When Harrison Ford bid adieu to his temporary abode in London following the conclusion of filming George Lucas’ cinematic masterpiece, Star Wars: A New Hope, little did he realize he was leaving behind a treasure trove of cinematic history. Nestled amidst the remnants of his stay was his script for the film, forgotten and forsaken. Dated March 15, 1976, and bearing the title “The Adventures of Luke Starkiller,” this script represented the fourth draft of the screenplay that would eventually evolve into the iconic Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Recently, the owner of the London rental property stumbled upon this relic of Hollywood lore, tucked away in a forgotten corner. Recognizing its significance, they decided to part ways with it, offering it up for auction to the highest bidder. And thus, amidst the fervor of a livestreamed auction on a Saturday, the script found its new custodian—an Austrian collector, who, for the sum of approximately $13,600, secured their place as the steward of this invaluable piece of cinematic history.

This script, unbound and incomplete, offered a glimpse into the creative process behind the making of Star Wars. Its pages bore witness to the evolution of the story, with differing-colored pages signaling revisions and amendments made along the way. But perhaps most intriguing were the personal notes scrawled by Ford himself, offering insight into his interpretation of the character and the world he inhabited. Additionally, the script contained scenes and characters that ultimately didn’t make the final cut, adding layers of depth to the narrative tapestry.

During the auction, Sarah Torode, co-owner of Excalibur Auctions, remarked on the script’s unique allure, noting, “It’s got his DNA on it. It might even have [Ford’s] sweat on it.” A cheeky observation, perhaps, but one that underscores the tangible connection this artifact provides to the legendary actor and the film that propelled him to stardom.

The listing for the script on Excalibur Auctions revealed further details about Ford’s sojourn in the quaint Notting Hill suburb of London during the summer of 1976. Renting the top two floors of the seller’s house, Ford inhabited a space steeped in anonymity, as the oblivious owners of the property remained unaware of their illustrious tenant and his occasional visits from co-stars Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.

In the end, as the gavel fell and ownership of the script changed hands, a piece of cinematic history found its rightful place in the annals of fandom, ensuring that the legacy of Star Wars—and the enigmatic journey of its iconic characters—remains immortalized for generations to come.

Source: BBC