Ah, the theme of the BBC radio program Desert Island Discs,

where each week a guest is asked to choose some music, a book, and a luxury item that they would take if they were cast away on a desert island.

Each week this summer, we are offering you an essential piece of audio to listen to on whatever

form your desert island takes, be it a lazy walk in the park or a quick lunch break at

your desk.

Summer listens number two comes from our erstwhile intern Dave Sururchuk, who tells the story of a fabled

sound effect called The Wilhelm.

The Wilhelm has punctuated the death and dismemberment of dozens of characters in some 20 to 25

movies, particularly in those associated with George Lucas.

With appearances in some of history's biggest hits,

from Star Wars to Raiders of the Lost Ark to Toy Story,

clearly this sound gets around.

In addition to the aforementioned blockbusters,

The Scream appeared in lesser Lucas films,

like Howard the Duck and Willow,

as well as the Star Wars parody Spaceballs.

Prior to being adopted by the Lucas team in 1977,

the Wilhelm got it shot and Sam Peck and Paugh's The Wild Bunch in 1967,

and co-starred with Judy Garland in 1954's A Star is Born. It even appeared in John Wayne's gritty drama of the Green Berets in 1968.

That's what it's all about is through Bigwood.

After the Green Berets, the Wilhelm went on sabbatical until it was revived in Star Wars.

It appears in the scene where Luke and Leia bravely blasted stormtroopers from across a bottomless pit in the Death Star Wars. It appears in the scene where Luke and Leia bravely blasted stormtroopers from across a bottomless

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