Star Wars buildup

Culture | Intense fans line up ahead of an intense blockbuster opening | John Dawson

A long time ago at a theater far, far away, 50 or so Star Wars fans got in line for a film not slated to open for seven weeks.

All right, it was only April 2 when fans began to line up for Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith at Los Angeles' Grauman's Chinese Theatre. But there was a problem: Although Grauman's was the place Star Wars premiered in 1977, the final installment in the Star Wars family wouldn't show at the legendary theater. Word soon spread throughout the line that Episode III had actually been slated to premiere on May 19 at the ArcLight Theatre about a mile away.

Still, by May 4—more than a month after lining up and nearly two weeks since learning they were standing in front of the wrong theater—the line persisted. Star Wars devotee and line member Alex Flipse of Encino, Calif., took to answering a pay phone outside of Grauman's Chinese Theatre: "Star Wars line," he would say as he picked up the receiver.

Find out how to get instant access to this article and one month of WORLD for only $5.00! If you are already a subscriber, please log in below.

The complete article is ~634 words long

Current Subscribers

Magazine
Subscriber

Online Only
Subscriber

>> Click here to see other purchase options for this article

New Subscribers

Secure form

Receive instant access to this article and the WORLDMag.com Archives
Plus, enjoy 2 issues of WORLD Magazine for only $5.00*

Want a different type of subscription? Click here for Online-Only Subscription options. Or here for Print Subscription options (which include online subscription access).

Payment Information

Name	State	Card Type

Address	Zip	Card Number

City	Email	Expiration Date
		/
	Phone Number

Offer Terms

Subscribers Advantage Automatic Renewal Program You authorize WORLD Magazine to charge your credit/debit card at the price listed above and in time to renew your subscription to WORLD Magazine, without interruption, before the start of the first 6-month term (for $24.95) and then thereafter at 6-month terms at the regular rate then in effect unless you tell us to stop. You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all unmailed issues. If your credit/debit card cannot be charged, we will bill you directly instead.

*Offer good in the U.S. only for new subscribers.
I agree to the terms above

Outside the US, click here.
Renewing subscribers, click here.
Gift subscriptions, click here.

Copyright © 2010 WORLD Magazine
Articles may not be reproduced without permission
May 14, 2005, Vol. 20, No. 19

MORE PREVIOUS ISSUES

John Bolton: Take cover! May. 7, 2005	Rick Santorum: Penn Station Apr. 30, 2005	The fewer and the proud Apr. 23, 2005
Who will be the next pope? Apr. 16, 2005	Terri Schiavo: In memoriam Apr. 9, 2005	Schiavo’s fight for life Apr. 2, 2005