The Foresight To Retain International Merchandising Rights

In 1977, we were introduced to Luke Skywalker, his father and his sister. Although it was two films later (1983) that we discovered it was a family reunion film. In a few months, we will once again be returning to the galaxy far far away when "Part VII" hits theatres.

In 1977, I was eight years old and my brother was six. He had most of the Star Wars toys, that we both played with.  I had Star Wars wallpaper in my bedroom, and I am pretty sure we had Star Wars sheets or at least the blanket.

Now I am forty six and my brother is forty four.  I still look for something to give him Star Wars related each Christmas.  Preferably something related to Darth Vader, his favorite character, the terrifying villain from "Part IV - VI" not the whiny twit from "Part I - III".

As for me, I have found, via pinterest, items for the ultimate house hubby Star Wars kitchen.  In addition to the coffee maker pictured, I have seen a stormtrooper mixer, the X-wing knife set (available at HMV, for those looking for a cool Christmas gift), as well as lightsaber BBQ tongs.  I am pretty sure I have even seen lightsaber corn holders.

There are those that will go down in history not for what they did, but what they missed.  The Decca Records executive, that rejected the Beatles, telling Brian Epstein "guitar groups are on the way out." The 20th Century Fox executive who thought George Lucas' request to retain international merchandising rights was fine with him.