20 Little Known Star Wars Facts

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9. Those First Few Words

It’s one of the best-remembered film opening scenes in history. Majestic, glowing letters flow across a starlit sky, and the sheer scale lets you know something big is coming.

Even the periods and commas must be several light-years wide!

This may have been the first time young viewers had seen this device, but it actually goes back to the early days of cinema, and even then, it was based on a literary tradition much older.

Sometimes known as a “tease” or “hook,” it is a rip – roaring introduction informing the reader or viewer of the situation surrounding the story.

It must also snag their interest by using stirring language and telling them about the central conflict of the plot. In the process, the history leading up to the story’s beginning is briefly outlined.

When used well, this old device can have them on the edge of their seats by the time the last line disappears. It must be well written, for it will be read and remembered by many.

That was certainly true of the intro to “Star Wars.” The iconic opening scroll of words from “A New Hope” were written by Brian de Palma.