May the 4th be with you. To celebrate Star Wars day we’ve enjoyed some archive BBC interviews and clips. Check them out for yourself here!

Since the first film, A New Hope, in 1977 there have been nine episodes in the Star Wars saga. Another three films have been slated to add to the list, although they are among other films that have been delayed due to the pandemic. There have been anthology films, spin-off series and even print media created revolving around the intergalactic story. Even if you’re not a fan, as soon as you hear the sound of a swung lightsaber or pretty much any of the soundtrack, you immediately recognise it.

The franchise is enormous, and has a fervent and ever-growing fanbase. It isn’t hard to see why it’s worthy of a play on words celebration each and every year. We thought it would be fun to take a look back, hearing from the original stars and creators. BBC Archive has shared a clip with the beloved Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia.

You can also see videos such as coverage of British cinema-goers waiting to see Star Wars for the first time. Excitingly, there is a video following the composition of the soundtrack for Empire Strikes Back. John Williams is a composer and conductor with a huge catalogue of impressive film work. Check out the video here!

Whether you celebrate this Star Wars day with these short clips, or opt for a marathon of all nine films, May the 4th be with you!