Well…maybe that’s not 100% true.
However, there was an actual Star Wars Halloween costume shortage.
Ben Cooper was one of the first licensees of Star Wars for costumes in 1977. Ben Cooper’s inexpensive plastic masks and vinyl smocks were an iconic American symbol of Halloween. At the time, there was no way to predict how popular the Star Wars costumes would be until the Halloween season arrived.
Star Wars became a pop culture phenomenon.
Ben Cooper’s costumes were selling out as soon as they hit the shelves in stores around the country. At that time, the company was also selling monster rubber masks, superhero masks, and accessories inspired by the most popular pop culture characters.
The Associated Press ran a story about the shortage called ‘Halloween is being invaded by Star Wars’.
Star Wars costumes were flying off the shelves.
As a kid growing up in the 70’s, we couldn’t get enough of Star Wars. From action figures to Ben Cooper costumes, it seemed like Star Wars was everywhere in 1977.
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When the kids couldn’t find a Star Wars costume in stores, they got creative and put together “homemade” costumes.
They dressed up just like Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Some kids designed their own Chewbacca costumes.
Laugh it up furball.
Today, you can simply go to any store to find Star Wars Halloween costumes.
However, back in 1977, Star Wars influenced every aspect of pop culture including Halloween. In retrospect, there will always be a place in my heart for those plastic Star Wars costumes.
Star Wars ranks number one in our Top 10 Greatest Movies Of The ’70s.
