Lucas tops anniversary screenings

Lucas will be introducing the original Star Wars movie

George Lucas and Julie Andrews are among stars introducing screenings of their films to celebrate the American Film Institute's 40th anniversary.

Lucas will talk about Star Wars while Andrews will introduce the Sound of Music at the Hollywood event.

The public will be able to attend next month's event, which will see 11 films screened at a Sunset Boulevard cinema.

Other stars appearing include Kirk Douglas introducing Spartacus and Sylvester Stallone talking about Rocky.

George Lucas, who will be introducing Star Wars IV: A New Hope, said: "I cannot think of another event when movie makers and movie lovers have come together in such a spectacular fashion.

"I'm proud to be part of this historic night - both as a movie lover and a movie maker."

The AFI was set up to train film-makers and look after the US movie industry's heritage.

The 11 films will be screened simultaneously, and the screenings will be open to the public.

Warren Beatty will introduce Bonnie and Clyde, while actor Billy Crystal and director Rob Reiner will team up to talk about When Harry Met Sally.

Other stars include The Shawshank Redemption's Morgan Freeman and Tippi Hedren, who will present 1960s Hitchcock horror The Birds.