
the window above his head.
VADER:
Stay in attack formation!
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Technicians
are seated at the computer readout table.
GOLD
LEADER: (over speaker) The exhaust post is...
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
GOLD
LEADER: ...marked and locked in!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Gold
Leader approaches the surface and pulls out to skim the
surface
of the huge station. The ship moves into a deep
trench,
firing laserbolts. The surface streaks past as
laserfire
is returned by the Death Star.
INTERIOR:
GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING.
Gold
Five is a pilot in his early fifties with a very battered
helmet
that looks like it's been through many battles. He
looks
around to see if enemy ships are near. His fighter is
buffeted
by Imperial flak.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Leader races down the enormous trench that leads to the
exhaust
port. Laserbolts blast toward him in increasing
numbers,
occasionally exploding near the ship causing it to
bounce
about.
GOLD
LEADER: Switch power to front deflector screens.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Three
Y-wing skim the Death Star surface deep in the trench,
as
laserbolts streak past on all sides.
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR SURFACE -- GUN EMPLACEMENTS.
An
exterior surface gun blazes away at the oncoming Rebel
fighters.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
GOLD
LEADER: How many guns do you think, Gold Five.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
GOLD
FIVE: (over speaker) I'd say about twenty guns. Some on the
surface,
some on the towers.
Leia,
Threepio, and the technicians view the projected
target
screen, as red and blue target lights glow. The red
target
near the center blinks on and off.
MASSASSI
INTERCOM VOICE: (over speaker) Death Star will be in range in
five
minutes.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The
three Y-wing fighters race toward camera and zoom
overhead
through a hail of laserfire.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Leader pulls his computer targeting device down in
front
of his eye. Laserbolts continue to batter the Rebel
craft.
GOLD
LEADER: Switching to targeting computer.
INTERIOR:
GOLD TWO'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Two, a younger pilot about Luke's age, pulls down his
targeting
eye viewer and adjusts it. His ship shudders under
intense
laser barrage.
GOLD
TWO: Computer's locked. Getting a signal.
As the
fighters begin to approach the target area, suddenly
all the
laserfire stops. An eerie clam clings over the trench
as the
surface whips past in a blur.
GOLD
TWO: The guns...they've stopped!
EXTERIOR:
GOLD FIVE'S COCKPIT.
Gold
Five looks behind him.
GOLD
FIVE: Stabilize your read deflectors. Watch for enemy fighters.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
GOLD
LEADER: They've coming in! Three marks at two ten.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Three
Imperial TIE ships, Darth Vader in the center flanked by
two
wingmen, dive in precise formation almost vertically
toward
the Death Star surface.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Darth
Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars zoom
by.
VADER:
I'll take them myself! Cover me!
WINGMAN'S
VOICE: (over speaker) Yes, sir.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Three
TIE fighters zoom across the surface of the Death Star.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
lines up Gold Two in his targeting computer. Vader's
hands
grip the control stick as he presses the button.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT
The
cockpit explodes around Gold Two. His head falls forward.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
As Gold
Two's ship explodes, debris is flung out into space.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Leader looks over his shoulder at the scene.
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR TRENCH.
The
three TIE fighters race along in the trench in a tight
formation.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Leader panics.
GOLD
LEADER: (into mike) I can't maneuver!
INTERIOR:
GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Five, the old veteran, trys to calm Gold Leader.
GOLD
FIVE: Stay on target.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
The
Death Star races by outside the cockpit window as he
adjusts
his targeting device.
GOLD
LEADER: We're too close.
INTERIOR:
GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
The
older pilot remains calm.
GOLD
FIVE: Stay on target!
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Now
he's really panicked.
GOLD
LEADER: Loosen up!
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
calmly adjusts his targeting computer and pushes the
fire
button.
INTERIOR:
GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Leader's ship is hit by Vader's laser.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Gold
Leader explodes in a ball of flames, throwing debris in
all
directions.
INTERIOR:
GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
Gold
Five moves in on the exhaust port.
GOLD
FIVE: Gold Five to Red Leader...
