by George Lucas
hairs, and fires.
INTERIOR RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
RED LEADER It's away!
INTERIOR DEATH STAR.
An armed Imperial stormtrooper is knocked to the floor from
the attack explosion. Other troopers scurrying about the
corridors are knocked against the wall and lose their balance.
INTERIOR MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia and the others stare at the computer screen.
RED NINE'S VOICE (over speaker) It's a hit!
RED LEADER (over speaker) Negative.
INTERIOR RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red Leader looks back at the receding Death Star. Tiny
explosions are visible in the distance.
RED LEADER Negative! It didn't go in. It just impacted on the
surface.
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR -- TIE FIGHTER.
Darth Vader peels off in pursuit as Red Leader's X-wing passes
the Death Star horizon.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader swings his ship around for the next kill.
INTERIOR RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
LUKE (over headset) Red Leader, we're right above you. Turn to
point...
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke tries to spot Red Leader. He looks down at the Death Star
surface.
LUKE ...oh-five; we'll cover for you.
RED LEADER (over headset) Stay there...
INTERIOR RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
A wary Red Leader looks about nervously.
RED LEADER ...I just lost my starboard engine.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks excitedly toward Red Leader's X-wing.
RED LEADER (over headset) Get set to make your attack run.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader's gloved hands make contact with the control sticks, and
he presses their firing buttons.
INTERIOR RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.
Red Leader fights to gain control of his ship.
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Laserbolts are flung from Vader's TIE fighter, connecting with
Red Leader's Rebel X-wing fighter. Red Leader buys it,
creating a tremendous explosion far below. He screams and is
destroyed.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks out the window of his X-wing at the explosion far
below. For the first time, he feels the helplessness of his
situation.
INTERIOR DEATH STAR.
Grand Moff Tarkin casts a sinister eye at the computer screen.
DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE Rebel base, one minute and closing.
INTERIOR MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Dodonna and Princess Leia, with Threepio beside them, listen
intently to the talk between the pilots. The room is grim
after Red Leader's death. Princess Leia nervously paces the
room.
LUKE (over speaker) Biggs, Wedge, let's close it up. We're going in.
We're going in full throttle.
INTERIOR WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
The horizon twists as Wedge begins to pull out.
WEDGE Right with you, boss.
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The two X-wings peel off against a background of stars and
dive toward the Death Star.
INTERIOR BIGGS' COCKPIT.
BIGGS Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
LUKE It'll be just like Beggar's Canyon back home.
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The three X-wings move in, unleashing a barrage of laserfire.
Laserbolts are returned from the Death Star.
INTERIOR BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Luke's lifelong friend struggles with his controls.
BIGGS We'll stay back far enough to cover you.
INTERIOR LUKE'S COCKPIT.
Flak and laserbolts flash outside Luke's cockpit window.
WEDGE (over headset) My scope shows the tower, but I can't see the
exhaust port! Are you sure the computer can hit it?
EXTERIOR DEATH STAR -- GUN EMPLACEMENTS.
The Death Star laser cannon slowly rotates as it shoots
laserbolts.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks around for the Imperial TIE fighters. He thinks for
a moment and then moves his targeting device into position.
LUKE Watch yourself! Increase speed full throttle!
INTERIOR WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
Wedge looks excitedly about for any sign of the TIE fighters.
WEDGE What about the tower?
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
LUKE You worry about those fighters! I'll worry about the tower!
EXTERIOR DEATH STAR SURFACE.
Luke's X-wing streaks through the trench, firing lasers.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke breaks into a nervous sweat as the laserfire is returned,
knicking one of his wings close to the engine.
LUKE (to Artoo) Artoo...that, that stabilizer's broken loose again!
See if you can't lock it down!
EXTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Artoo works to repair the damages. The canyon wall rushes by
in the background, making his delicate task seem even more
precarious.
EXTERIOR DEATH STAR.
Two laser cannons are firing on the Rebel fighters.
INTERIOR WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
Wedge looks up and sees the TIE ships.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke's targeting device marks off the distance to the target.
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Vader and his wingmen zoom closer.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader adjusts his controls and fires laserbolts at two X-wings
flying down the trench. He scores a direct hit on Wedge.
INTERIOR MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia and the others are grouped around the computer board.
WEDGE (over speaker) I'm hit! I can't stay with you.
LUKE (over speaker) Get clear, Wedge.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
LUKE You can't do any more good back there!
INTERIOR WEDGE'S COCKPIT.
WEDGE Sorry!
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Wedge pulls his crippled X-wing back away from the battle.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader watches the escape but issues a command to his wingmen.
VADER Let him go! Stay on the leader!
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's X-wing speeds down the trench; the three TIE fighters,
still in perfect unbroken formation, tail close behind.
INTERIOR BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs looks around at the TIE fighters. He is worried.
BIGGS Hurry, Luke, they're coming in much faster this time. I can't
hold them!
