George Lucas/Lucasfilm Early Documents for Star Wars (TCF, 1977) and American Graffiti (Universal,...

Description

George Lucas/Lucasfilm Early Documents for Star Wars (TCF, 1977) and American Graffiti (Universal, 1973), (1) with Universal Pictures and (1) with United Artists (ca. 1972). Vintage original pair of studio option contracts including (1) between George Lucas (as Lucasfilm Ltd.) and Universal Pictures, dated April 6, 1972, and (1) with United Artists, dated December 12, 1972, which are among the earliest references to Star Wars, then only referred to as "the Film". As J.W. Rinzler extensively details in his book The Making of Star Wars (pages 5-6), Lucas first signed a development deal with Universal, followed by one with United Artists. To secure a deal for American Graffiti, he proposed a second, untitled project, described by Lucas as an "idea of a space-opera fantasy film in the vein of Flash Gordon," which, he later said, "was really the birth of Star Wars." These documents reflect the moment that Star Wars shifted from a mere "notion" to "an obligation" for Lucas. He first signed a two-picture agreement with United Artists, but after executives reviewed the completed Graffiti script, the studio withdrew, claiming the film didn't align with their vision. With support from his mentor, Francis Ford Coppola, Lucas then signed a two-picture deal with Universal on April 6, 1972. Titled the "Lucas Option Contract," this agreement between "LUCASFILM LTD." and Universal referred to American Graffiti and the unnamed sci fi project as "the Films." It included an option clause Universal never exercised-and both films eventually found homes elsewhere, with Star Wars famously produced by 20th Century Fox. The Universal contract is on 8.5" x 11" paper with 2- punched holes at the top and features a clear signature by George W. Lucas Jr. Lucas began developing Star Wars before American Graffiti was even released, marking an early step toward the world's most influential franchise. The United Artists contract, dated December 12, 1972, is labeled "Exhibit A" and "ASSIGNMENT," printed on 8.5" x 14" legal-size paper with handwritten sections. It also bears Lucas's full legal signature, "George W. Lucas Jr.," and is duly notarized. Notably, the notary refers to him as "President of Lucas Film." These documents show that development with both studios overlapped-an important moment in Lucas's path, and one of the important moments where Lucas' vision moved from a "notion" to a series of movies that would make cinematic history. Both documents exhibit age and handling, with minor creasing, particularly to the top corners of the United Artists document, which has additional staple holes at the top left-hand corner and is affixed with a staple with signs of light ink staining on last page. Comes with a full LOA from Beckett Authentication Services.

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