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks over his shoulder at the action outside of his
cockpit.
GOLD
FIVE: (over headset) Lost Tiree, lost Dutch.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: I copy, Gold Five.
INTERIOR:
GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.
GOLD
FIVE: They came from behind....
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
One of
the engines explodes on Gold Five's Y-wing fighter,
blazing
out of control. He dives past the horizon toward the
Death
Star's surface, passing a TIE fighter during his
descent.
Gold Five, a veteran of countless campaigns, spins
toward
his death.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks nervously about him at the explosive battle.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM.
Grant
Moff Tarkin and a Chief Officer stand in the Death
Star's
control room.
OFFICER:
We've analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger.
Should
I have your ship standing by?
TARKIN:
Evacuate? In out moment of triumph? I think you overestimate
their
chances!
Tarkin
turns to the computer readout screen. Flames move
around
the green disk at the center of the screen, as numbers
read
across the bottom.
VOICE:
(over speaker) Rebel base, three minutes and closing.
INTERIOR:
READ LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader looks over at his wingmen.
RED
LEADER: Red Group, this is Red Leader.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Dodonna
moves to the intercom as he fiddles with the computer
keys.
RED
LEADER: (over speaker) Rendezvous at mark six point one.
WEDGE:
(over speaker) This is Red Two. Flying toward you.
BIGGS:
(over speaker) Red Three, standing by.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT:
DODONNA:
(over headset) Red Leader, this is Base One. Keep half your
group
out of range for the next run.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER'S VOICE: (over headset) Copy, Base One. Luke, take Red Two
and
Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal...to start your run.
Luke
nods his head.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The
X-wing fighters of Luke, Biggs, and Wedge fly in formation
high
above the Death Star's surface.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
peers out from his cockpit.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Two
X-wings move across the surface of the Death Star. Red
Leader's
X-wing drops down to the surface leading to the
exhaust
port.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader looks around to watch for the TIE fighters. He
begins
to perspire.
RED
LEADER: This is it!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
Red
Leader roams down the trench of the Death Star as lasers
streak
across the black heavens.
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR SURFACE -- GUN EMPLACEMENTS.
A huge
remote-control laser cannon fires at the approaching
Rebel
fighters.
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR TRENCH.
The
Rebel fighters evade the Imperial laser blasts.
INTERIOR:
RED TEN'S COCKPIT.
Red Ten
looks around for the Imperial fighters.
RED
TEN: We should be able to see it by now.
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR TRENCH.
From
the cockpits of the Rebel pilots, the surface of the
Death
Star streaks by, with Imperial laserfire shooting toward
them.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: Keep your eyes open for those fighters!
INTERIOR:
RED TEN'S COCKPIT.
RED
TEN: There's too much interference!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE -- DEATH STAR TRENCH.
Three
X-wing fighters move in formation down the Death Star
trench.
RED
TEN'S VOICE: Red Five, can you see them from where you are?
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks down at the Death Star surface below.
LUKE:
No sign of any...wait!
INTERIOR:
RED TEN'S COCKPIT.
Red Ten
looks up and sees the Imperial fighters.
LUKE:
(over headset) Coming in point three five.
RED
TEN: I see them.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Three
TIE fighters, Vader flanked by two wingmen, dive in a
tight
formation. The sun reflects off their dominate solar
fins as
they loop toward the Death Star's surface.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader pulls his targeting device in front of his eyes and
makes
several adjustments.
RED
LEADER: I'm in range.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Red
Leader's X-wing moves up the Death Star trench.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: Target's coming up!
Red
Leader looks at his computer target readout screen. He
then
looks into his targeting device.
RED
LEADER: Just hold them off for a few seconds.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
adjusts his control lever and dives on the X-wing
fighters.
VADER:
Close up formation.
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR TRENCH.
The
three TIE fighters move in formation across the Death Star
surface.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader lines up his target on the targeting device
cross
hairs.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Vader
and his wingmen zoom down the trench.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
rapidly approaches the two X-wings of Red Ten and Red
Twelve.
