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Episode III - Celebration Day
"The circle is now complete..."

When I first entered the Empire cinema, Leicester Square, at 7am on Monday 16 May, I was but a learner - at 11.25pm, after more than 16 hours immersed in the trilogy, I left a master.

A master of how Anakin Skywalker turned from being a promising young Jedi into the iconic Dark Lord of the Sith... with a breathing complaint that spawned a thousand playground impressions.

I also had the tremendous honour of thanking Star Wars creator George Lucas personally - but more of that later.

Yes, I'm one of the 1,300 fans who sat through all six of the Star Wars films from A New Hope right through to Revenge of The Sith. And here's how it happened...

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Up at 5.30am! I arrived in Leicester Square at 6.30am, a little bleary eyed, and was greeted by a legion of stormtroopers, scores of fans and dozens of journalists.

My excitment mounting, I settled down into my seat (second row from the front!) and awaited the opening credits.

As soon as the famous Star Wars logo blasted on to the screen the audience erupted - we were off.

There were cheers for Luke, Leia, Han and the rest of the good guys and boos for Darth Vader and his henchmen.

Star Wars saddo that I am, I took with me the original action figures of Luke (Empire Strikes Back version), Darth Vader, C-3PO and Admiral 'It's a trap' Akbar.

And for the first three films the corresponding characters sat in my top pocket.

It was a real treat to watch the original trilogy on the big screen and enjoy the action with crystal clear surround sound.

But as the morning turned into afternoon, I became increasingly tired and had to allow myself a 15 minute nap during the series' weakest film The Phantom Menace.

I soon perked up for Attack of the Clones, joining in with the universal laughter at the movie's apalling love scenes and cheering the excellent fight sequences involving Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and the legendary Christopher Lee.

absolutely right

Then it was on to the main event - Revenge of The Sith. The film that was supposed to fill in all the gaps.

Would it be as disappointing as The Phantom Menace or as hammy as sections of Attack of the Clones?

During his introduction to the Revenge of The Sith George Lucas said he hoped it would be enjoyed by both diehard fans and youngsters alike - and from the reaction of the audience he'd got it absolutely right.

From the off, fans clapped and cheered as the series' finale dazzled with its state of the art special effects, fight sequences and revealing plot lines.

Revenge of The Sith may see Anakin Skywalker succumb to the Dark Side but it definitely restored the faith of fans of the Star Wars franchise.

And if that wasn't enough, George Lucas, producer Rick McCallum and Ian McDiarmid made an impromptu return to the cinema while the final credits rolled.

From my prime postition in the second row I spotted Rick McCallum at the front and went over to say 'thank you'.

Then to my absolute delight George Lucas appeared beside him and, just moments before the rest of the audience crowded around, I calmly thanked him for the film, and the series, and shook him by the hand.

For me the end of the trilogy won't be the rise of Darth Vader, or the Rebellion's victory over the Empire - it'll be the memory of meeting the series' creator a short time ago in a cinema not very far away.

Elstree - the home of Star Wars The Star Wars series may be set in a galaxy 'far, far away' but a lot of the filming was actually shot closer to home. Full story >>

Find Episode III: Revenge of The Sith with our Film Finder: click here.

Are you looking forward to seeing the final instalment of the Star Wars' series? Add your comments and Jedi-related memories below...

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