From time to time this Christmas season, I'll be posting some amazing videos that have been rescued by people like us and posted at the mecca of all things wonderful and obscure - YouTube.
I invite you to add a fun comment, witticism, clever remark, or observation in the comments section provided. Any comments deemed worthy of repeating will be included into this entry where all the world will see it.
Back in 1977, Twentieth Century Fox haggled with George Lucas concerning his "science movie" - the studio heads derisive nickname for "Star Wars". In the process, Fox gave away the merchandising rights to Lucas and barely promoted the film. We all know what a bum decision that turned out to be.
"Star Wars" and Christmas became synonymous in 1978 when Lucas gave his blessing to the Star Wars Holiday Special with Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher (who later admitted she was stoned for most of the taping), and guest stars Art Carney and Bea Arthur. We all know what a bum decision that turned out to be as well.
During my searches on YouTube, I came across this 1977 Bob Hope Christmas Special that might be the first tie-in with Christmas and "Star Wars".
Hope presents his parody called "Scar Wars" (I wanna tell ya...) and features Olivia Newton-John in the Leia role, Perry Como as a very relaxed astronaut, and Hope as evil baddie Barf Vader who kidnapped Santa.
You'll have to endure about 7:25 of these three - cracking one-liners, mangling songs, and breaking up over themselves. It's hard to believe this is the type of television we grew up on.
At the 7:25 mark, we cue Mark. As in Hamill. Bounding into the shot dressed in full Luke Skywalker gear, he calls on the Force to end the skit. Total time Mark's on screen? 35 seconds.
Bet George Lucas had used his Force concerning his beloved character of Luke Skywalker. Not even the power of Bob Hope could squeeze more airtime out of George.
What do you think?
Jeffco.Productions says: Wow. That was bad. Real bad. Real, real bad. Ouch.
HMcNally says: For a moment, I thought Bob Hope said, "I'm the pimp." Now that's funny!
Any other opinions?
Capt
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