Vader's laser cannon flashes below the view of the
front
porthole. the X-wings show in the center of Vader's
computer
screen.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
Red
Twelve's X-wing fighter is hit by Vader's laserfire, and
it
explodes into flames against the trench.
INTERIOR:
RED TEN'S COCKPIT.
Red Ten
works at his controls furiously, trying to avoid
Vader's
fighter behind him.
RED
TEN: You'd better let her loose.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader is concentrating on his targeting device.
RED
LEADER: Almost there!
INTERIOR:
RED TEN'S COCKPIT.
Red Ten
panics.
RED
TEN: I can't hold them!
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Vader
and his wingmen whip through the trench in pursuit of
the
Rebel fighters.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
cooly pushes the fire button on his control stick.
INTERIOR:
RED TEN'S COCKPIT.
Darth
Vader's well-aimed laserfire proves to be unavoidable,
and
strikes Red Ten's ship. Red Ten screams in anguish and
pain.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Red
Ten's ship explodes and bursts into flames.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Grimly,
Red Leader takes careful aim and watches his computer
targeting
device, which shows the target lined up in the cross
hairs,
and fires.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED
LEADER: It's away!
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
An
armed Imperial stormtrooper is knocked to the floor from
the
attack explosion. Other troopers scurrying about the
corridors
are knocked against the wall and lose their balance.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia
and the others stare at the computer screen.
RED
NINE'S VOICE: (over speaker) It's a hit!
RED
LEADER: (over speaker) Negative.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader looks back at the receding Death Star. Tiny
explosions
are visible in the distance.
RED
LEADER: Negative! It didn't go in. It just impacted on the
surface.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR -- TIE FIGHTER.
Darth
Vader peels off in pursuit as Red Leader's X-wing passes
the
Death Star horizon.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
swings his ship around for the next kill.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
LUKE:
(over headset) Red Leader, we're right above you. Turn to
point...
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
tries to spot Red Leader. He looks down at the Death Star
surface.
LUKE:
...oh-five; we'll cover for you.
RED
LEADER: (over headset) Stay there...
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
A wary
Red Leader looks about nervously.
RED
LEADER: ...I just lost my starboard engine.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks excitedly toward Red Leader's X-wing.
RED
LEADER: (over headset) Get set to make your attack run.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader's
gloved hands make contact with the control sticks, and
he
presses their firing buttons.
INTERIOR:
RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red
Leader fights to gain control of his ship.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Laserbolts
are flung from Vader's TIE fighter, connecting with
Red
Leader's Rebel X-wing fighter. Red Leader buys it,
creating
a tremendous explosion far below. He screams and is
destroyed.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks out the window of his X-wing at the explosion far
below.
For the first time, he feels the helplessness of his
situation.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Grand
Moff Tarkin casts a sinister eye at the computer screen.
DEATH
STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Rebel base, one minute and closing.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Dodonna
and Princess Leia, with Threepio beside them, listen
intently
to the talk between the pilots. The room is grim
after
Red Leader's death. Princess Leia nervously paces the
room.
LUKE:
(over speaker) Biggs, Wedge, let's close it up. We're going in.
We're
going in full throttle.
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
The
horizon twists as Wedge begins to pull out.
WEDGE:
Right with you, boss.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The two
X-wings peel off against a background of stars and
dive
toward the Death Star.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
BIGGS:
Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
LUKE:
It'll be just like Beggar's Canyon back home.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The
three X-wings move in, unleashing a barrage of laserfire.
Laserbolts
are returned from the Death Star.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Luke's
lifelong friend struggles with his controls.
BIGGS:
We'll stay back far enough to cover you.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S COCKPIT.
Flak
and laserbolts flash outside Luke's cockpit window.
WEDGE:
(over headset) My scope shows the tower, but I can't see the
exhaust
port! Are you sure the computer can hit it?
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR -- GUN EMPLACEMENTS.
The
Death Star laser cannon slowly rotates as it shoots
laserbolts.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks around for the Imperial TIE fighters. He thinks for
a
moment and then moves his targeting device into position.
