The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film in the Star Wars series, directed by Irvin Kershner with a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, and based on a story by George Lucas. Featuring an ensemble cast, the film recounts the battle between the malevolent Galactic Empire led by the Emperor, and the Rebel Alliance led by Princess Leia. Luke Skywalker trains to master the Force so he can confront the powerful Sith lord, Darth Vader. The Empire Strikes Back faced production difficulties, including actor injuries, illnesses, fires, and financing issues, as costs rose to $30.5 million from an initial budget of $8 million. This highly anticipated sequel became the highest-grossing film of 1980. Its reception was mixed because of the darker and more mature tone, but it has been reassessed as the best film in the series, and has been listed among the greatest films of all time. It has had a significant impact on filmmaking and popular culture.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empire_Strikes_Back

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1776:

American Revolution: The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations became the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce its allegiance to the British Crown. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_of_Rhode_Island_and_Providence_Plantations

1942:

World War II: The Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Allied naval forces at the Battle of the Coral Sea, the first fleet action in which aircraft carriers engaged each other. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Coral_Sea

1982:

Falklands War: HMS Sheffield was struck by an Exocet missile, killing 20 sailors and leading to its sinking six days later—the first Royal Navy ship sunk in action since World War II. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Sheffield_%28D80%29

2015:

The Parliament of Malta moved from the Grandmaster's Palace to the purpose-built Parliament House (pictured). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_House_%28Malta%29

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

walking carpet: (slang, derogatory or humorous) An exceptionally hairy person. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/walking_carpet

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

I am pleased that more than 100 civilians have successfully been evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, in an operation successfully coordinated by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. I hope the continued coordination with Kyiv and Moscow will lead to more humanitarian pauses that will allow civilians safe passage away from the fighting and aid to reach people where the needs are greatest.   --António Guterres https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Ant%C3%B3nio_Guterres