I'll make my review of this film short and sweet and without much care to finesse the details. I usually like documentaries about people, and a movie about the extras of Star Wars should have been right up my alley. Unfortunately, the film focused on the lives of few extras, some of whom were interesting and some of whom were not. I found a few of the anecdotes of working on the actual film or conventions amusing but there was an awful lot of rambling on by people who I could care less about. I could care less about some guy playing squash with Kiera Knightly's father, or about the guy who had a backache and ended up taking too much Valium. While I often find the stories of regular people interesting,this put far too much focus on people telling mundane details of their lives and careers. A better movie would have been made by interviewing more people and including more interesting details, or alternatively, to follow the lives of one who had a particular unique story or path of this life. You might like this if it covers one of your very favorite favorites, but if you want something more than just filler, i don't recommend it.
23 Reviews
oh yeah, and that guy was there, too.
Quinoa198423 February 2017
Maybe slightly too long (yeah, even at 100 minutes), but there's a lot of wonderful anecdotes from all of these 'walk-on' players and actors and people-behind-masks, and it's not completely about the making of Star Wars either. I think that was what pleasantly surprised me the most; not only that, the people talk about where they came from and their personal lives to an extent - all of them, from what I could tell, came from working class backgrounds, had sometimes sick/dead family members, and it was not necessarily always a 'I'm going to be this kind of actor' let alone any kind of recognizable entity - and, after Star Wars, how their lives fared.
Some kept on working in movies (there's one guy who went on to be in a number of films as the sort of 'oh, hey, background guy' in films like Living Daylights and Last Crusade), some didn't (the one actress, who barely considers herself that, found that she was more keen on getting her walk-on roles and not really seeking anything more), and some went on to being other iconic figures (Dave Prowse as... cross-walk guy?) There's also a good deal of time spent talking about fans and conventions, and the reactions to how these cons go isn't anything too out of this world (as one of them says, 95% of the people are terrific, the rest are... weird), but it adds another level on to the proceedings.
Most interesting is the bit about how there is a sort of tier system as far as people going to these conventions, with one man being interviewed (I forget his name but he's the guy that gets blown up in the X-Wing after shouting "Loosen up!" and recalls not remembering his lines out of order) saying that at one con a guy came trying to make himself into a thing when he wasn't even credited... and then this same guy, one presumes - or someone like him- is interviewed, and I mean, hey, that briefing scene on the Death Star on Yavin had a LOT of guys, you know. And meanwhile a guy like Prowse says with only a bit of bitterness that he isn't asked to conventions anymore, certainly not the official SW ones, but it doesn't seem as anything sad, like he knows he's made some bad blood along the way ...(the context, in case anyone's curious, Prowse used to be really terrible when it came to leaking info about the sequels when they were in production, to the point where he wasn't given the pivotal line in 'Empire' due to his loose lips, so that may be a reason he neglects to mention, but I digress)...
The key thing with Elstree is that you don't have to be a major Star Wars fan to see it. I'm sure it helps, and having listened recently to the 'I Was There Too' podcast with Anthony Forrest (the 'Mind-Trick' Stormtrooper, and another character cut from the final version), there's some extra things to find out about these people that make them interesting all within this context. Stylistically it's talking heads and a sprinkling of film clips, stills, (mostly from SW, and sometimes, to emphasize a character as the one neat trick, the film does a kind of back and forth loop like one might see on, of all places, Instagram, but it works as a 'here's this guy or woman').
What it comes down to is that these people would be great fun to talk to in sum, and that's the important thing. While the fandom is nice for these people, it's not everything (not even for Prowse, not anymore, or Jeremy Bulloch, the one actor interviewed here that wasn't there in 76), so in a way this is more like a series of human interest stories that happens to have as the connecting thread of 'Oh yeah, that sci-fi movie that the quiet bearded guy was directing). It works for both crowds, even as it's special up to a point, a 'good for one watch' thing.
Some kept on working in movies (there's one guy who went on to be in a number of films as the sort of 'oh, hey, background guy' in films like Living Daylights and Last Crusade), some didn't (the one actress, who barely considers herself that, found that she was more keen on getting her walk-on roles and not really seeking anything more), and some went on to being other iconic figures (Dave Prowse as... cross-walk guy?) There's also a good deal of time spent talking about fans and conventions, and the reactions to how these cons go isn't anything too out of this world (as one of them says, 95% of the people are terrific, the rest are... weird), but it adds another level on to the proceedings.