LUKE:
Watch yourself! Increase speed full throttle!
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
Wedge
looks excitedly about for any sign of the TIE fighters.
WEDGE:
What about the tower?
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
LUKE:
You worry about those fighters! I'll worry about the tower!
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR SURFACE.
Luke's
X-wing streaks through the trench, firing lasers.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
breaks into a nervous sweat as the laserfire is returned,
knicking
one of his wings close to the engine.
LUKE:
(to Artoo) Artoo...that, that stabilizer's broken loose again!
See if
you can't lock it down!
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Artoo
works to repair the damages. The canyon wall rushes by
in the
background, making his delicate task seem even more
precarious.
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Two
laser cannons are firing on the Rebel fighters.
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
Wedge
looks up and sees the TIE ships.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke's
targeting device marks off the distance to the target.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Vader
and his wingmen zoom closer.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
adjusts his controls and fires laserbolts at two X-wings
flying
down the trench. He scores a direct hit on Wedge.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia
and the others are grouped around the computer board.
WEDGE:
(over speaker) I'm hit! I can't stay with you.
LUKE:
(over speaker) Get clear, Wedge.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
LUKE:
You can't do any more good back there!
INTERIOR:
WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
WEDGE:
Sorry!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Wedge
pulls his crippled X-wing back away from the battle.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
watches the escape but issues a command to his wingmen.
VADER:
Let him go! Stay on the leader!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's
X-wing speeds down the trench; the three TIE fighters,
still
in perfect unbroken formation, tail close behind.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs
looks around at the TIE fighters. He is worried.
BIGGS:
Hurry, Luke, they're coming in much faster this time. I can't
hold
them!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The
three TIE fighters move ever closer, closing in on Luke
and
Biggs.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks back anxiously at little Artoo.
LUKE:
Artoo, try and increase the power!
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Ignoring
the bumpy ride, flak, and lasers, a beeping
Artoo-Detoo
struggles to increase the power, his dome turning
from
side to side.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Stealthily,
the TIE formation creeps closer.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
adjusts his control stick.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs
looks around at the TIE fighters.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Luke
looks into his targeting device. He moves it away for a
moment
and ponders its use. He looks back into the computer
targeter.
BIGGS:
(over headset) Hurry up, Luke!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Vader
and his wingmen race through the Death Star trench.
Biggs
moves in to cover for Luke, but Vader gains on him.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs
sees the TIE fighter aiming at him.
BIGGS:
Wait!
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
squeezes the fire button on his controls.
INTERIOR:
BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs'
cockpit explodes around him, lighting him in red.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Biggs'
ship bursts into a million flaming bits and scatters
across
the surface.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia
and the others stare at the computer board.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING COCKPIT.
Luke is
stunned by Biggs' death. His eyes are watering, but
his
anger is also growing.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM.
Grand
Moff Tarkin watches the projected target screen with
satisfaction.
DEATH
STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Rebel base, thirty seconds and closing.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
takes aim on Luke and talks to the wingmen.
VADER:
I'm on the leader.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR -- LUKE'S SHIP.
Luke's
ship streaks through the trench of the Death Star.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Princess
Leia returns her general's worried and doubtful
glances
with solid, grim determination. Threepio seems nervous.
THREEPIO:
Hang on, Artoo!
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
concentrates on his targeting device.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Three
TIE fighters charge away down the trench toward Luke.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader's
finger's curls around the control stick.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
adjusts the lens of his targeting device.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's
ship charges down the trench.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
lines up the yellow cross-hair lines of the targeting
device's
screen. He looks into the targeting device, then
starts
at a voice he hears.
BEN'S
VOICE: Use the Force, Luke.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The
Death Star trench zooms by.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks up, then starts to look back into the targeting
device.
He has second thoughts.
BEN'S
VOICE: Let go, Luke.
A grim
determination sweeps across Luke's face as he closes
his
eyes and starts to mumble Ben's training to himself.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's
fighter streaks through the trench.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
VADER:
The Force is strong with this one!
