STAR WARS HYPE TO START AT MIDNIGHT

At midnight tonight, the Star Wars hype will kick into high gear.

Monday marks the official start for both book and toy sales for the new Star Wars movie, The Phantom Menace.

Toys R Us in Cape Girardeau plans to open the store at 12:01 Monday morning, according to Marc Edwards, one of the managers. He expects collectors and enthusiasts to begin lining up much earlier.

In addition, the store has obtained a special city permit to shoot off fireworks at midnight. Two store employees dressed as Star Wars' characters will recreate a light saber battle on the roof for those waiting in line.

"We hope to make this a real event," he said.

Kay-Bee Toys in the West Park Mall also plans to open at midnight, according to a store spokesman. No further details were available.

Waldenbooks in the West Park Mall plans to open at 6 a.m. Monday -- four hours earlier than normal -- for sales of the new Star Wars book.

The movie opens May 19.