C3PO 380 times

Press, 7 June 1978, Page 1

C3PO 380 times

Mr Tom Dittmer, projectionist at the Cinerama Theatre, changing a reel on one of his projectors during a showing of the science-fiction film, “Star Wars,” which will end in Christchurch tomorrow. A man who has had The Force with him more than 380 times might he having; his energy sanoed just ti little, but Mr Dittmer does not agree. He has seen “Star

Wars,” and heard its rousing music, more times than most people — even fanatic moviegoers — would care to count. Even though the film will close tomorrow after a six-month run, he would like to have it run for another six months. “There aren’t many films you get attached to. but for some reason I have become fond of this one.” Mr Dittmer said.

Some of the 130,00') or so people who have seen “Star Wars” in Christchurch have been 18 times. The film introduced a new cinema genre, the science-fiction “Western," and many memorable snecial effects. These included robots, R2D2 and C3PO, with just enough of a personality to turn them into stars in their own rights. While “Star Wars” is

still a long way behind the 69-week record of the “Sound of Music” at the State Theatre more than 10 years ago, the Cinerama Theatre management is confident that few films will match its success. During the Queen’s Birthday holiday on Monday, more than 300 were turned away from the theatre.