Star Wars Episode II: Attack of The Clones will be shown so many times in so many theaters that within 24 hours of its opening Thursday, Tristate theater-goers will have more than 120 chances to see it.

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        And fans are so eager to see the latest George Lucas creation that screenings begin one minute after midnight.

        Local exhibitors have been adding as many early screenings as they can. Showcase Cinemas Springdale originally planned two midnight shows. By Tuesday afternoon, the number was up to six.

        “I grew up watching all the old (Star Wars) movies,” said Brian Honican, 35, of Madisonville. “In this one, I hope they are getting back to a little more of the original style, for a little older audience.”

        Showcase Cinemas Springdale is one of about two dozen theaters nationwide showing the movie with digital projection systems. The movie was made entirely on digital equipment; no film was used until it was time to make the prints that most theaters will show.

        Mr. Lucas had hoped to show it in hundreds of digital theaters, where discs replace bulky film reels. Mr. Lucas has said Episode III, due out in 2005, will be shown exclusively on digital systems.