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Vader
follows Luke's X-wing down the trench.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks to the targeting device, then away as he hears
Ben's
voice.
BEN'S
VOICE: Luke, trust me.
Luke's
hand reaches for the control panel and presses the
button.
The targeting device moves away.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia
and the others stand watching the projected screen.
BASE
VOICE: (over speaker) His computer's off. Luke, you switched off
your
targeting computer. What's wrong?
LUKE:
(over speaker) Nothing. I'm all right.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's
ship streaks ever close to the exhaust port.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks at the Death Star surface streaking by.
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Artoo-Detoo
turns his head from side to side, beeping in
anticipation.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The
three TIE fighters, manned by Vader and his two wingmen,
follow
Luke's X-wing down the trench.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
maneuvers his controls as he looks at his doomed target.
He
presses the fire buttons on his control sticks. Laserfire
shoots
toward Luke's X-wing fighter.
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
A large
burst of Vader's laserfire engulfs Artoo. The arms go
limp on
the smoking little droid as he makes a high-pitched
sound.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks frantically back over his shoulder at Artoo.
EXTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Smoke
billows out around little Artoo and sparks begin to fly.
LUKE:
I've lost Artoo!
Artoo's
beeping sounds die out.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia
and the others stare intently at the projected screen,
while
Threepio watches the Princess. Lights representing the
Death
Star and targets glow brightly.
MASSASSI
INTERCOM VOICE: The Death Star has cleared the planet. The
Death
Star has cleared the planet.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM.
Tarkin
glares at the projected target screen.
DEATH
STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Rebel base, in range.
TARKIN:
You may fire when ready.
DEATH
STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Commence primary ignition.
An
officer reaches up and pushes buttons on the control
panel,
as green lighted buttons turn to red.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The
three TIE fighters zoom down the Death Star trench in
pursuit
of Luke, never breaking formation.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S COCKPIT.
Luke
looks anxiously at the exhaust port.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
adjusts his control sticks, checking his projected
targeting
screen.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's
ship barrels down the trench.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader's
targeting computer swings around into position. Vader
takes
careful aim on Luke's X-wing fighter.
VADER:
I have you now.
He
pushes the fire buttons.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The
three TIE fighters move in on Luke. As Vader's center
fighter
unleashes a volley of laserfire, one of the TIE ships
at his
side is hit and explodes into flame. The two remaining
ships
continue to move in.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks about, wondering whose laserfire destroyed Vader's
wingman.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
is taken by surprise, and looks out from his cockpit.
VADER:
What?
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S WINGMAN -- COCKPIT.
Vader's
wingman searches around him trying to locate the
unknown
attacker.
INTERIOR:
MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT.
Han and
Chewbacca grin from ear to ear.
HAN:
(yelling) Yahoo!
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The
Millennium Falcon heads right at the two TIE fighters.
It's a
collision course.
INTERIOR:
WINGMAN'S COCKPIT.
The
wingman spots the pirateship coming at him and warns the
Dark
Lord.
WINGMAN:
Look out!
EXTERIOR:
DEATH STAR TRENCH.
Vader's
wingman panics at the sight of the oncoming pirate
starship
and veers radically to one side, colliding with
Vader's
TIE fighter in the process. Vader's wingman crashes
into
the side wall of the trench and explodes. Vader's damaged
ship
spins out of the trench with a damaged wing.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Vader's
ship spins out of control with a bent solar fin,
heading
for deep space.
INTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader
turns round and round in circles as his ship spins
into
space.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Solo's
ship moves in toward the Death Star trench.
INTERIOR:
MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT.
Solo,
smiling, speaks to Luke over his headset mike.
HAN:
(into mike) You're all clear, kid.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia
and the others listen to Solo's transmission.
HAN:
(over speaker) Now let's blow this thing and go home!
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
looks up and smiles. He concentrates on the exhaust port,
then
fires his laser torpedoes.
