Tales from the Morgue: Imperial stormtroopers ignored Tucson for a while

'Wars' to invade Tucson on Friday

By Jacqi Tully
The Arizona Daily Star

Propelled by stellar success, "Star Wars" will enter Tucson's orbit Friday at El Dorado Theater.

"Star Wars" is an adventure space fantasy that has had tremendous success since its nationwide opening in late May.

Now playing in 577 theaters around the country, "Star Wars" had grossed $42.1 million through July 10, said a representative of 20th Century-Fox.

No one seems ready to declare "Star Wars" the victor over "Jaws" in the race for leading moneymaker. Right now, "they're running even," said Fox representative Jeannine Coppage.

At the 800-seat Cine Capri in Phoenix, "Star Wars" has been selling out six shows a day, according to Sam Plitt, owner of the Plitt Theater chain. The chain includes both the El Dorado and Catalina theaters in Tucson.

"It's not unusual to wait four hours in line to see 'Star Wars' up here," Plitt said in Phoenix. "We just haven't had a moment to catch our breath."

Plitt Theaters did have time to raise ticket prices though. Admission to "Star Wars" in Tucson will be $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children.

"Because the movie costs more" is why viewers will pay more, Plitt said. The chain paid a non-refundable guarantee "in the tens of thousands," Plitt said. He added that eight theaters in the Plitt chain are showing "Star Wars." Each had to pay the guarantee.

And there's more coming. The "Star Wars" actors are all under contract for two more films. A "Star Wars" trilogy? Out of this world.