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 ost people barely remember this offering, which
aired back in November of 1978 and was never repeated again. There's a
reason for it being kept under wraps, mostly because it wasn't exactly
"Star Wars"' finest hour and proved to be a colossal
embarrassment to the fledgling franchise. But thanks to eBay and a few
savvy souls with VCRs, copies of the movie have survived and multiplied to
allow fans a chance to view what no sane man should want to see.
For a "Star Wars" offering, the plot is
very simple. Han Solo tries to evade the Empire while getting his pal
Chewbacca back to his home planet for Life Day, the Wookie equivalent of
Christmas. Meanwhile, Chewie's family anxiously awaits his arrival so the
festivities can begin. While everyone waits, musical numbers and guest
appearances fill up the 97-minute running time.
The "Holiday Special" does feature all the principal characters
of the film, albeit too briefly. Harrison Ford ("Hollywood
Homicide") escapes with his dignity fully intact, giving his
usual bravado performance as Han Solo. His screen time is simply too
brief, and if he were in this more it really would have made a difference.
Carrie Fisher sings a song to the tune of the "Star Wars" theme,
and while it's hard to watch you can't help but notice her beautiful
voice. Too bad the producers didn't have the sense to give her better
musical material to work with.
As Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill ("The
Guyver") does what he can but he's got nothing to work with
either. His part seems to consist of looking like he was attacked by a
Mary Kay saleswoman and fixing an antiquated gadget. Give him credit,
though, at least he tries, despite having next to nothing to go on.
As for guest stars Bea Arthur, Harvey Korman, Art Carney, and Jefferson
Airplane, they seem so out of place that they stand out like Mormons at a
biker rally. The producers apparently had no idea what "Star
Wars" was about, and decided to cram every available celebrity into
the special for the sake of ratings.
The only silver lining is that the "Holiday
Special" is the first appearance of Boba Fett, predating "The
Empire Strikes Back". Debuting in an animated short, it's nice to see
a fan favorite in action for the first time. The animation is fairly well
done, and makes for the only enjoyable part of the show.
The sets on the Wookie planet are poorly constructed, and look too flimsy
to hold creatures that can grow over 7 feet tall. Outer space effects are
mainly scenes either taken or cut from "Star Wars". Even the
costumes look poorly done, as if they were in a rush. The Wookie suits are
nothing special, making the creatures look like Bigfoots who've let
themselves go.
The "Holiday Special" is best for "Star Wars" fanatics
who need something to tide them over until the arrival of "Episode
III". It's also good for seeing the very first appearance of Boba
Fett. But for anyone else, be wise and rent the actual films for your
"Star Wars" fix. This is something that may scar your psyche for
life. |
