Return of the Jedi

"The Sandstorm Scene"

The very first scene ever shot, with all the actors, for the finale of the classic Star Wars trilogy was also most likely one of the first scenes to hit the cutting room floor. The primary reason why the scene was filmed right off to begin with was that it didn't require a complex set to be built for it. However, in many ways the scene was somewhat confusing and it was really unnecessary to have Luke tell the others that he would meet up with them later, when he could just do it while both parties flew their separate ways from Tatooine.

THE SCRIPT
EXTERIOR: DUNE SEA - LANDING AREA

A feocious sandstorm blocks our view. Then, through the ROAR, we HEAR THE VOICES of our heroes. They emerge slowsly from the veil of sand, pressing on against the wind. First come Artoo and Threepio, followed by Leia guiding Han, then Luke and Lando come into view, each supporting one side of the towering Chewbacca, who hobbles from his wound.
Soon, they can make out some large vague shapes in the blowing sand. It is the Millenium Falcon and parked beside it, Luke's trusty X-wing and a two-seated Y-wing. They must shout to be heard.

HAN: I don't know. All I can see is a lot of blowing sand!

LEIA: That's all any of us can see.

HAN: (blinking) Then I guess I'm getting better.

As soon as the group huddles under the bulk of the Falcon the wind dies down to something more desribeable as a severe weather condition. Threepio hits a switch, and the gang-plank lowers with a HUM.

HAN: (turning to Luke) I've got to hand it to you, kid, you were pretty good out there.

LUKE: (shrugging it off) I had a lot of help. Think nothing of it.

HAN: No, I'm thinking a lot about it. That carbon freeze was the closest thing to dead there is. And it wasn't just sleepin' - it was a big wide awake nothing!

Luke nods, as Chewie growls affectionately at the young Jedi warrior, mussing his hair like a proud uncle. And Leia warmly hugs him.

LUKE: (moving to his ship) I'll see you back at the fleet.

HAN: Why don't you leave that crate and come with us?

LUKE: I have a promise I have to keep first... to an old friend.

Luke and Artoo take off in their spacecraft.

HAN: (looking dubiously at Lando, obviously remebering his friend's betrayal and subsequent aid) Guess I owe you some thanks, too, Lando.

LANDO: Figured if I left you frozen like that you'd just give me bad luck the rest of my life, so I might as well get you unfrozen sooner or later.

LEIA: He means "You're welcome".

LANDO: Come on, let's get off this miserable dust ball.

For more information about this particular scene, see Star Wars Insider, issue 35; and " STAR WARS: The Annotated Screenplays", by Laurent Bouzereau.