Most interesting is the bit about how there is a sort of tier system as far as people going to these conventions, with one man being interviewed (I forget his name but he's the guy that gets blown up in the X-Wing after shouting "Loosen up!" and recalls not remembering his lines out of order) saying that at one con a guy came trying to make himself into a thing when he wasn't even credited... and then this same guy, one presumes - or someone like him- is interviewed, and I mean, hey, that briefing scene on the Death Star on Yavin had a LOT of guys, you know. And meanwhile a guy like Prowse says with only a bit of bitterness that he isn't asked to conventions anymore, certainly not the official SW ones, but it doesn't seem as anything sad, like he knows he's made some bad blood along the way ...(the context, in case anyone's curious, Prowse used to be really terrible when it came to leaking info about the sequels when they were in production, to the point where he wasn't given the pivotal line in 'Empire' due to his loose lips, so that may be a reason he neglects to mention, but I digress)...
The key thing with Elstree is that you don't have to be a major Star Wars fan to see it. I'm sure it helps, and having listened recently to the 'I Was There Too' podcast with Anthony Forrest (the 'Mind-Trick' Stormtrooper, and another character cut from the final version), there's some extra things to find out about these people that make them interesting all within this context. Stylistically it's talking heads and a sprinkling of film clips, stills, (mostly from SW, and sometimes, to emphasize a character as the one neat trick, the film does a kind of back and forth loop like one might see on, of all places, Instagram, but it works as a 'here's this guy or woman').
What it comes down to is that these people would be great fun to talk to in sum, and that's the important thing. While the fandom is nice for these people, it's not everything (not even for Prowse, not anymore, or Jeremy Bulloch, the one actor interviewed here that wasn't there in 76), so in a way this is more like a series of human interest stories that happens to have as the connecting thread of 'Oh yeah, that sci-fi movie that the quiet bearded guy was directing). It works for both crowds, even as it's special up to a point, a 'good for one watch' thing.
Average
bazmitch238 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Everybody in the world has a story to tell. It is cool that the lesser known people involved with Star Wars get their moment to shine. We already know who David Prowse is. He played one of cinema's greatest villains. We have interviews with the actors who played the X-Wing fighters, Greedo, the Stormtrooper who hit his head and of course Jeremy as Boba Fett (even though "The Empire Strikes Back" was shot in 1979, which is out of place for a documentary called "Elstree 1976").
The doc opens with the actors explaining who there are and their growing up tales, Prowse became a body builder due to problems with his muscles. He also explained that he almost got in trouble on A Clockwork Orange by asking Kubrick "Are you 'One Take Stanley'?" Fortunatley, Stan just laughed.
They all explain how they were cast in Star Wars and their parts. Greedo had acid put on his back for the burning effect, and no he does not talk about "Who shot first".
The X-Wing fighters said that they had to queue for their scenes in the X-Wing cockpits as if they were queuing for a ride.
The Stormtrooper who banged his head said he couldn't see out of the helmet, which explains Luke's line "I can't see a thing in this helmet."
Then they talk about conventions and how the lesser known actors were annoyed that Vader and Fett were getting all the glory and they weren't.
Then we have the "What are you doing now" act in the documentary and this is where the doc gets quite dull for me. Most of them haven't really anything interesting to say, other than "I don't act any more" and "I just do parts in TV."
After the Star Wars tale, you just don't care about their stories anymore, but then all actors go through the "Where are they now" part in the lives. Even the big names quit.
One actor said he had bit parts in movies such as Indiana Jones and Superman, and he was depressed that he wasn't getting any big parts.
The female extra who has a "blink and you miss it cameo" in the Cantina scene went out with Christopher Reeve whilst filming Superman.
Another actor said he is now a teacher and has created a series called "Johnny Spacerocket."
It's an okay doc, Star Wars fans might be interested in the first 45 minutes, but afterwards the doc gets slow and dull.
The doc opens with the actors explaining who there are and their growing up tales, Prowse became a body builder due to problems with his muscles. He also explained that he almost got in trouble on A Clockwork Orange by asking Kubrick "Are you 'One Take Stanley'?" Fortunatley, Stan just laughed.
They all explain how they were cast in Star Wars and their parts. Greedo had acid put on his back for the burning effect, and no he does not talk about "Who shot first".
The X-Wing fighters said that they had to queue for their scenes in the X-Wing cockpits as if they were queuing for a ride.
The Stormtrooper who banged his head said he couldn't see out of the helmet, which explains Luke's line "I can't see a thing in this helmet."
