Six movies, 30 years - Star Wars saga ends

IN the original 1977 film Star Wars, a brash young boy named Luke Skywalker parts with his prized speeder to pay for a ride on the spaceship Millennium Falcon.

Almost three decades later, fans parted with $500 (almost €400) to attend a premiere of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

Given the ticket costs at the premieres last night in San Francisco and nine other cities - the proceeds go to charity - crowds included well-heeled moviegoers as well as die-hard fans. The film opens to the public with midnight showings on May 19.