About Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

"Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" is an adventure movie released in 1981. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas, is about daring archaeologist Indiana Jones who battles a group of Nazis searching for the Ark of the Covenant that has powers that could obliterate humanity. It is the inaugural movie in the Indiana Jones franchise.

Making / Production

Directed by Steven Spielberg, with screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and story by George Lucas, the movie represents a classic cooperation of these movie legends. Filmed in various locations including Tunisia, Hawaii and England, the production captured the spirit of 1930s serials with its adventurous tone.

Actors

• Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Delivering an iconic performance, Ford established Jones as a legendary movie character.
• Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood. Her tough, spirited performance made her a compelling leading lady.
• Paul Freeman as Dr. René Belloq, Jones' rival archaeologist who works for the Nazis. Freeman's performance added depth to the antagonistic role.
• Ronald Lacey as Major Arnold Toht, a ruthless Gestapo agent. Lacey's chilling performance made Toht a memorable villain.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Indiana Jones's iconic look - leather jacket, whip, and fedora - was created by costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis.
• The infamous snake scene was done with real snakes, up to 10,000 of them.
• The sound effect for the Ark of the Covenant was made by sliding a toilet lid.

Awards

"Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" boasts several awards and nominations. It won four Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, as well a Special Achievement award for Sound Effects Editing. Harrison Ford received a nomination for Best Actor from the Saturn Awards.

Quotes

• "It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage." - Indiana Jones
• "I'm going after that truck." - Indiana Jones
• "We are simply passing through history. This... this *is* history." - Dr. René Belloq

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was written by John Williams. It introduced the now-iconic theme "Raiders March" which defines the character of Indiana Jones.
• The original soundtrack album was released by Columbia Records in 1981.
• The music for the film has been critically acclaimed and is often considered among the greatest film scores in history.