EXTERIOR:
SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's
torpedoes shoot toward the port and seems to simply
disappear
into the surface and not explode. But the shots do
find
their mark and have gone into the exhaust port and are
heading
for the main reactor.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke
throws his head back in relief.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
An
Imperial soldier runs to the control panel board and pulls
the
attack lever as the board behind him lights up.
INTERCOM
VOICE: Stand by to fire at Rebel base.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Two
X-wings, a Y-wing, and the pirateship race toward Yavin in
the
distance.
INTERIOR:
DEATH STAR.
Several
Imperial soldiers, flanking a pensive Grand Moff
Tarkin,
busily push control levers and buttons.
INTERCOM
VOICE: Standing by.
The
rumble of a distant explosion begins.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The
Rebel ships race out of sight, leaving the moon-like Death
Star
alone against a blanket of stars. Several small flashes
appear
on the surface. The Death Star bursts into a supernova,
creating
a spectacular heavenly display.
INTERIOR:
MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT.
HAN:
Great shot, kid. That was one in a million.
INTERIOR:
LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke is
at ease, and his eyes are closed.
BEN'S
VOICE: Remember, the Force will be with you...always.
The
ship rocks back and forth.
EXTERIOR:
DARTH VADER'S TIE FIGHTER.
Vader's
ship spins off into space.
EXTERIOR:
SPACE.
The
Rebel ships race toward the fourth moon of Yavin.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- MAIN HANGAR.
Luke
climbs out of his starship fighter and is cheered by a
throng
of ground crew and pilots. Luke climbs down the ladder
as they
all welcome him with laughter, cheers, and shouting.
Princess
Leia rushes toward him.
LEIA:
Luke! Luke! Luke!
She
throws her arms around Luke and hugs him as they dance
around
in a circle. Solo runs in toward Luke and they embrace
one
another, slapping each other on the back.
HAN:
(laughing) Hey! Hey!
LUKE:
(laughing) I knew you'd come back! I just knew it!
HAN:
Well, I wasn't gonna let you get all the credit and take all the
reward.
Luke
and Han look at one another, as Solo playfully shoves
at
Luke's face. Leia moves in between them.
LEIA:
(laughing) Hey, I knew there was more to you than money.
Luke
looks toward the ship.
LUKE:
Oh, no!
The
fried little Artoo-Detoo is lifted off the back of the
fighter
and carried off under the worried eyes of Threepio.
THREEPIO:
Oh, my! Artoo! Can you hear me? Say something! (to mechanic)
You can
repair him, can't you?
TECHNICIAN:
We'll get to work on him right away.
THREEPIO:
You must repair him! Sir, if any of my circuits or gears
will
help, I'll gladly donate them.
LUKE:
He'll be all right.
INTERIOR:
MASSASSI OUTPOST -- MAIN THRONE ROOM.
Luke,
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 an
equally
pristine Threepio, who is rather awestruck by the
whole
event. Chewbacca is confused. Dodonna and several other
dignitaries
sit on the left of the 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. He
winks
at her. She then repeats the ceremony with Luke, who is
moved
by the event. They turn and face the assembled troops,
who all
bow before them. Chewbacca growls and Artoo beeps with
happiness.
Written and
Directed by
GEORGE LUCAS
Produced by
GARY KURTZ
STARRING
MARK HAMILL
HARRISON FORD CARRIE FISHER
PETER CUSHING
and ALEC
GUINNESS
with
ANTHONY DANIELS,
KENNY BAKER, PETER MAYHEW,
DAVID PROWSE,
JACK PURVIS, EDDIE BYRNE
Production
Designer
JOHN BARRY
Director of
Photography
GILBERT TAYLOR,
B.S.C.
Music by
JOHN WILLIAMS
Performed by The
London Symphony Orchestra; Original Music
Copyright 1977
by Fox Fanfare Music, Inc.
