Among the hundreds of fans eager to catch Star Wars, Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace was a parade of sporting, media and local film stars and masked galactic characters from director George Lucas' stable.

Xena star Lucy Lawless was there with her American husband, Rob Tapert. Former All Black Sean Fitzpatrick and television newsreader Alison Mau also mingled in the large crowd as part of a $40,000 Variety Club fundraiser for autistic children.

Lawless said that as a young girl she had gone reluctantly to the first Star Wars at the Civic in Queen St.

"I loved the second Star Wars movie. I wasn't partial to the third one so let's see how this one comes out."

Cinemas were packed all over Auckland when the first public screenings opened at one minute past midnight.

Back to the Lucy Lawless Library

Back to the Xena Picture Library