Like Only Cannes Can

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ROMANCING STONE: Cannes pushes international art-house fare but loves Hollywood; this year, Stone and the final installment of Lucas' Star Wars lent the glitz and glamour

A full orchestra in evening dress struck up the familiar martial theme. George Lucas and his actors, including a beautifully shaven-haired Natalie Portman, ascended the red-carpeted steps of the Grand Palais. A hosanna rose from the thousands of gawkers held back by police barriers. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith , marking its premiere at the 58th Cannes Film Festival, conquered world cinema as surely as the Jedi knights vanquished their intergalactic foes. American movies have that force, even at a festival determined to celebrate the variety of international film. The planet's largest annual trade show, photo op and schmoozathon,...

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