Special
Photographic Effects Supervisor
JOHN DYKSTRA
Special
Production and Mechanical Effects Supervisor
JOHN STEARS
Film Editiors
PAUL HIRSCH,
MARCIA LUCAS, RICHARD CHEW
Production
Supervisor
ROBERT WATTS
Production
Illustration
RALPH McQUARRIE
Costume Designer
JOHN MOLLO
Art Directors
NORMAN REYNOLDS,
LESLIE DILLEY
Make up
Supervisor
STUART FREEBORN
Production Sound
Mixer
DEREK BALL
Casting
IRENE LAMB,
DIANE CRITTENDEN, VIC RAMOS
Supervising
Sound Editor
SAM SHAW
Special Dialogue
and Sound Effects
BEN BURTT
Sound Editors
ROBERT R.
RUTLEDGE, GORDON DAVIDSON,
GENE CORSO
Supervising
Music Editor
KENNETH WANNBERG
Rerecording
Mixers
DON MacDOUGALL,
BOB MINKLER, RAY WEST,
ROBERT LITT,
MIKE MINKLER, LESTER FRESHOLTZ,
RICHARD PORTMAN
Dolby Sound
Consultant
STEPHEN KATZ
Orchestrations
HERBERT W.
SPENCER
Music Scoring
Mixer
ERIC TOMLINSON
Assistant Film
Editors
TODD
BOEKELHEIDE, JAY MIRACLE,
COLIN KITCHENS,
BONNIE KOEHLER
Camera Operators
RONNIE TAYLOR,
GEOFF GLOVER
Set Decorator
ROGER CHRISTIAN
Production
Manager
BRUCE SHARMAN
Assistant
Directors
TONY WAYE, GERRY
GAVIGAN, TERRY MADDEN
Location Manager
ARNOLD ROSS
Assistant to
Producer
BUNNY ALSUP
Assistant to
Director
LUCY AUTREY
WILSON
Production
Assistant
PAT CARR, MIKI
HERMAN
Gaffer
RON TABERA
Property Master
FRANK BRUTON
Wardrobe
Supervisor
RON BECK
Stunt
Coordinator
PETER DIAMOND
Continuity
ANN SKINNER
Titles
DAN PERRI
Second Unit
Photography
CARROLL BALLARD,
RICK CLEMENTE,
ROBERT DALVA,
TAK FUIJIMOTO
Second Unit Art
Direction
LEON ERICKSON,
AL LOCATELLI
Second Unit
Production Managers
DAVID LESTER,
PETER HERALD, PEPI LENZI
Second Unit
Make-up
RICK BAKER,
DOUGLAS BESWICK
Assistant Sound
Editors
ROXANNE JONES,
KAREN SHARP
Production
Controller
BRIAN GIBBS
Location Auditor
RALPH M. LEO
Assistant
Auditors
STEVE CULLIP,
PENNY McCARTHY, KIM FALKINBURG
Advertising/Publicity
Supervisor
CHARLES
LIPPINCOTT
Unit Publicist
BRIAN DOYLE
Still
Photographer
JOHN JAY
MINIATURE AND
OPTICAL EFFECTS UNIT
First Camerman
RICHARD EDLUND
Second Camerman
DENNIS MUREN
Assistant
Camermen
DOUGLAS SMITH,
KENNETH RALSTON, DAVID ROBMAN
Second Unit
Photography
BRUCE LOGAN
Composite
Optical Photography
ROBERT BLALACK
(PRAXIS)
Optical
Photography Coordinator
PAUL ROTH
Optical Printer
Operators
DAVID BERRY,
DAVID McCUE, RICHARD PECORELLA,
ELDON RICKMAN,
JAMES VAN TREES, JR.