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
The three TIE fighters move ever closer, closing in on Luke
and Biggs.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks back anxiously at little Artoo.
LUKE Artoo, try and increase the power!
EXTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Ignoring the bumpy ride, flak, and lasers, a beeping
Artoo-Detoo struggles to increase the power, his dome turning
from side to side.
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Stealthily, the TIE formation creeps closer.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader adjusts his control stick.
INTERIOR BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs looks around at the TIE fighters.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Luke looks into his targeting device. He moves it away for a
moment and ponders its use. He looks back into the computer
targeter.
BIGGS (over headset) Hurry up, Luke!
EXTERIOR SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.
Vader and his wingmen race through the Death Star trench.
Biggs moves in to cover for Luke, but Vader gains on him.
INTERIOR BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs sees the TIE fighter aiming at him.
BIGGS Wait!
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader squeezes the fire button on his controls.
INTERIOR BIGGS' COCKPIT.
Biggs' cockpit explodes around him, lighting him in red.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Biggs' ship bursts into a million flaming bits and scatters
across the surface.
INTERIOR MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia and the others stare at the computer board.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING COCKPIT.
Luke is stunned by Biggs' death. His eyes are watering, but
his anger is also growing.
INTERIOR DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM.
Grand Moff Tarkin watches the projected target screen with
satisfaction.
DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE Rebel base, thirty seconds and closing.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader takes aim on Luke and talks to the wingmen.
VADER I'm on the leader.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR -- LUKE'S SHIP.
Luke's ship streaks through the trench of the Death Star.
INTERIOR MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Princess Leia returns her general's worried and doubtful
glances with solid, grim determination. Threepio seems nervous.
THREEPIO Hang on, Artoo!
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke concentrates on his targeting device.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Three TIE fighters charge away down the trench toward Luke.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader's finger's curls around the control stick.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke adjusts the lens of his targeting device.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's ship charges down the trench.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke lines up the yellow cross-hair lines of the targeting
device's screen. He looks into the targeting device, then
starts at a voice he hears.
BEN'S VOICE Use the Force, Luke.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The Death Star trench zooms by.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks up, then starts to look back into the targeting
device. He has second thoughts.
BEN'S VOICE Let go, Luke.
A grim determination sweeps across Luke's face as he closes
his eyes and starts to mumble Ben's training to himself.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's fighter streaks through the trench.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
VADER The Force is strong with this one!
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Vader follows Luke's X-wing down the trench.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks to the targeting device, then away as he hears
Ben's voice.
BEN'S VOICE Luke, trust me.
Luke's hand reaches for the control panel and presses the
button. The targeting device moves away.
INTERIOR MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia and the others stand watching the projected screen.
BASE VOICE (over speaker) His computer's off. Luke, you switched off
your targeting computer. What's wrong?
LUKE (over speaker) Nothing. I'm all right.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's ship streaks ever close to the exhaust port.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks at the Death Star surface streaking by.
EXTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Artoo-Detoo turns his head from side to side, beeping in
anticipation.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The three TIE fighters, manned by Vader and his two wingmen,
follow Luke's X-wing down the trench.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER 'S COCKPIT.
Vader maneuvers his controls as he looks at his doomed target.
He presses the fire buttons on his control sticks. Laserfire
shoots toward Luke's X-wing fighter.
EXTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
A large burst of Vader's laserfire engulfs Artoo. The arms go
limp on the smoking little droid as he makes a high-pitched
sound.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks frantically back over his shoulder at Artoo.
EXTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER.
Smoke billows out around little Artoo and sparks begin to fly.
LUKE I've lost Artoo!
Artoo's beeping sounds die out.
INTERIOR MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.
Leia and the others stare intently at the projected screen,
while Threepio watches the Princess. Lights representing the
Death Star and targets glow brightly.
MASSASSI INTERCOM VOICE The Death Star has cleared the planet. The
Death Star has cleared the planet.
INTERIOR DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM.
Tarkin glares at the projected target screen.
DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE Rebel base, in range.
TARKIN You may fire when ready.
DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE Commence primary ignition.
An officer reaches up and pushes buttons on the control
panel, as green lighted buttons turn to red.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The three TIE fighters zoom down the Death Star trench in
pursuit of Luke, never breaking formation.
INTERIOR LUKE'S COCKPIT.
Luke looks anxiously at the exhaust port.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader adjusts his control sticks, checking his projected
targeting screen.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
Luke's ship barrels down the trench.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
Vader's targeting computer swings around into position. Vader
takes careful aim on Luke's X-wing fighter.
VADER I have you now.
He pushes the fire buttons.
EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.
The three TIE fighters move in on Luke. As Vader's center
fighter unleashes a volley of laserfire, one of the TIE ships
at his side is hit and explodes into flame. The two remaining
ships continue to move in.
INTERIOR LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.
Luke looks about, wondering whose laserfire destroyed Vader's
wingman.
INTERIOR DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT.