Then they talk about conventions and how the lesser known actors were annoyed that Vader and Fett were getting all the glory and they weren't.
Then we have the "What are you doing now" act in the documentary and this is where the doc gets quite dull for me. Most of them haven't really anything interesting to say, other than "I don't act any more" and "I just do parts in TV."
After the Star Wars tale, you just don't care about their stories anymore, but then all actors go through the "Where are they now" part in the lives. Even the big names quit.
One actor said he had bit parts in movies such as Indiana Jones and Superman, and he was depressed that he wasn't getting any big parts.
The female extra who has a "blink and you miss it cameo" in the Cantina scene went out with Christopher Reeve whilst filming Superman.
Another actor said he is now a teacher and has created a series called "Johnny Spacerocket."
It's an okay doc, Star Wars fans might be interested in the first 45 minutes, but afterwards the doc gets slow and dull.
needs more Star Wars less life stories
SnoopyStyle14 September 2016
Various bit players and extras from 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' (1977) talk about their lives before and after the movie. Some of the filming took place at Elstree Studios. There are stories from the set and the hierarchy that these minor actors find themselves with the fans. This is really only compelling for Star Wars fans. The bits of stories about these actors are not that compelling. It does paint a picture of post-war Britain and there is surprisingly quite a few Canadian connections. The movie should really concentrate much more on the set stories as well as the fans and conventions afterwards. Those are the money and has the most connection to Star Wars. That's what's important and not the random life stories of these minor actors.
Some Will Appreciate This
gavin694216 February 2017
Actors and extras reminisce about their time on the set of "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" (1977) and how making the film affected their lives.
My interest in this film is that i believe in celebrating the "men in suits", the actors who are important to film but do not get the recognition. Although I am not a "Star Wars" fan (blasphemy!), I appreciate the role that Greedo plays in the series, as well as Darth Vader and Boba Fett. As one actor points out, there are action figures... you may not know the actor's name, but you have him immortalized in plastic! Die-hard fans might like the film. I found it interesting, but it didn't add a whole lot to the understanding of the "Star Wars" franchise, and even if it did that might not mean as much to me. I was interested in the convention angle. I am shocked how much people pay at conventions for a signature from an actor who had a small part decades ago, and was already paid for that part. (Going to annual horror conventions, I am certain many of the actors make more on signing fees than they ever did as actors!)
My interest in this film is that i believe in celebrating the "men in suits", the actors who are important to film but do not get the recognition. Although I am not a "Star Wars" fan (blasphemy!), I appreciate the role that Greedo plays in the series, as well as Darth Vader and Boba Fett. As one actor points out, there are action figures... you may not know the actor's name, but you have him immortalized in plastic! Die-hard fans might like the film. I found it interesting, but it didn't add a whole lot to the understanding of the "Star Wars" franchise, and even if it did that might not mean as much to me. I was interested in the convention angle. I am shocked how much people pay at conventions for a signature from an actor who had a small part decades ago, and was already paid for that part. (Going to annual horror conventions, I am certain many of the actors make more on signing fees than they ever did as actors!)
EVEN THIS WAS BETTER THAN THE PREQUELS...!
masonfisk5 July 2018
Looking through the prism of fandom can sometimes be a frustrating experience where one feels daunted by their love of something no matter what anyone says. These feelings & much more rear their ugly heads as I watched Elstree 1976. If anything, this doc gives an interesting insight into the Star Wars phenomena as bit players, walk-on's & neglected extras rhapsodize on what being in the most famous film of all time has done for their lives.
A mildly interesting but otherwise pointless piece
geekfurious26 June 2016
While perhaps 20 minutes of this documentary deliver actually interesting anecdotes about the film-making process, the creators of it never show the personalities interviewed to be all that interesting. And the history of bit-players who became bit-players in the industry and perhaps their own lives could have been very interesting and significant, but none of it is ever elevated to anything but a bit-player film level... which is somewhat appropriate for a below average experience, but doesn't make the film worth seeing.
If there is a reason to watch this movie, it is for future documentarians to learn what not to do.
If there is a reason to watch this movie, it is for future documentarians to learn what not to do.
