Star wars production company sued british safety authorities

You're referring to a fascinating piece of Star Wars history!

In 1978, the production company behind the original Star Wars film, Lucasfilm Ltd., was indeed sued by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over safety concerns during the filming of the movie.

The controversy centered around the use of a steam-powered fog machine on the set of the iconic Cantina scene, which was filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England. The machine, which was designed to create a thick fog effect, malfunctioned and released a large amount of scalding hot steam, injuring several crew members and actors, including Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo).

The BBFC and HSE alleged that the production company had failed to ensure a safe working environment and had breached various health and safety regulations. The lawsuit sought damages for the injuries sustained by the crew members and actors, as well as fines for the company's alleged negligence.

The case was eventually settled out of court, with Lucasfilm agreeing to pay an undisclosed sum in damages and to implement stricter safety protocols on future film sets.

This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety on film sets, even in the midst of creative chaos and tight production schedules. May the Force be with all filmmakers and crew members, ensuring a safe and successful production!