Library Forces the issue with ‘Star Wars’ filmfest

Kirk Baird

Friday, June 22, 2001 | 8:50 a.m.

Luke, Leia, Han, Darth and, oh yeah, Jar-Jar.

No longer just names, they've become icons that are firmly established in American culture thanks to the success of the "Star Wars" films.

Beginning in May 1977 "Star Wars" opened to mixed reviews and in only a few theaters. But as positive word-of-mouth spread about the fanciful remake of the "Buck Rodgers" and "Flash Gordon" serials of the '30s and '40s, lines began to form around theaters.

As Force fever enveloped the world, "Star Wars" (later officially renamed, "Star Wars: Episode Four -- A New Hope") became the biggest-grossing film of all time, a title it has lost, regained and lost again over the years.

All told "Star Wars," its two sequels, 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back" and 1983's "Return of the Jedi," and prequel, 1999's "The Phantom Menace," have generated nearly $1.5 billion in box-office earnings, making it the most successful film franchise of all time.

Given that kind of success, it's no wonder the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., is showing all four movies as part of its free film festival series.

The festival begins Saturday with the original trilogy, "Star Wars" at 10 a.m., followed by "Empire" at 12:20 p.m. and "Return" at 2:30 p.m. It concludes Sunday with "Phantom" at 2 p.m.

The fact that "Phantom" is being shown on a different day than its predecessors is no slight on the much-maligned film.

"We just didn't have any more time on Saturday," said Rochelle Schreiner, a scheduling specialist for the library.

Although Schreiner, who's in charge of selecting the films in the series, seemed surprised there might be that perception.

"Really? I had no idea," she said.

She obviously doesn't know "Star Wars" fans.

Actually, Schreiner doesn't profess to be a fan, but her father and brother are.

"I've only seen the first one, but I've seen enough of the other films ... that I can tell you which ones they are."

When asked why she chose a film series she hasn't seen in its entirety, she said it's based upon the movies' appeal.

"I want to get the public into the library and let them know libraries aren't just a place to go and pick up books," she said. "We're not just a place where you have to be quiet."

Schreiner is proud of the library's makeshift theater, which seats 276, includes a small movie screen, several speakers tucked away in the ceiling and a new projection system that hooks up to a VCR that plays the movies.

It's not a state-of-the-art theater, she acknowledges, but it's worked well for other film festivals, such as the Leonardo DiCaprio series shown last year.

She said she thinks it'll be the same for the "Star Wars" festival, too.

"I'm hoping for a big turnout," she said.

May the Force be with her.