A film that had so much potential but failed to deliver.
lee_bottomley29 December 2016
As a lifelong Star Wars fan I sat down and watched this DVD with great anticipation but other than a few positives it unfortunately fell way below my expectations and was very disappointing. As the name of the title suggests ..... Elstree, I was hoping to get an insight into the studio and get a better understanding of what it was like in 1976 working on the original film set with some behind the scenes original footage / photos etc but it didn't offer that. Having said that, I appreciate that the film was focusing mainly on the original extras and supporting actors as opposed to the studio itself and listening to each of their interviews there was some interesting stories particularly Dave Prowse but overall it just seemed to drag on and sadly became quite boring. Most of what they had to say was about what they did before been in Star Wars and what they did after. It including their appearances in the conventions which was one of the few highlights. This film had so much potential but I feel it was simply put together cheaply and in a hurry which is such a shame. If you are a genuine Star Wars fan you will find some parts of it interesting but in my opinion it's not one of the best documentary on Star Wars you will ever see.
Brilliant little film
rkhen19 September 2016
Well, after reading the pouty petulance of half a dozen butt-hurt sci-fi nerds in this forum, I figured a grown-up ought to weigh in.
This is a great movie. Yeah, it has "Star Wars" in the deck. No, it isn't really about Star Wars. It has that in common with life.
Elstree 1976 has a novel premise: let's sit down and talk with several people who had uncredited bit parts in one of biggest smash hits in history. What is it like to have had a tiny, expendable role in a huge cultural event?
In other words, it's not really about the movie. It's more about that old Patricia Rozema line: "Isn't life the strangest thing you've ever seen?" This is a meditation on living, working, hoping, striving, failing, changing your mind, and growing old. The interviewees are engaging, funny, personable, and wholly aware they're "nobody". And a little bemused that anybody wants their autograph, or to interview them. And refreshingly grateful for that, every last one.
In sum, Elstree 1976 is a pleasant evening spent with people not much older than those of us who saw Star Wars first-run, talking about things people our age can understand.
I like Star Wars. I went into this expecting another rehash of Star Wars lore, which would have been mildly entertaining. What I found was something much rarer than that. If you're more than half an inch deep, you'll appreciate it.
This is a great movie. Yeah, it has "Star Wars" in the deck. No, it isn't really about Star Wars. It has that in common with life.
Elstree 1976 has a novel premise: let's sit down and talk with several people who had uncredited bit parts in one of biggest smash hits in history. What is it like to have had a tiny, expendable role in a huge cultural event?
In other words, it's not really about the movie. It's more about that old Patricia Rozema line: "Isn't life the strangest thing you've ever seen?" This is a meditation on living, working, hoping, striving, failing, changing your mind, and growing old. The interviewees are engaging, funny, personable, and wholly aware they're "nobody". And a little bemused that anybody wants their autograph, or to interview them. And refreshingly grateful for that, every last one.
In sum, Elstree 1976 is a pleasant evening spent with people not much older than those of us who saw Star Wars first-run, talking about things people our age can understand.
I like Star Wars. I went into this expecting another rehash of Star Wars lore, which would have been mildly entertaining. What I found was something much rarer than that. If you're more than half an inch deep, you'll appreciate it.
The force isn't strong with this one. This documentary was scraping the bottom of the barrel of what is Star Wars. It was very bad.
ironhorse_iv12 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
There have been countless documentaries on the "Star Wars" movies over the years & most of the films, are pretty good. However, this kick-starter documentary directed by Jon Spira is not one of them. While, I'm a huge 'Star Wars' fanatic; I have to say, this documentary was very disappointing. It was a mess. While, the title of this film, refers to the studio, just outside London where director George Lucas shot the original 1977's masterpiece film, 'Star Wars'. The documentary does not really focus on, the actual production of that seminal space opera. Instead, the movie tells the mostly boring life-story of the bit actors and extras that were hired for the film. Talk about grasping for straws. The only sequence and interview that seem, somewhat interesting, was English bodybuilder, weightlifter and actor, David Prowse whom played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, though the character's voice was provided by James Earl Jones. That man, had a great life-story of fighting childhood illnesses, working with director Stanley Kubrick as well as being a role-model for children as a crossing guard superhero. What a character! The others actor's life story were highly bland, even the man that create a derivative martial arts form. Look, I get that, they probably couldn't get, any of the main cast to be, part of this film, but there were hardly any interesting colorful supporting actors, here. Where is the interviews of Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Anthony Daniels (C3PO) or Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)? Is this, really the best, this film can often? Its sucks, that most of the interesting actors were long-past dead. It's