DS signed twice in blue ballpoint, “George W. Lucas, Jr.,” on the last page (as Writer), and second-to last page (as Lender), 26 pages, 8.5 x 14, dated January 10, 1974. In part: “Lender agrees to accept, compensation as follows: a) The sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars payable upon delivery by Writer to Borrower of the first draft of the Screenplay. b) The additional sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars payable upon commencement of principal photography of the Picture.” In 1971, Universal Studios agreed to make American Graffiti and Star Wars in a two-picture contract, although Star Wars was later rejected in its early concept stages. American Graffiti was completed in 1973 and, a few months later, Lucas wrote a short summary called “The Journal of the Whills,” which told the tale of the training of apprentice C. J. Thorpe as a “Jedi-Bendu” space commando by the legendary Mace Windy. Frustrated that his story was too difficult to understand, Lucas then wrote a 13-page treatment called The Star Wars, which was a loose remake of Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress. By 1974, he had expanded the treatment into a rough draft screenplay, adding elements such as the Sith, the Death Star, and a young boy as the protagonist named Annikin Starkiller. For the second draft, Lucas made heavy simplifications, and also introduced the young hero on a farm as Luke. Annikin became Luke's father, a wise Jedi knight. The "Force" was also introduced as a supernatural power. The next draft removed the father character and replaced him with a substitute named Ben Kenobi, and in 1976 a fourth draft had been prepared for principal photography. In fine condition. A lengthy and detailed agreement regarding the creation of Star Wars, arguably the most popular movie ever made. RRAuction COA.
