Star Wars’s cynical, sarcastic British crew caused no end of trouble on set. But even George Lucas recognised that their energy – and country – shaped his masterpieces

Inside the ruins of the Great Temple on Yavin 4, a special Royal Award ceremony is taking place. With hundreds of uniformed troops stood to attention, two men pace proudly down the central aisle. Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, the brave Rebellion pilots who destroyed the Death Star and saved the galaxy from the oppression of the Empire, are about to receive their medals for bravery. And as the triumphant fanfare dies down, the heroes pause in front of the Princess Leia Organa and bow respectfully.

At which point a single, anonymous whisper hisses from the assembled observers. “Oi,” it chortles. “W_____s!”

A moment of embarrassed silence drifts around. There’s a brief sigh before director George Lucas steps out from behind the Panavision 35 mm camera, wearily rubs his forehead, and yells “cut”.

The date is not a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, but May 14, 1976 in Surrey. And in the Great Temple – also known as the vast H soundstage of Shepperton Studios – it is just another day on the set of‘The Star Wars’. Later retitled Star Wars IV: A New Hope, the film would go on to make $775 million at the box office, and be considered by many to be one of the most important films in the history of motion pictures.