get kinda worst, as some of the people that were being interview, weren't even credited in the film. God knows, if anything, they're talking about is honestly, true or not. Truly, as much, as I like, hearing about people talk about the production of 'Star Wars', this is pretty low on the entertainment chasm. What's next, a documentary about the jaintors who clean the studios toilets, where 'Star Wars' was filmed at!? Come on! They using the least desirable parts of the film. Another problem with this film, is how the title, doesn't relate to the subject, they're presenting. A good example of this, is how the film talks about actor Anthony Forrest, when in truth, he mostly filmed all of his scenes at Tunisia as both, the Stormtrooper and Laze 'Fixer' Loneozner. He barely step, foot at Elstree Studios at all. Another good example of an actor, not really being there was actor, Jeremy Bulloch, whom wasn't even in the original film, but in its 1980's sequel 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back'. The reason, why is pretty simple, when you think, deep about it. He couldn't be at Elstree Studios in 1976, because at that time, he was in Pinewood Studios, filming the James Bond movies in a minor role as Q's assistant. So, why is he in this film at all? It's probably, because he played one of the most popular, minor 'Star Wars' character of all-time, Boba Fett, the Bounty Hunter and fans wanted to see him. It's like the filmmakers, said to themselves, screw the premise of this film. Just add him in, so the movie would have, somewhat of an appeal. Yes, it somewhat work, but he seem like an out of place addition, comparing to the other people, being interview. In my opinion, I think the movie would had been more interesting, if they focus the spotlight on the film crew, rather than the extras and lesser supporting actors. After all, the costumes, the props, the locations and special effects of 'Star Wars' outshines the acting, big time! Sadly, this film doesn't do that, as it shows. It was very lackluster. Another problem of this film to me, is how it was made. The visuals of this documentary were really, below average. The weird badly grainy reenactment footage really, don't match well, with the behind-the-scenes footage of the actual 1977 film. It looks so fake. Also, the idea of having all of the bit part player's names, being shown on the screen alongside their 'Star Wars' action figure might sound cool, but it was delivered, really bad. It comes across, as confusing, as the film doesn't bother, showing their faces, screen presence or last names, until later. The editing for this film, was really, really horrible. There were plenty of botch interviews in the film, that should had been cut out from the final film. A good example is the actor, Angus MacInnes (Gold Leader) calling for his dog to stay still, while he talks. Honestly, did we really need to see that!? Another scene is when another actor, Derek Lyons was showing his 'Zen Swim' martial-arts moves, only to be distracted by the disappearing of people walking in the background, between shots. The way, the movie jump around, from person to person also felt a bit incomplete. It's pretty bad, for the film to start talking about somebody, only to have it, wait until another person finish talking, a little about his life. It was highly annoying. The director also unfortunately opts for this depressing ambient music throughout most of the film that makes everything seem really melancholy and bleak, even when it's not. It's less of a celebration of these actors and more of a show of bitterness. Overall: I have to say, this isn't the documentary, I was looking for. It barely gave any real insight of both 'Star Wars' and the background actors that starred in it. I really can't recommended, watching, not at all. Even if you're forced to watch it.
Disappointing
jarnol-436098 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler alert: I had waited for 6 months for the DVD release. The trailer showed us some "behind the scenes" footage of X-wing fighters, storm-troopers and a man in a Darth Vader suit hanging around waiting to go on and perform. What became clear is that it was staged NEW footage. There wasn't really any behind the scenes we haven't seen. The film itself jumped around, I guess the directer thought it would be cute to just put the first names of people and it took me some time to figure out who was who (and I am more than the casual SW fan). I'm not sure what this was supposed to be. It was more like a trashing of the extras and small parts actors. They were show in the worst light possible, the small roles saying the people who had no dialog or were cut shouldn't go to the conventions. They acted very petty as if this was all the director shot? I think he wasn't a fan of Star Wars and wanted to show something else because I surely didn't enjoy the in-fighting. He didn't even film on location at Elstree! Short on photos or footage but you get the same stock behind-the-scenes footage of the rebels on the Death star "escaping" but Lucas say the mic is in picture. This was like someone re-mixing something great into a smearing, cut-throat, vote-them-off-the-island reality crap sitcom. There was no celebrating Star Wars, it was all about the drama between some actors and extras who were lucky enough to be involved in the film. What a waste of time. Did TMZ do this movie?
P.S. - How is it that the director and most of the fans don't know Boba Fett was in Star Wars (at Elstree 1976) but he was cut out. It was the cut Jabba the Hutt scene. Right at the end of the scene you are introduced to Boba. It is a difficult cut scene to find but it is in a few behind the scenes specials for Star wars. Also the Greedo scenes were re-shot with a different actor/actress because the fingers just looked silly.
