Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette George Tropster, a Pittsburgh Art Institue student majoring in Industrial Design/Special Effects Makeup, paints the face of Mike Cartier, 13, of Carmichaels, to look like "Darth Maul." They were at a Star Wars Premiere Party at Loews Waterfront in advance of the first showing of "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith." Click photo for larger image. More Star Wars coverage IT guys get scarce as movie theaters prepare for midnight release of final 'Star Wars' movie Movie Review: George Lucas' genius comes through in final 'Star Wars' chapter The moviegoers' guide to the 'Star Wars' Galaxy

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- As last night gave way to this morning's arrival of the latest "Star Wars" film, the Force swept across the United States with the speed and precision of a Jedi light saber.

People waiting in lines outside theaters for days and in some cases weeks could hardly contain their enthusiasm as the clock wound down toward midnight showings of "Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith." Some put on costumes of their favorite characters, and many arranged to take the day off from work Thursday to recover from the all-night adventure.

"This is a big event for all of us," said Russ Rolle as he waited outside Edwards Big Newport, one of the largest theaters in Southern California. The 23-year-old student has been taking turns with friends since May 8 saving a spot in line to make sure they catch the first showing. His wristband identified him as No. 7 in line for one of the 1,200 seats to the sold-out 12:01 showing.

Similar scenes played out around the country ahead of the opening of the sixth and final episode of the seminal science fiction series created by George Lucas.

"I'm a typical 'Star Wars' geek, trying to see the final episode," said Jimmy Burns, 32, who helped his Rebel Legion fan club be first into a Georgia theater on the outskirts of Atlanta.

In Boston, the entire 16-person staff of a Web development firm planned to take today off to see the film. The outing was paid for by the company -- popcorn and soda included.

Seth Miller, the president and chief executive of Miller Systems Inc., said the tradition began with "The Phantom Menace" in 1999.

"It speaks to our culture. It's the benefit of not working at a giant monolithic -- dare I say 'Imperial' -- type company," he said, referring to the Empire in the "Star Wars" films.

Andy Holzman, Los Angeles Daily News via AP Costumed members of the 501st Legion make their way down Hollywood Boulevard yesterday in Los Angeles while escorting "Star Wars" fans lined up in front Grauman's Chinese Theater. The crowd was gathered to see the first showing of "Episode III - Revenge of the Sith." Click photo for larger image.

In New York, hundreds of fans, many dressed as their favorite characters, lined up outside the Ziegfeld Theatre in Manhattan. One of them, Jeremy Ricken, came all the way from Oswego, Ill., to catch the flick with a couple of old college roommates. Ricken, 34, couldn't resist the opportunity to take advantage of the one-hour time difference between New York and Illinois.

"It'll be 11 o'clock in Chicago when the movie starts here, so we'll get to see an hour of it before they get to start," said Ricken, dressed in an Obi-Wan Kenobi costume.

Tickets for the movie went on sale last month, and many fans who couldn't bear the thought of a bad seat began camping out well in advance. At the Newport Beach theater, a second line formed Tuesday for the slightly less-obsessed -- who may or may not be able to get a seat.

Don Trim, 53, an accountant from Anaheim, got into the spirit of the event by dressing in the khaki-colored tunic, leather boots and belt of a Jedi master.

"I'm not as excited as a little kid but I'm still pretty excited," said Trim, who recalled waiting in line for the first "Star Wars" film back in 1977. "It's a way of staying young, having fun."

In Chicago, 31-year-old graphic designer Ben Delery said that for him "Revenge of the Sith" was the most widely anticipated of all six of the "Star Wars" films. He noted it finally explains what drives Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker to embrace the dark side and transform himself into Darth Vader.

"This is the one that everyone wanted to see, the one that will shut everyone up," he said.

	Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Star Wars fanatics present wristbands to a guard as they enter a theater at Loews Waterfront for the 12:01 a.m. showing of "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith." Click photo for larger image.

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More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.