This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

This weekend, as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens around the world, fans will reunite with old friends — Han Solo, Leia and Luke, Chewbacca and C-3PO — and meet new characters.

The Salt Lake Tribune asked our readers, as well as some notable Utahns, about their memories of the first time they encountered the original "Star Wars" (or, as it's now referred to in the canon, "Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope"), released in 1977.

Here are some of their answers:

Chris Stewart, Utah congressman • "The movie came out when I was in high school, and I remember watching it and thinking, 'I want to be a pilot one day.' I never imagined I'd get to be a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and set the world record for the fastest nonstop flight around the world."

Gary Herbert, governor of Utah • "I remember when I first saw the trailer, I was unimpressed. It didn't look that exciting, and the cast was full of a bunch of nobodies. At the time, none of us had ever heard of the name Harrison Ford. When I went to the theater and saw the movie for myself, I knew my first impression was completely wrong."

Rei Hotoda, associate conductor, Utah Symphony • "I did not get a chance to see the iconic film in theaters when it first came out in 1977. In fact, I never got a chance to actually see the film in its entirety until 2007, when my now-husband and I decided to get our two children (age 7 at the time) together for the first time over a watching of 'Star Wars.' Not only did they love it, but I loved it. In addition to this, in 2010, I got to conduct an entire repertoire of John Williams' music for film with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra when John Williams could not make his flight and had to miss the first rehearsal with the ensemble. What impacted me most when I saw 'Star Wars' was the music, how it plays such an important role in the film. For me, I felt the music was and is just as important as the actors we have all come to know and love over the years and really drives a lot of the plot and drama. I couldn't imagine this film without it!"

Jason Wills, tech-support worker, West Valley City • "I was 5 years old when I first saw it in Brigham City. I remember standing in line with my brother and I couldn't understand why it was 'our Toodeetoo.' The theater was handing out four-fold fliers that had 'Star Wars' merchandise on it. I was more interested in the images on the paper than the movie at first, and kept folding and unfolding it during the movie trying to see the pictures in a dark theater. Eventually the movie won out and I watched the show, but don't recall understanding what I had seen. By the time 'Return of the Jedi' came out, I was a devoted fan."

Shannon Hale, author of "Austenland" and the "Princess Academy" and "Princess in Black" series • "I was 3 years old when ['Star Wars: A New Hope'] came out. I don't remember seeing it for the first time, but I must have because I remember vividly playing 'Star Wars' with a neighbor boy. He was Luke, I was Leia, and we re-enacted the garbage compactor scene. I loved pretending to shoot the door open. I do remember seeing ['The Empire Strikes Back'] in the theater and having to wait to find out what happened to Han!"

Kathy Barlow, corporate travel agent, West Valley City • "The very first 'Star Wars' movie was so incredible. The filming technique was so new. My friends and I went to see it at least eight times. Han Solo — i.e., Harrison Ford — of course, was eye candy."

Jackie Biskupski, mayor-elect of Salt Lake City • "I remember seeing 'Star Wars' at Stage 8 Theatre in Hastings, Minn., and like everyone I was just blown away — it was just something we had never seen before. It's so interesting to me to watch [my 5-year-old son] Archie experiencing 'Star Wars' now because you can really see how this epic transcends generations, age and gender. Everyone loves 'Star Wars'!"

Jeff Cassar, coach, Real Salt Lake • "What I'm really looking forward to with the new movie is having a 'Star Wars' week with my son [Luke, age 7] and experience all of the movies through his eyes for the first time. It will be a good chance for me to refresh my thoughts on the movies and get him into it."

Steve Thiese, communications director, Salt Lake City • "I was an executive in the local music business at the time, and so received comp tickets to a special preview screening at the Centre Theatre the night before the movie opened to the public. For me, the show was mesmerizing. The plot and special effects blew me away, and the music was euphoric. Word spread fast that the movie was euphoric — on opening day, people waited in line for more than three hours to see the show, lines stretched around the block, and the soundtrack and collateral merchandise flew off the shelves. Over the next few months, I went back to see it five times."

Geralyn Dreyfous, movie producer and founding director of the Utah Film Center • "It was the first time I really believed there is a dark side playing itself out in real time and intergalactically. [After seeing it,] I went home and re-read Joseph Campbell's 'The Power of Myth.' "

Quin Snyder, coach, Utah Jazz • "I saw the first one at the UA Cinema in Seattle and I stood in line. Now I don't have time to stand in line for too long, so I'll catch it eventually."

Tribune reporter Aaron Falk contributed to this article. This story was also informed by sources in the Utah Public Insight Network. To become a news source for the Tribune, visit sltrib.com/upin.

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