George Lucas: Creating an Empire

George Lucas has changed the landscape of modern American movies. Although his first two films--THX 1138 and American Graffiti--led critics to hail the director as a champion of small, personal films, it was the success of his Star Wars saga that led to the summer blockbuster, merchandise tie-in, special effects driven industry we know today. Filmed with Lucas' cooperation, this entry in A&E's popular Biography series explores the ambitions and contradictions of this very modern movie mogul, who was raised in the small town of Modesto, CA, the offspring of a strict father and sickly mother. Always imaginative, Lucas overcame his shyness by embracing the culture of cruising and drag racing, until a nearly fatal car wreck and a friend's chance suggestion led him to enroll in USC's film school, where he struck up a fortuitous relationship with Francis Ford Coppola, godfather and mentor to a generation of film school grads. Never compelled to create "star" vehicles, Lucas nevertheless has a keen eye for talent, and his films launched the careers of Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss, among others. From his Skywalker Ranch empire today, Lucas manages his film franchises, while his ancillary enterprises such as Industrial Light and Magic collaborate with studios to improve the sound, picture, and FX qualities of contemporary films. Commentary from family, friends and colleagues, including directors Coppola, Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg, Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers, and stars Ford and Liam Neeson, paint an engaging portrait of Lucas the filmmaker and family man in this sure to be popular program. Viewers specifically looking for a more detailed view of the Star Wars phenomenon should consider the Bill Moyers interview The Mythology of Star Wars (VL-3/00). Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)