A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Not Too Dissimilar From Our Own: Gallipoli & Star Wars (Spoilers).

What if Han Solo had not returned at the last moments of Star Wars IV: A New Hope and saved Luke and the rebellion? Such is the premise of Peter Weir's 1981 masterpiece Gallipoli. Sort of.

The year is 1915 AD. In the desert wastelands of Western Australia lives teenage farmboy Archy Hamilton. He is a skilled athlete, 'the fastest kid in Western Australia, if not the country'. 

The year is 0 BBY. In the desert wastelands of Tatooine lives teenage farmboy Luke Skywalker. His father was 'the best star pilot in the galaxy'. 

Archy dreams of one day leaving the farm and joining his friend Peter Trevelyan in the war against the evil empire. His father has other plans for him - the cattle need to be mustered.

Luke dreams of one day leaving the farm and joining his friend Biggs Darklighter in the war against the evil empire. His uncle has other plans for him – the moisture needs to be harvested.

Trained by a wise mentor, he learns to focus his will to achieve extraordinary results.

Joined by his rag tag crew, he travels to new and exotic locales, experiencing cultures far removed from his childhood home.

He meets a likeable rogue, who has no desire to fight in someone else's war. He is only interested in making money and getting by.

Our plucky teenager gets his wish. He joins the fight and quickly discovers the reality of war. It is not as he had expected. Wave after wave of his allies are cut to pieces as they storm the trench, mown down by heavy artillery and enemy gun emplacements.

When the time comes for our hero to enter the fray, he hears the words of his mentor.

Frank races to cancel the final push over the trench. 

Han races to help his friend as he reaches the end of the trench.

Frank arrives too late, and Archy is killed on the battlefield.

Han arrives just in time, and succeeds in helping Luke destroy the Death Star.