Originally Posted by pompousjohn

Yes and it seems it was widely known, I remember discussing with classmates in gradeschool that star wars (back when there was only one of them) was really episode 4. We didn't have google to check with so it was kind of an urban legend at the time, but it was known, apparently, because at least myself and a classmate knew.

I mean if you watch it, it takes off like a sequel. The title is "A New Hope" and the opening scrolling text makes it pretty clear we are jumping in somewhere well after the beginning of an ongoing saga.