Star Wars script for Darth Vader actor David Prowse discovered after being ‘hidden for 40 years’

‘It has been hidden away for over forty years’
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Oct 2021, 13:02 BST
Darth Vader actor David Prowse's earliest-known 'Empire Strikes Back' script is to be sold Darth Vader actor David Prowse's earliest-known 'Empire Strikes Back' script is to be sold
Darth Vader actor David Prowse's earliest-known 'Empire Strikes Back' script is to be sold

Darth Vader actor David Prowse’s earliest-known ‘Empire Strikes Back’ script is to be sold - after his family recently found it while having a clear out.

Prowse, who played the sci-fi villain in three of George Lucas’s movies, died aged 85 last year after a short illness.

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Originally from Southmead, he went to Bristol Grammar School before becoming a bodybuilder and working as a bouncer in the city.

As well as finding stardom in the form of Darth Vader in Star Wars, he was also well-known for being the Green Cross Code Man in the 1970s.

Following his death, his estate including Star Wars memorabilia was sold this year - but now his family have found more items, including the rare script, in his former home in Croydon.

(Insert B - Dialogue added here) was an attempt by director George Lucas to keep the ‘Luke, I am your father’ line a secret(Insert B - Dialogue added here) was an attempt by director George Lucas to keep the ‘Luke, I am your father’ line a secret
(Insert B - Dialogue added here) was an attempt by director George Lucas to keep the ‘Luke, I am your father’ line a secret

The second collection will be auctioned off by East Bristol Auctions on November 19, raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

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It includes the ‘Empire Strikes Back’ script with the famous line “Luke, I am your father” redacted.

It simply says “INSERT B - DIALOGUE ADDED HERE” in an attempt by director George Lucas to keep the revelation secret.

The script predates one of Prowes’ that sold this year for £28,000.

Darth Vader actor David Prowse’s earliest-known ‘Empire Strikes Back’ script is listed for between £5,000 and £10,000Darth Vader actor David Prowse’s earliest-known ‘Empire Strikes Back’ script is listed for between £5,000 and £10,000
Darth Vader actor David Prowse’s earliest-known ‘Empire Strikes Back’ script is listed for between £5,000 and £10,000

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: “This is a really important piece of Star Wars history.

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“Not only did it belong to one of the key cast members, but its also an undiscovered version.

“The Prowse family always thought he only had one script, but recently discovered this copy when clearing through some items. It has been hidden away for over forty years.”

Alongside the script, which carries an estimated of between £5,000 and £10,000, there are letters from Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and US President Ronald Reagan.

There are also items associated with The Green Cross Code Man, including an annual which he had autographed by more than 50 stars from the period.

Stars signed their autographs on the annual now being soldStars signed their autographs on the annual now being sold
Stars signed their autographs on the annual now being sold
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There is also a real-life robot sidekick, called The Droid, which aided children crossing the road.

Also listed are handwritten workout books by Prowse as he began his career as a bodybuilder.

The catalogue can be viewed online at bid.eastbristol.co.uk.

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