The Force Is With Central Pennsylvania

Joe Wiles 12/17/97

For central Pa. Star Wars fans this past weekend was the best thing since sliced bread! Fans through out the tri-state area flocked to the Harrisburg East Mall thanks to Star Quest Studios. This was the second Sci-Fi con this year from the Hanover Pa. based company. Fans lined up early to get anything from action figures to photos to, body parts autographed by their favorite man behind the mask. David Prowse (Darth Vader), Michael Carter (Bib Fortuna), Phil Brown (Uncle Owen), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), John Hollis (Lobot), and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) were all waiting to meet the masses!

As I walked around meeting and talking to fans and collectors I got the feeling that everyone was having a blast, thanks to Ron and his team! As I made my way to meet "The Men Behind The Mask" I got to finally meet and speak with Doug Murray who works with Galactic Entertainment and Icons Authentic Replicas. I found out a little of the history and the makings of the Men Behind the Mask tour. "Will any new names be added to the tour next year?", I asked.   Marray replied, "Right now we are talking with Angus Mcinnis who played Gold leader in Star Wars, Femi Taylor (Oola from Jedi), Lucas's secretary who played Greedo, and the three man who made up Jabba the Hut in Jedi.". I also dropped the big question, "Will we see replicated props from the prequels in the years to come?". There was a pause and a stare "Yes.". Cool!! The next person I came to was Michael Carter. I said to him "How is Harrisburg treating you?". "Just fine.", he said. "How do like going to shows and meeting the fans?", I said. "As long as it stays busy.", he spoke with a small smile!

He then told me a great story that I just have to share with you! He remembered the time he received a call from an agent and said would you like to try out for a part in a horror film called "Blue Harvest" they are looking for some one quite tall. Soon after that call Mr. Carter found out that he would play a part in the third Star Wars film. Lucasfilm said I was not to tell no one, so I went right home and told my wife and kids! I told my kids that they could not tell any of their friends at school. A few days later his daughter came home crying that she had told one of her friends, and that she was afraid Lucas would send his strike force after her. I asked him what Lucas was like on the set and he replied, "Very quiet, and shy...I remember a time I had been on stage in costume for hours and I propped myself up on the wall with my arm. I looked over and Lucas was setting a few feet from me and said, 'You do this often?', and I replied out of pure exhaustion 'NO!'". Michael made it very clear to me that he is not in the new films and that he was never contacted by Lucas or anybody else.  My opinion is that Lucas has referred to a character on the set as Bib Fortuna because they are the same race but not the same character. It's easier for him to use an example rather then explain to the crew what this alien looks like.

Next I ran into John Hollis who played Lobot in The Empire Strikes Back. "At the time it was just another job...My agent asked me about a movie being shot in Borehamwood, they were looking for a bald actor.".   I asked about being on set with the cast.  "When your working with all that talent you learn when to speak and when to move, and when you are not needed you go away until called on.". John is a big fan of golf and told me a story about the time he and Kenny Baker were off the set while shooting Empire. John asked Kenny how the game was coming (Baker was a fan of the game as well). Kenny said "I'm having the hardest time getting out of the sand!" Hollis replied, "It's all how you angle the club.", to which Kenny replied back "NO, I'm having trouble getting out of the sand trap myself!" John told me that the success of Star Wars was based solely on the story and not the effects saying, "I hope they use the same set of standards again.".

I personally had a great time seeing the little galaxy I grew up in giving open arms to another galaxy far far away. Star Quest hopes to be back in town sometime next year and promises to do it all again with some new surprises! Special thanks to Dough Murray, Megan (Central PA's Biggest TheForce.Net Fan), Matthew (the cool collector/school teacher), Ron Vistola, Don Koenig from Star Quest Studios, and my friends John Hollis,Michael Carter, and the rest of the Men Behind the Mask crew. Most of all Max, his wife and Mr. Prowse....thanks for a wonderful evening.