One of the best ways to learn about film history is to take a popular movie and work backwards, to discover its many influences. And there is perhaps no movie that embodies the fascinations, obsessions and inspirations of its director more than STAR WARS! Join film critics William Bibbiani and Witney Seibold as they examine a film that directly inspired STAR WARS every single week, starting with the original FLASH GORDON serials, which inspired George Lucas so much that he tried to make a FLASH GORDON movie, couldn't get the rights, and had to make STAR WARS instead!  Subscribe on Patreon at www.patreon.com/criticallyacclaimednetwork for exclusive content and exciting rewards, like bonus episodes, commentary tracks and much, much more! And visit our TeePublic page to buy shirts, mugs and other exciting merchandise!  Email us at letters@criticallyacclaimed.net, so we can read your correspondence and answer YOUR questions in future episodes! Follow us on Twitter at @CriticAcclaim, join the official Fan Club on Facebook, follow Bibbs at @WilliamBibbiani and follow Witney at @WitneySeibold, and head on over to www.criticallyacclaimed.net for all their podcasts, reviews and more!Support the show: https://www.patreon.com//criticallyacclaimednetworkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy