Lets start it with Episode 4.

In 1977(Long time ago), one of the most inspirational films was brought to the world, (In a gallaxy not far far away).



Episode 4, A New Hope. (Probably should be One and ignore the prequels entirely....

George Lucas having finished his project, THX 1138, began coming up with the concept of Star Wars. It wasn't until the mid 70s did his ideas bring togeather into several drafts of a script, all very different from the Star Wars we know. 20th Century Fox CEO, Alan Ladd, Jr. was persuaded into funding the film. He invested in the young Lucas, and not the technical weight that would soon come to the series. Industrial Light and Magic was founded to create all the special effects that were new and unique to the era.



Production of the film proved to be a great challenge, weather problems delayed shooting the first week, technical equipment fialures, and actors not getting along or uninterested in the script. Even with all the problems, Lucas and his crew pushed on, after a delay from their initial release date of December 76, to Summer of 77. In it's first private screening, the lack of special effects seemed to diminish the film to Lucas's friends...Except for Mr. Steven Speilberg. 20th Century Fox however, loved it.

Upon release, it was an instant hit and one of the first true blockbusters. Winning our hearts, our minds, seven accademy awards and third in most grossed film series (Trailing behind James Bond and Harry Potter) Star Wars is still one of the greatest and most inspirational films ever made. Good enough to obtain 3 prequals, 2 sequals, and an unprecidented amount of books, comics, shows, and toys. (And on the 4th day of star wars...)

...I however kinda wished they avoided the prequels entirely, but that's me...

EAK

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Episode_IV:_A_New_Hope