P.S. - How is it that the director and most of the fans don't know Boba Fett was in Star Wars (at Elstree 1976) but he was cut out. It was the cut Jabba the Hutt scene. Right at the end of the scene you are introduced to Boba. It is a difficult cut scene to find but it is in a few behind the scenes specials for Star wars. Also the Greedo scenes were re-shot with a different actor/actress because the fingers just looked silly.
A Star Wars Fan Who Couldn't Sit Through This Movie
lrathome9 October 2016
This is not a nostalgic behind the scenes look at the making of Star Wars or even interesting anecdotes from actors and extras, BUT rather a boring, rambling, stream of consciousness, insomnia curing, 90 minutes of irrelevant and otherwise unrelated "stories" from cast members, most of which you've never heard of. It has poor production value and a poor sound which makes some of the conversation exceedingly difficult to hear. The production values could be forgiven however, if the content was interesting. My wife, who is not as much of a Star Wars fan, pointed out that you would be hard pressed to find any meaningful reference to Star Wars in the first 40 minutes of this film. By the time a random soap opera clip "starring" an unknown was shown, I'd had enough. This is unfortunately one many of us waited for, but is one to miss. And rest assured, you won't miss much of anything.
I'd Like To Thank The Little People...
kirbylee70-599-52617914 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Those are the famous lines spouted by actors for decades. They always want to thank "the little people", those inconsequential actors, extras and crew members who make the star shine. But rarely do we ever hear about them and they never receive the accolades that the stars do. No one even makes movies about them. Until now.
STAR WARS is perhaps the biggest cultural event film made in the last 50 years. It was released, sequels were made, all were re-released, prequels followed, we got an all-new movie last year, a movie tie-in is coming as well as a sequel to the new movie. And while all had a handful of stars in major roles what most don't consider is the number of bit players and costumed actors that are found running around in each of these movies.
ELSTREE 1976 takes a look at those actors. If you were in a mask or played a small role in the original film you were there watching it all happen at Elstree Studios in 1976. The film makers here have gone back to those actors now and discussed with them the experiences they had in making that first movie. Matched with their appearances in that film we see them as they are now, masks off or a little aged for those who didn't have to wear masks. Each of them talks about their time and it makes for a nice backstage look at movie making.
Not only do we get to hear them talk about the making of the film we get to find out how it influenced their lives moving forward as well. Various cast members went on to roles in other films or TV projects, some of them recognizable when it is pointed out. For them you'll be watching and saying "Oh yeah! I didn't realize that was him/her!" We see where they are today and what they're doing as well as those no longer with us.
I've read some reviews of this film that take its makers to task for focusing on the minor bit players while ignoring some of the bigger name stars that were made who also wore masks. I find it difficult to side with those complaints seeing as how many of those stars have had programs made about them already as well as their appearing at numerous conventions to sign autographs to this day. The focus of the cast members here were those who aren't as recognizable, who didn't jump onto other major projects in starring roles, who haven't gotten the recognition that those others did. For me that makes the movie even better, giving them a chance for the recognition they deserve as well.
Understand going in that this is not an action packed film. We don't see tons of clips from the original movie. We get glimpses of these people in their roles, see them now and get the chance to listen to them talk about their experience. It is a documentary not a narrative film. And yet it is still interesting to watch. Fans of STAR WARS will find themselves listening to these tales with rapt attention. Others might find it interesting as well. For me it was a treat and worth watching.
STAR WARS is perhaps the biggest cultural event film made in the last 50 years. It was released, sequels were made, all were re-released, prequels followed, we got an all-new movie last year, a movie tie-in is coming as well as a sequel to the new movie. And while all had a handful of stars in major roles what most don't consider is the number of bit players and costumed actors that are found running around in each of these movies.
ELSTREE 1976 takes a look at those actors. If you were in a mask or played a small role in the original film you were there watching it all happen at Elstree Studios in 1976. The film makers here have gone back to those actors now and discussed with them the experiences they had in making that first movie. Matched with their appearances in that film we see them as they are now, masks off or a little aged for those who didn't have to wear masks. Each of them talks about their time and it makes for a nice backstage look at movie making.
Not only do we get to hear them talk about the making of the film we get to find out how it influenced their lives moving forward as well. Various cast members went on to roles in other films or TV projects, some of them recognizable when it is pointed out. For them you'll be watching and saying "Oh yeah! I didn't realize that was him/her!" We see where they are today and what they're doing as well as those no longer with us.
