Happy ‘May the Fourth’ everyone! which in geekier circles is Star Wars Day…. On this hallowed occasion we’re always very proud to share the fact (whatever your personal opinion on those cuddly Ewoks may be) that “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” has a very cool Emanuel School connection as it was directed by Richard Marquand (OE 1945-55) and remains one of the most successful films of all time. Richard started out working as a television and radio scriptwriter before directing a low budget thriller “Eye of the Needle” starring Donald Sutherland which caught the eye of George Lucas bringing him into the “Star Wars” franchise. Richard directed other successful films including the huge 1980s hit “Jagged Edge” starring Jeff Bridges and Glenn Close, as well as singer Bob Dylan in “Hearts of Fire”. Richard may well have had his earliest brushes with the stage featuring in Emanuel’s version of “The Importance of Being Ernest” staged in the Hampden Hall in the 1950s.
He died in 1987 of a heart attack aged only 49.
PS: Check out the library staircase to find the official Star Wars poster autographed!
Mr Jones, Senior Librarian & Archivist
