The Billionaire Collection

RARE, Previously Undiscovered, George Lucas Signed 1977 Letter on Star Wars Letterhead. Incredible Star Wars Content! “…writing for the Star Wars sequel.“

“Dreams are extremely important. You can’t do it unless you first imagine it.” -George Lucas


A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far Far Away....

The beginning one of the largest franchises in film history, the largest grossing movie of all time when it was released, and a movie that swept the 1978 Academy Awards with 11 nominations and 7 Academy Awards.  A movie that almost wasn't made.

George Lucas, the son of an office supply salesman, who wanted his son to go into the family business, but George had other plans.  Against his father's wishes and even after everyone said he was nuts, George transferred to USC Film school in Southern California.  

In the late 60's George started to direct short films, the most famous, Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138, which took first prize in the category of Dramatic Films at the 3rd National Student Film Festival in New York City, in 1968.  In 1971 he released the full length feature film THX 1138, but George's first big success came when he wrote and directed his next feature film, American Graffiti.  A coming of age film, he made in 1973 for under a million dollars. Incredibly the film brought in over $140 million world wide, became the third highest grossing film of the year, and was later nominated for five Academy Awards.

Coming off of this big success he wanted to make a different kind of sci-fi film and thought that studios would jump at the chance, but shopping his 12 page treatment of The Star Wars there were no bites until 20th Century Fox decided to take a chance on the young director. Many involved in the film thought it was going to be the laughingstock of Hollywood. Science fiction was considered a dead genre, but George believed in his vision. 

Released on May 25, 1977, Star Wars became an all out phenomenon, braking all box office records of the day and becoming the highest grossing film of all time.  Today Star Wars is often regarded as one of the best sci-fi films ever made, as well as one of the most important films in the history of motion pictures.

George's concept spawned a trilogy that only told part of what he considered to be a larger film.  With the movies, merchandise, music, theme park rides, and much more, this franchise has become the largest of all time and it is part of why George Lucas will be remembered by history as the most successful director of the century.

An ULTRA RARE FIND, from it’s original owner buried away until it was uncovered after 44 years.  A letter of this significance does not come along everyday. At first glance your eyes are immediately drawn to the famous conceptual art work of Ralph McQuarrie, featuring the illustration of Luke Starkiller and his light sword, standing above an early version of the Star Wars logo, and all of this is beautifully being used as it’s letterhead. Next to George Lucas, Ralph McQuarrie is the man most responsible for the look and feel of the Star Wars universe. As Lucas said in the Ralph McQuarrie: Tribute to a Master documentary, “Ralph’s contribution to the Star Wars world is incalculable.” His drawings helped persuade 20th Century Fox to green-light what became one of the most successful movie franchises of all time, Star Wars.

Just as amazing is the content of this incredible letter, dated August 29, 1977, just three months after the release of the original Star Wars, is addressed to and in response to a letter sent by David Gerrold, the famed writer of "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode of Star Trek. In this amazing piece of Star Wars history, George Lucas responds that he has asked that Gary Kurtz, the producer of the original Star Wars and soon to be follow up film “The Empire Strikes Back”, to read the material that Gerrold has sent in connection with writing for the “Star Wars” sequel.

This is a huge revelation connecting the Star Wars universe with the science-fiction royalty of Star Trek. At the conclusion of all of this, the Godfather of the Star Wars universe himself, George Lucas, has hand written his full signature, something that you will just never, ever, see. It’s an absolute rarity.

The Ralph McQuarrie letterhead, the fact that it’s a response to a writer of the Star Trek series, the mention of Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz, the mention of the Star Wars Sequel, the fact that this letter was written in 1977 just three months after the release of Star Wars A New Hope, and the fact that George Lucas typed this unbelievable overall content and hand signed his full and complete signature at the conclusion, makes this treasure a priceless piece of Star Wars history.
George Lucas was a dreamer, and a visionary, that believed so deeply in his ideas that he was able to build a legacy that is still growing and being carried on by others, almost 50 years later. This piece should serve as an inspiration to entrepreneurs, dreamers, filmmakers and anyone out there with a huge vision of their own.

This spectacular piece is brought to life by this 1976 copy photo of George Lucas on the set in Tunisia, talking to his lead actor, Mark Hamill, playing Luke Skywalker.

Below this and centered on the frame is one of George Lucas’s most inspirational quotes. A quote that speaks to what his mindset must have been in those early years of his career.

“Dreams are extremely important. You can’t do it unless you first imagine it.” -George Lucas

All of this is beautifully framed in our hand built, contemporary, wide frame, enhanced with professional black matting.

As with all of our works, every piece is original.  Only the highest quality materials have been used in the assembly of this item.  Sourced from the best manufacturers around the world, we build every frame tailored specifically for the item it will hold.  Protected with 99% UV museum quality glass, and carefully crafted with acid free paper whenever possible.  Our premium wood moldings are cut using the newest technology and every single piece is assembled and inspected by our team here in Los Angeles.

All autographs have been authenticated by third party experts from the top authenticators in the country, and notarized certificates of authenticity are included in a black leather portfolio.  A COA letter from the recipient, David Gerrold, is also included providing context and provenance. Copies of the original authentications, and this letter, are kept on file with The Billionaire Collection and can be retrieved by the original purchaser. 

We stand 100% behind all of our works of art, and offer a lifetime guarantee on every piece, for as long as you own it.

George’s Letter

Dear David,
Thank you for the opportunity to get to know your work. I have asked that Gary Kurtz read the material that you sent in connection with writing for the “Star Wars” sequel. “
“ I also appreciate your enthusiasm for the picture and your kind words.”
“Sincerely, George Lucas.”


David Gerrold COA

Thursday January 24, 2019

To whom it may concern,

I saw Star Wars in May of 1977, at a preview screening on the 20th lot, two weeks before it opened. I was also first in line at the Chinese Theatre, the day it opened.

In August 1977, rumors were already circulating about sequels the years big hit movie, Star Wars.

My agent suggested I toss my hat in the ring. (i’ve already written for Star Trek, land of the lost, and other science-fiction shows, plus I’d published a dozen books by then, so I had some credential in the field.)

Wow I was pretty certain that George Lucas already had his own ideas in mind, I followed my agents advice and sent a note - Mostly to congratulate George on one of the most enjoyable and exciting movies I’d ever seen. It wasn’t just a great movie, transform the entire industry, changing everybody’s idea of what was possible in a motion picture.

George Lucas sent me the attached letter in the reply. I thought it was very gracious and I put it in my files never expecting anything further.

Sincerely,

David Gerrold