Episode III Books
Due to the limited role of handmaidens in the final prequel, the characters do not appear in Star Wars literature as often as the ladies from the first two films.
Click on the smaller image to see a larger picture.
The Revenge of the Sith novelization by Matthew Stover is an expanded version of the film. Not only does it contain cut scenes from the movie, but it also elaborates on those scenes already in the film. Moteé and Ellé are both mentioned briefly in the novel, but only in passing. The role of the handmaiden has been reduced to a mere mention as the two bodyguards are simply dismissed by Padmé in every chapter they appear. They aren't even mentioned as being at Padmé's funeral, nor is Queen Apailana.
Memorable Quote: No memorable quotes as our ladies do nothing, much less say anything. However, if you were a fan of Obi-Wan Kenobi's from the film, you will more than likely adore him even more in the novel.
The Episode I Junior Novelization by Patrcia C. Wrede is a young adult book that retells the plot of the film. Again, nothing. The two handmaidens are mentioned only once before they are dimissed.
Memorable Quote: None.
The Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: The Visual Dictionary by David West Reynolds is a reference book written as if the characters and events of the film were not ficitonal. As with the Attack of the Clones edition, this one has no full page handmaiden write-ups. There is one small picture of Moteé in the Senate box with Padmé and Bail. There is also a small, full length picture of Queen Apailana in her "Chersilk mourning robe".
Memorable Quote: "Handmaidens Moteé and Ellé were chosen because they resemble Padmé. They know of her marriage to Anakin, and often facilitate the couple's meetings by serving as decoys." The book also mentions that Captain Panaka gives Palpatine information about Anakin and Padmé's secret marriage. Interesting.
The Art of Episode III by J.W. Rinzler contains pre-production art work and concept art by concept designers Ian McCaig, Ryan Church, and Erik Teimens among others. The book is divided into three parts: Preproduction, Principal Photograph, and Digital Shot Creation. The book contains a few handmaiden sketches and a full page picture of Queen Apailana.
Note of Interest: One of the designs done in 2003 had a handmaiden at attention holding a blaster. This indicates that Lucas was toying with the idea of perhaps having the handmaidens take a more active role in the film.
Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith: The Illustrated Screenplay by George Lucas was released as an e-book in May 2005. The screenplay has to be purchased and then dowloaded for viewing on your computer. The download also includes behind the scenes information by J.W. Rinzler. During the Senate scene, it is said that both Moteé and Ellé are present in the Senate box. Only Moteé is shown in the final fim.
Note of Interest: The lady doth speak! The scene when Anakin and Padmé are debating politics in her apartment had a longer beginning. When Padmé returns from a meeting that was cut from the film, the two handmaidens are waiting on the apartment veranda. After Typho bids "My Lady" a farewell, the two approach the Senator...and are dismissed. However, Moteé at least gets a line: "Yes, My Lady." Yay?
The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith by J.W. Rinzler is an extensive report on the filming of the third installment of the prequel trilogy. The book features full color, behind the scenes photographs, as well as interviews with the cast and crew. There is a lot of in depth information about Art Departmenet Supervisor Fay David who portrayed a standmaiden in Episode I. It is noted that Lucas goes through a binders of actresses with casting director Christine King looking for handmaidens. He wants Keisha Castle-Hughes in the film because of her performance in Whale Rider.
Note of Interest: In the rough draft of the film, Moteé and Ellé, along with Typho, accompany Padmé to Mustafar, but are gunned down by clones. In the first draft, they are attacked again, but this time by droids. It's not until just four days before filming that Lucas decides in his fourth draft to have Padmé forbid Typho and her handmaidens from accompanying her to find Anakin.
Although some of these items were released several years ago, you may still be able to purchase the majority of them. Your best bet would be to browse your local and online book stores, collector websites, and www.starwars.com.
For more information on Handmaiden Merchandise, please visit our Miscellaneous Handmaiden Merchandise and Dolls and Action Figures sections.
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