Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (TCF, 1977), Revised Fourth Draft Rainbow Script Plus Picture Estimate (Budget) Bot... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (TCF, 1977), Revised Fourth Draft Rainbow Script Plus Picture Estimate (Budget) Both Signed by George Lucas and Gifted to Fox Executive William Kent Swaim. Vintage original revised fourth draft rainbow page studio-bound script, plus mint page studio-bound proposed shooting-budget "Picture Estimate" for the most famous space epic ever filmed. Both of these remarkable and historic artifacts are ex-libris William Kent Swaim, the Twentieth Century Fox production account executive who prepared the filming Picture Estimate. Swaim completed his report on March 15, 1976 for approval by the TCF board of directors, with proposed production start date just one week later. Signed neatly by George Lucas in marker in lower right of first page. The script, titled The Adventures of Luke Starkiller as Taken from the "Journal of the Whills," (Saga I): Star Wars written by George Lucas, has its original pale blue TCF stenographic dept. bradded studio covers, with no external indication of contents. Dated March 15, 1976, and comprising 156-pink, blue and yellow revision pages dated through April 19, plus pink title page and white introduction page. Signed quite boldly by Lucas in marker on introduction page, plus affectionately inscribed "to Kent/ May the force be with you." George Lucas's 2+ year pilgrimage to realize his very personal modern take on an age-old trope, that of an unlikely hero's epic quest to save his farm, a damsel in distress, his planet, and the entire universe underwent extensive research, revisions, and redactions, culminating in this virtually final fourth draft, closely reflecting the final film. The Picture Estimate budget, which here totals $8,228,228 (at a time that a typical zero-effects Hollywood comedy cost $20M+) reveals within its 79-pages countless fascinating curiosities, such as Lucas's per diem expense rate in London at $140/day, in U.S. $100/day, and in Mexico $70/day; day players earned just £75/day, while 1094 total background/extra players earned a pitiful £15/day; the most expensive set piece was the "Sandcrawler" at £54,850, and the third-highest the "Pirate Starship" (Millennium Falcon) at £42,500; the miniature model-makers earned somewhat more than any of the second-tier principal cast (like Anthony Daniels, David Prowse); cute little R2-D2 (mechanical radio-controlled version) was budgeted at £30,600, while not one, but two huge full-scale "Space Fighters" (X-Wings) a total of a mere £40,000.
The script covers show marginal age tanning and significant wear including chipping and creasing, especially around the overlap margins and spine, though the interior pages remain clean, with no notations other than the signature and inscription. There are minor ripples and tearing at the edges of some pages. Three pages near the end have deliberately turned corners, likely marking scene completions. Picture Estimate's original TCF-logo green covers and interior pages remain quite clean and free of age or handling save for minor tattering to overlap margins, and hand-marked "F-03 F-04 STAR WARS" on spine edge. Binder measures approx. 9" x 12" with 8.5" x 11" hole-punched pages within.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.