April 15, 1999. Copyright, 1999. Graphic News. All rights reserved

STAR WARS HYSTERIA SWEEPS AMERICA
By Margot Nesdale

A Star Wars tidal wave is heading for European shores after pulverising America with its billion dollar market force.
Fans of the cult movie in the U.S. are already queueing outside movie theatres with their sleeping bags in anticipation of the May 19 premiere of ÔThe Phantom MenaceÕ Ð the first episode in the filmÕs prequel trilogy.
Tens of millions of dollars will have been made by punters with a piece of HollywoodÕs most lucratice licence, even before the cinema doors open for the latest George Lucas epic.
By early May images of ÔThe Phantom MenaceÕ will be plastered on Pepsi Cola cans, Frito Lay crisp bags, even bed linen, and will be found in Pizza Huts, toy shops, computer outlets and bookstores. 
All manner of paraphernalia, including microchip-driven action figures able to speak and interact to recreate scenes from the new movie, will be in American shops by May 3.
The film, starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson and Natalie Portman, will not be released in London until July 16.
Cautious estimates suggest it will generate $1 billion in worldwide revenue, leaving ÔTitanicÕ in its wake.
The film, known also as ÔStar Wars: Episode 1Õ, will take audiences on a journey to the beginnings of the Star Wars saga. The original trilogy (ÔStar WarsÕ, ÔThe Empire Strikes BackÕ, ÔThe Return of the JediÕ )  told the story of Luke Skywalker, who became a hero in the struggle to overthrow an evil empire and confront its staunchest henchman, Darth Vader, who held the terrible secret of his fatherÕs fate.
The prequel trilogy goes back in time a full generation to show the transformation of Anakin Skywalker, the sweet-faced young Jedi Knight hero, into the evil Vader.
While marketing hype over the film has yet to hit the UK excitement is mounting fast. 
Internet traffic is jammed on some 300 websites as fans gossip about plot lines, action sequences and computerised special-effects techniques.
There is already a healthy trade for Lego X-Wing fighter kits, Star Wars Monopoly computer games and a host of toys which can all be found on Shop.StarWars.com, the official Lucasfilm Internet store.
However, much of the merchandise remains a fiercely guarded secret because George Lucas has sworn his staff to secrecy and forced all licensees to sign confidentiality agreements.
Retailers who try and sell products before the May 3 kick-off will be permanently banned from selling any Star Wars merchandise.
Cable TVÕs SCI FI Channel and internet hub Lycos Inc. have meanwhile entered an exclusive agreement to sell merchandise at a co-branded website called the SCI FI Store. Visitors will be able to pre-purchase officially licensed merchandise.
/Ends.

Sources: The Observer, Reuters, www.starwars.com