AND THE FORCE IS STILL WITH US

Patrick Goldstein’s article revealed an astonishing amount of information about George Lucas as a frugal, dedicated craftsman and truly visionary filmmaker (“An Empire of His Own,” Feb. 2).

The author capsulized my own feelings after 20-plus years of working behind the camera when, writing of Lucas, he describes the dubious career of all film directors: “. . . that someone with such a fierce desire for control has chosen a medium so resistant to order.”

Amen!

Craig R. Raiche

Azusa

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It’s interesting to note that in “American Graffiti,” the first Lucas movie that Harrison Ford appeared in, Ford’s hot roadster carried the license plate THX-138, a homage to Lucas’ first feature-length film, “THX 1138.”

Steve Parker

The KTLA Car Dude

Marina del Rey

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One can’t blame Lucas for wanting to get away from Hollywood. Yet, in the final battle scene of “Star Wars,” he disappointingly presents us with a “Twelve O’Clock High”--with an all-white male squadron that is very much Hollywood. It apparently didn’t occur to Lucas that there would be young girls watching who also might want to become Jedi warriors.

And yes, I have to admit I’d be willing to fly an X-wing fighter to fight the Empire any day.

Sylvia Marcin

Altadena

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The caption under one picture of Lucas reads “Lucas with Chewbacca and Harrison Ford.” Why omit the name of the actor who portrayed Chewbacca--Peter Mayhew? Surely, Mayhew is not as famous as Ford, but let me ask this: Did we ever doubt his performance as the wookie?

Augusta

North Hollywood

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Goldstein’s article implies that Lucas controlled the merchandising rights to “Star Wars” during its initial theatrical release. Actually, pursuant to his original agreement with 20th Century Fox, it was Fox that administered those rights, though Lucas did have the right to approve all licensing deals.

When the sequel rights were negotiated, Fox relinquished the merchandising rights to Lucas in late 1979.

Marc W. Pevers

Los Angeles

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Editor’s Note: Pevers was vice president of Fox Licensing during the initial theatrical release of “Star Wars.”