I've read some reviews of this film that take its makers to task for focusing on the minor bit players while ignoring some of the bigger name stars that were made who also wore masks. I find it difficult to side with those complaints seeing as how many of those stars have had programs made about them already as well as their appearing at numerous conventions to sign autographs to this day. The focus of the cast members here were those who aren't as recognizable, who didn't jump onto other major projects in starring roles, who haven't gotten the recognition that those others did. For me that makes the movie even better, giving them a chance for the recognition they deserve as well.
Understand going in that this is not an action packed film. We don't see tons of clips from the original movie. We get glimpses of these people in their roles, see them now and get the chance to listen to them talk about their experience. It is a documentary not a narrative film. And yet it is still interesting to watch. Fans of STAR WARS will find themselves listening to these tales with rapt attention. Others might find it interesting as well. For me it was a treat and worth watching.
Almost pointless
beresfordjd5 May 2017
I am watching this now as I type.All it is is a series of talking heads, most of which are unknown, that tell stories about how they went to Elstree Studios and ended up in Star Wars. I recognised Dave Prowse and that was about all. I know Jeremy Bulloch but have not got to his section at present.The extras, few of whom are unnamed, tell most boring stories about their experiences. This documentary must only be of interest to Star Wars nerds and completists. Random shots of people in costumes from the films fail to make it any more fascinating as their faces are still not shown. I fail to see why this curiosity was made at all.
This is just a dry and style-less downer
matthewssilverhammer21 February 2018
A talking heads doc where a bunch of normal people talk about themselves. The only thing tying them together, and the only thing making them worth interviewing, is they all played a role in Star Wars. The middle bit, where they talk about their experience on set, is fine. Otherwise....meh.
Elstree 1976
Prismark1022 August 2021
A look back at the making of Star Wars: A New Hope and their lives afterwards from the perspective of the bit part players and extras.
So the appearance of Dave Prowse was rather odd. He was an iconic star of the movie.
Despite being behind a mask and his voice being dubbed over. Almost everyone knew who played Darth Vader in the original trilogy.
The movie sprung to life when the actors talked about the convention circuit. It's booming business in recent years and even the extras and people who might have turned up on the set to sweep the floor are making bundles of cash from it.
It was rather interesting to see the sniffy attitude from some of the actors regarding extras. That they should not be in the convention circuit.
Forgetting it is the fans who want the extras there and are willing to pay for their autographs.
I also liked how some of the actors who appeared behind a mask were more popular in the convention circuits. Jeremy Bulloch for example would have long line of people waiting to see him. Of course Bulloch had a distinguished career that included Summer Holiday, Doctor Who, James Bond movies, Robin of Sherwood.
The documentary was overlong, it probably did not need the glimpses behind the private lives of some of the participants.
I also wondered if they managed to get Prowse then why they could not get Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels for this. Obviously not appearing together as they allegedly had a mutual loathing.
So the appearance of Dave Prowse was rather odd. He was an iconic star of the movie.
Despite being behind a mask and his voice being dubbed over. Almost everyone knew who played Darth Vader in the original trilogy.
The movie sprung to life when the actors talked about the convention circuit. It's booming business in recent years and even the extras and people who might have turned up on the set to sweep the floor are making bundles of cash from it.
It was rather interesting to see the sniffy attitude from some of the actors regarding extras. That they should not be in the convention circuit.
Forgetting it is the fans who want the extras there and are willing to pay for their autographs.
I also liked how some of the actors who appeared behind a mask were more popular in the convention circuits. Jeremy Bulloch for example would have long line of people waiting to see him. Of course Bulloch had a distinguished career that included Summer Holiday, Doctor Who, James Bond movies, Robin of Sherwood.
The documentary was overlong, it probably did not need the glimpses behind the private lives of some of the participants.
I also wondered if they managed to get Prowse then why they could not get Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels for this. Obviously not appearing together as they allegedly had a mutual loathing.
A nostalgic look back at some of the actors from the 1977 classic...
