You might not realise it, but today is an important day in UK Star Wars history. On Friday 13th January 1978 at the British Toy and Hobby Fair which took place at the still box-fresh NEC in Birmingham, the initial Palitoy Star Wars range was put on display for the very first time. Darth Vader himself was there as Dave Prowse met the press, joined by R2-D2 to show off that iconic Palitoy range to retailers.
Prowse wasn’t the only celebrity at the event. While global readers may well be aware of the legendary Egyptian actor Omar Sharif (Doctor Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia) they might not be aware of Dr. Magnus Pyke (watch the video below, you’ll be surprised) or footballer Mick Channon, but as the much-missed Birmingham Evening Mail revealed the most surprising visitor to the event was promoting something…well, read on to find out.
On the 13th January 1978 the Palitoy Star Wars range was displayed for the first time in the UK, at the British Toy and Hobby Fair, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
The Birmingham Evening Mail covering the event for its January 16th issue, reports that Dave Prowse had to appear as himself, when the Darth Vader costume didn’t turn up.
According to the manager of Cliro Perfumeries, the inventor of the Force Beam turned up at the show without having a stand, but caused a great deal of excitement from delegates regardless. Cliro even let him invade their stand in order to show off the Force Beam, which he waved about, amazing everyone.
Photo: Rare Vintage Photos. Info: The Star Wars Phenomenon in Britain book.
Thanks to Craig Stevens and the always illuminatory The Star Wars Phenomenon in Britain Archive for the information and images, a page you should bookmark and follow for more fascinating posts like this.
