The Empire Strikes Back Behind the Scenes

When Darth Vader (David Prowse) revealed his secret to Luke, Hamill was hanging onto a pinnacle above mattresses placed on cardboard boxes about 30 feet off the ground.

At the dining-room door, unit publicist Alan Arnold, director Irvin Kershner, Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Billy Dee Williams.

Director Irvin Kershner gives direction advice to Carrie Fisher on the Cloud City set. Billy Dee Williams (Lando), John Hollis (Lobot) and a helmetless Stormtrooper extra stand in the background.

Mark Hamill, getting ready to film the lightsaber battle scenes in 'Empire Strikes Back.' The Cloud City of Bespin has an art deco design that was based on "machine age" designs from the 1920s-1930s. The wonderful chasm depth in the heart of Bespin in which Luke and Vader have their lightsaber duel was of course created using the awesome Ralph McQuarrie's matte paintings.

Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) struts around in comfy pants.

Treat Williams and Carrie Fisher

Treat Williams and Carrie Fisher

Mark Hamill and Treat Williams

What has become an iconic photograph of Hamill, George Lucas, Fisher, and Ford (in the background are chief hairdresser Barbara Ritchie; Michael J. Duthie, an editor who happened to be visiting the set that day; and assistant to director Debbie Shaw, daughter of actor Robert Shaw).

Kenny Baker climbing into the R2-D2 suit.

Harrison Ford sitting behind an X-wing.

44 years ago today - May 3, 1979 - the Empire caught their “first catch of the day”. (see the date on the slate)

Today, it's time to give The Empire Strikes Back some love.

Seen here are Peter Mayhew (carrying a prop C-3PO on his back), Billy Dee Williams, and Carrie Fisher being filmed while making their escape toward boarding the Falcon on Cloud City. Shooting some Imperial Stormtroopers along the way, to get some revenge on them stealing Han away from Leia. Serves them right. Get them!!!

The entire Falcon had been built for Empire, and here we see it sitting on a massive soundstage. Notice the stage above the Falcon here in this photo, as this is an unaltered behind-the-scenes photo. The only time during the entire Original Trilogy that the Falcon had been completely built on stage.

The interior of the Millennium Falcon cockpit.