Original artwork, not a still
Last night, Darth Vader came down from the planet Vulcan and said that if I didn't take Lorraine to the dance, that he'd melt my brain.
— Back to the Future · 1985
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Marty borrows two science-fiction names that no one in 1955 could know, and George, who loves cheap alien TV, believes every word. It is the film's gentlest gag about a teenager inventing his own father's courage, and it works because George recounts it so earnestly. Fans quote it for any wild excuse that is accepted without question, usually with the name of a different sci-fi villain.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Back to the FutureShow the scene
Back to the Future (1985), Hill Valley High School, 1955. Marty has been trying to get his shy father, George, to ask Lorraine to the dance, but George refuses, saying he would miss his favourite TV programme, Science Fiction Theatre. That night Marty puts on his radiation suit and appears at George's bedside as "Darth Vader" from the planet Vulcan, armed with a Walkman playing a Van Halen riff. The next day George, who overslept, tells Marty he wants to ask Lorraine out and explains what changed his mind.
Sources (3)
- Springfield! Springfield! script: Back to the FutureSchool scene the morning after, with George and MartyReference checked
- Back to the Future Wiki: Darth VaderAlias of Marty McFlyReference checked
- Wikipedia: Back to the FutureProduction, music and deleted scenesReference checked
Context reviewed