Optical Camera
Assistants
CALEB
ASCHKYNAZO, JOHN C. MOULDS,
BRUCE NICHOLSON,
GARY SMITH, BERT
TERRERI,
DONNA TRACEY,
JIM WELLS, VICKY WITT
Production
Supervisor
GEORGE E. MATHER
Matte Artist
P. S. ELLENSHAW
Planet and
Satellite Artist
RALF McQUARRIE
Effects
Illustration and Design
JOSEPH JOHNSTON
Additional
Spacecraft Design
COLIN CANTWELL
Chief Model
Maker
GRANT McCUNE
Model Builders
DAVID BEASLEY,
JON ERLAND, LORNE PETERSON,
STEVE GAWLEY,
PAUL HUSTON, DAVID JONES
Animation and
Rotoscope Design
ADAM BECKETT
Animators
MICHAEL ROSS,
PETER KURAN, JONATHAN SEAY,
CHRIS CASADY,
LYN GERRY, DIANA WILSON
Stop Motion
Animation
JON BERG, PHIL
TIPPET
Miniature
Explosions
JOE VISKOCIL,
GREG AUER
Computer
Animation and Graphics Displays
DAN O'BANNON,
LARRY CUBA, JOHN WALSH,
JAY TEITZELL,
IMAGE WEST
Film Control
Coordinator
MARY M. LIND
Film Librarians
CINDY ISMAN,
CONNIE McCRUM, PAMELA MALOUF
Electronic
Designs
ALVAH J. MILLER
Special
Components
JAMES SHOURT
Assistants,
MASAAKI
NORIHORO, ELEANOR PORTER
Camera and
Mechanical Design
DON TRUMBULL,
RICHARD ALEXANDER,
WILLIAM SHOURT
Special
Mechanical Equipment
JERRY GREENWOOD,
DOUGLAS BARNETT, STUART ZIFF,
DAVID SCOTT
Production
Managers
BOB SHEPHERD,
LON TINNEY
Production Staff
PATRICIA ROSE
DUIGNAN, MARK KLINE,
RHONDA PECK, RON
NATHAN
Assistant Editor
(Opticals)
BRUCE MICHAEL
GREEN
Additional
Optical Effects
VAN DER VEER
PHOTO EFFECTS,
RAY MERCER &
COMPANY,
MODERN FILM
EFFECTS,
MASTER FILM
EFFECTS
DE PATIE-FRELENG
ENTERPRISES, INC.
PANAVISION
TECHNICOLOR Prints by DELUXE
Making Films
Sound Better, DOLBY SYSTEM
Noise Reduction
-- High Fidelity
CAST
Luke Skywalker
MARK HAMILL
Han Solo
HARRISON FORD
Princess Leia
Organa CARRIE FISHER
Grand Moff
Tarkin PETER CUSHING
Ben (Obi-Wan)
Kenobi ALEC GUINNESS
See-Threepio
(C-3PO) ANTHONY DANIELS
Artoo-Detoo
(R2-D2) KENNY BAKER
Chewbacca PETER
MAYHEW
Lord Darth Vader
DAVID PROWSE
Uncle Owen PHIL
BROWN
Aunt Beru
SHELAGH FRASER
Chief Jawa JACK
PERVIS
General Dodonna
ALEX McCRINDLE
General Willard
EDDIE BYRNE
Red Leader DREWE
HEMLEY
Red Two (Wedge)
DENNIS LAWSON
Red Three
(Biggs) GARRICK HAGON
Red Four (John
"D") JACK KLAFF
Red Six
(Porkins) WILLIAM HOOTKINS
Gold Leader
ANGUS McINNIS
Gold Two JEREMY
SINDEN
Gold Five GRAHAM
ASHLEY
General Taggi
DON HENDERSON
General Motti
RICHARD LE PARMENTIER
Commander One
LESLIE SCHOFIELD
Photographed in
Tunisia
Tikal National
Park, Guatemala
Death Valley
National Monument, California
and at EMI
Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England
Music Recorded
at Anvil Recording Studios, Denham, England
Post Production
Completed at American Zoetrope, San Francisco, California
Rerecording at
Samuel Goldwyn Studios, Los Angeles, California
The producers
wish to thank the government of Tunisia, the Institute of
Anthropology and
History of Guatemala, and the National Park Service,
United States
Department of the Interior, for their cooperation.
Copyright 1977
by Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
A LUCASFILM LTD.
PRODUCTION
Ownership of
this motion picture is protected by copyright and other
applicable laws
and any unauthorized duplication, distribution, or
exhibition of
this motion picture could result in criminal prosecution
as well as civil
liability.