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Elstree 1976

Play trailer 1:31 Poster for Elstree 1976 2016 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 40% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Actors and extras from the "Star Wars" franchise discuss the impact of the movies on their lives and careers.
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Elstree 1976

Elstree 1976

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Critics Consensus

Unquestionably kind to its mostly unknown subjects, Elstree 1976 documents the story of short-lived fame a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away while also serving as a companion piece to the franchise.

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Critics Reviews

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Andrew O'Hehir Salon.com May 12, 2016
A deadpan documentary with notes of wistful irony ... Go to Full Review Chris Nashawaty Entertainment Weekly May 9, 2016
B-
Elstree 1976 isn't an essential movie for anyone but the most obsessive fanboy or girl. It's a film about the strange hand of fate, the wages of dumb luck, and the flipside of fame-life on the D-list. Go to Full Review Odie Henderson RogerEbert.com May 6, 2016
2.5/4
You're hearing some good stories told from the viewpoints of minor characters. This will hold your attention best if you are a "Star Wars" completist or a super-fan. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Mar 18, 2026
4/5
... a bittersweet portrait of dreams fulfilled and destroyed, about how life somehow finds a way to give you what you want in a way that you don’t... Go to Full Review Josh Goller Spectrum Culture Jul 20, 2019
3/5
Like a storm troopers' aim, the documentary only occasionally hits the mark, but it's nevertheless a fascinating look at how 15 minutes of fame ages over 40 years. Go to Full Review Nico Hines The Daily Beast Mar 3, 2019
For hundreds of actors, bit-part players and costume-dwellers appearing in Star Wars in 1977 was the moment that would shape their lives-they were granted immortality. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nov 17, 2019 This documentary is awesome! Touching and heartfelt, with Vader and Fett to boot! A must-see for any type of Star Wars fan or anyone interested in the original (and now) classic film know simply then in 1977 as 'Star Wars.' See more Jun 16, 2019 It gets interesting after the first 25 minutes. The first 25 minutes are simply too long introducing the actors. I can see why director did this after I'm sure getting to know these people, but for the audience who have rented this to get behind the scenes stories of the shooting of Star Wars it doesn't work for the film. Honestly you can fast forward 25 minutes into the film and you won't miss anything related to Star Wars. See more Feb 9, 2019 God damn terrible. Avoid at all costs See more Jun 5, 2017 Poignant, touching and nostalgic documentary on the unsung extras and bit-part actors of a galaxy far, far away. See more Oct 18, 2016 Only a film like Star Wars could make a back ground actor famous...and that's what we see in this documentary. A group of the extras who were on set and contributed by playing the role of a character in the first film....and I must say it's rather interesting hearing from the actors and getting their personal take on the whole Star Wars experience; including their opinions on the fandom which goes with it ! See more Sep 19, 2016 2* Subject matter that could have been fun, turned dull and sad. See more Read all reviews
Elstree 1976

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Cast & Crew

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Jon Spira

Director

Paul Blake

Self

Jeremy Bulloch

Self

Anthony Forrest

Self

Garrick Hagon

Self

Laurie Goode

Self

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Elstree 1976

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Elstree 1976

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Movie Info

Synopsis Actors and extras from the "Star Wars" franchise discuss the impact of the movies on their lives and careers.
Director
Jon Spira
Screenwriter
Jon Spira
Distributor
FilmRise
Production Co
British Film Company, Verax Films, Canal Cat Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 6, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$11.8K
Runtime
1h 30m
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