Somewhere in 1950s Modesto, George Lucas was influenced by comic books, old-fashioned movie serials and the new-fangled television at a neighbor's house. In his mind, the foundation was created for what would one day blossom into the most successful motion picture franchise in history . . . If he had done nothing more than make the original 1977 "Star Wars," his place in cinema history would have been assured. But George Lucas created an empire of his own, which has led to a revolution in filmmaking, marketing and merchandising of films and the way we watch films.

Lucasfilms, THX, Industrial Light and Magic, Skywalker Sound, Pixar, and many other companies were the result of one man's vision and his insistence that he be allowed to accomplish his ideas the way he wanted to. It was the success of "Star Wars" that made it all possible.

Time's "Star Wars" Gallery of Covers

There is no doubt that "Star Wars" is a cultural phenomenon. Anyone would be pleased to grace the cover of Time Magazine once. "Star Wars" has actually been featured on the cover seven times - the sixshown here and the original May, 1977 cover which featured, "The Best Movie of the Year" in a corner teaser. Anwar Sadat was actually the cover subject.

For over three decades, "Star Wars" has been a part of the cultural landscape - much more than just a movie.

To take a look at the premiere of the final "Star Wars" film in Modesto, click here.

To visit the AFI site, featuring the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Honoree, George Lucas, click here.

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