Quite simply, Star Wars was the worlds first mash-up.
That didnt stop George Lucas.
To be sure, there are a great many classic literary archetypes and themes to be found inStar Wars.
ButStar Warsis also very much a product of a visual medium.
Its cinematic influences merit consideration as well.
Almost the first thing that comes up on the screen inStar Warsis an element of the mash-up.
Its a visual element lifted directly out of theFlash Gordonserial of the 1930s.
The technique stood out so well that it made its way into a huge hit movie 40 years later.
The juxtaposition of the two physical types is not unlike that of the droids C3PO and R2D2 inStar Wars.
The relationship is similar, as well.
In addition to their physical comedy, Laurel and Hardy were also known for their verbal sparring.
Elements of Hollywood director Howard Hawks 1943 movie,Air Force,turn up in one of these sequences.
Luke Skywalker and Han Solo take on the Imperial Tie Fighters just after escaping the Death Star.
Both battle scenes begin with the line, Here they come!
Star Wars classic attack on the Death Star sequence contains even more mash-up elements.
The unforgettable climatic battle owes its influence to not one but at least two different World War II movies.
To do so, they use special bombs that bounce off the surface of the water.
Even some of the X-Wing pilots banter is lifted verbatim fromThe Dam Busters.
The factory is located deep within a fjord in Nazi-occupied Norway.
The fjord is heavily armed with anti-aircraft guns.
And these are but a few mash-ups inStar Wars.There are many others.
The diminutive Jawas physicality and movements bear a striking similarity to those of the Munchkins inThe Wizard Of Oz.
The originalStar Warsis truly greater than the sum of its parts.
If it isnt cinemas first mash-up, then it is certainly cinemas best mash-up.
