Secret Star Wars

30 US cities will play host to 20th Century Fox's theatre owner-only showings of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace form May 4-6, but film buyers won't know where the screening is until the last minute. Fox states security as the main reason for the secrecy, thus ensuring that only invitees are in attendance for the highly anticipated prequel - a move enforced by the Star Wars trailer finding its way bootlegged onto the Internet and online auction at the eBay website. Before its being unleashed on a frenzied public, it will screen for the New York media May 6-8, to be attended by the Emperor himself, George Lucas and, of course, the principal cast. The filmmakers and cast are not expected to attend any of the film's charity premieres.