Sub5030 October 2015
The timing of this movie couldn't be better. With The Force Awakens hype at a feverish pitch, this nostalgic look back at the stories of ten individuals whose acting jobs during the summer of 1976 forever changed their lives. No one knew it at the time, but this American Sci-Fi project they were hired for would go on to be one of the highest grossing franchises in the history of cinema. While none of these actors has found worldwide success in film or had their life cut tragically short, Elstree 1976 is a touching story about their common brush with fame as pioneers in the Star Wars universe. If you're a fan of the 1977 classic, you will love this film. If you're not a big fan, but appreciate a great character driven documentary, this would also be for you. There is enough here to keep everyone happy as we travel back a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away
A GREAT IDEA FOR A MOVIE... but...
stevesky-1508719 July 2022
Track down a group of people who aren't famous but millions of people would give their right arm to have been in 1976 and interview them. In case you hadn't realised it these people had parts large and small in the original mega smash Star Wars. How fascinating it would have been then to hear their stories about being on the film, how they got into it, what role they played, their memories of the life changing moment... instead what we get is way way too much waffle about their mostly uneventful lives. I'm 10 minutes in and not heard one interesting thing. The opening sequence has the great idea of introducing the interviewees with their action figures but because the 1970s action figures look nothing like the people who played them you gave no idea at all who or what they did... except 'Dave' of course. 20 minutes in now and still nothing interesting or even Star Wars related. I'm going to skip through the rest in the hope it picks up. Ok. 25 minutes in, things start to get a bit more relevant. Someone starts to talk about Elstree. Let's see how this goes. Now we might actually find out who these people are. Anecdotes are starting. The first 25 mins was just a waste of time. False start I'm afraid 27 minutes and we're back in the realms of obscurity and nothing much to tell. Hang in Dave's just said he got invited to lunch with Alec Guinness and George Lucas. Ok I think you get the point. This is slow paced and not very imaginative film making. It could have been 60 minutes long, but probably stretched out for financial reasons. I could have made a much better movie than this if I'd had the access. We have Greedo... not heard anything from him interesting. We have an XWing pilot. Nothing interesting heard yet. Storm Troopers... tales of smoking breaks and their reluctance to be called in to shoot because there was a heatwave in 1976. 30 mins in starting to get some stories now. And so it goes on. What I'd say to conclude is that the film is mostly just underwhelming... not many interesting stories and the people telling them mostly could not be bothered to take part when they were there. But it still makes you wish you could have been one of them. Watch from the 30 minute mark and save 30 mins of your life.
Only for Star Wars obsessives
brockfal5 April 2022
A few of the minor actors in the original Star Wars film tell their stories. A mildly interesting idea which might have been effective over about 30 minutes is stretched to over 90. If you are a big SW fan it might be interesting, but if not, you'll probably find it hard to keep your interest.
Not everything tied to the "Star Wars" franchise glitters like gold...
paul_haakonsen17 June 2018
I happened to come across this documentary on Netflix, I think it was. And being the big "Star Wars" fan that I am, of course I took the time to sit down and watch it; as I gobble up everything from that universe.
"Elstree 1976" was sort of a rather pointless documentary about some people with little or virtually no parts in the "Star Wars: A New Hope movie". Who really cares about an extra that has no speaking part?
But more importantly, why was a documentary necessary about them?
This documentary is not worth the time or effort, even if you are a big fan of the "Star Wars" franchise. It offers very little insight into the making of "Star Wars: A New Hope", and essentially just revolves around persons whom had little time on the screen and portrayed characters that had little to no impact on the movie at all.
Seen it once, never returning here again.
"Elstree 1976" was sort of a rather pointless documentary about some people with little or virtually no parts in the "Star Wars: A New Hope movie". Who really cares about an extra that has no speaking part?
But more importantly, why was a documentary necessary about them?
This documentary is not worth the time or effort, even if you are a big fan of the "Star Wars" franchise. It offers very little insight into the making of "Star Wars: A New Hope", and essentially just revolves around persons whom had little time on the screen and portrayed characters that had little to no impact on the movie at all.
Seen it once, never returning here again.
Interesting look at bit part actors in Star Wars
jacksonpollocksno12 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's starts off as talking heads documentary with a few bit part actors and extras in Star Wars and you'll spend a while thinking "who did he play?" And it's mildly amusing and interesting.
Then it gives them enough rope to hang themselves and you see what they are doing (or not doing) now and then we touch on the conventions and we plumb new depths of petty.
Then it gives them enough rope to hang themselves and you see what they are doing (or not doing) now and then we touch on the conventions and we plumb new depths of petty.
Brilliant! I wonder if Ricky Gervais based the office on this?
chrisgreenhough25 September 2020
This is really good if you're a sad geek like me! Full of stuff you won't see in the usual documentaries and I really enjoyed it.
Also it's actually quite funny in the sense that the cast could have come straight from Extras.
If this had been made before The Office I would be convinced Ricky Gervais based it on this.
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