Having score a minor genre cult classic in THX-1138, and a legitimate mainstream hit with American Graffiti, director George Lucas’ new project, a science fiction film called Star Wars, is formally greenlit by 20th Century Fox, initially with a $7,000,000 budget. The project has been in script development at 20th Century Fox since the summer of 1973, with Universal Studios and United Artists having already passed on it, the later because of the anticipated budget requirements for Lucas’ visions of a sci-fi film on a grand scale. Due largely to being personally championed by Alan Ladd, Jr., president of Fox’s film division, the project still has hurdles to overcome, including numerous threats of the studio shutting it down. Filming will begin in 1976.
ABC airs the 15th episode of Sid & Marty Krofft’s The Lost Saucer, starring Jim Nabors (The Andy Griffith Show, Gomer Pyle USMC) and Ruth Buzzi (Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In). 
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