Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a 1989 adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones and Sean Connery as his father, Professor Henry Jones Sr. The film is the third installment in the Indiana Jones franchise. Set in the late 1930s, the film follows Indiana Jones as he embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail while also rescuing his father from the clutches of the Nazis.

The Story Unfolds

The Prologue: Young Indiana Jones

The film begins with a prologue set in 1912, where a young Indiana Jones (River Phoenix) tries to recover a valuable artifact from treasure hunters. This sequence introduces several of Jones’ trademarks, including his fear of snakes, his use of a bullwhip, and the iconic fedora.

The Search for Henry Jones Sr.

The story then shifts to 1938. Indiana Jones is approached by Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), who informs him that his father, Professor Henry Jones Sr., has disappeared while searching for the Holy Grail. Indiana discovers his father’s Grail diary, which contains vital clues to the Grail’s location.

The Climax and Resolution

The Rescue and the Grail Quest

Indiana travels to Venice, Italy, where he teams up with Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody). Together, they discover clues leading to the Grail. They eventually find Henry Jones Sr. imprisoned in a Nazi castle in Austria. The rescue leads to an exciting escape sequence and a dramatic chase.

The Final Trial

The Joneses’ journey culminates in the desert at the Canyon of the Crescent Moon, where they must pass three deadly trials to reach the Holy Grail. These trials test their faith, knowledge, and courage. They finally reach the Grail’s resting place, guarded by a centuries-old knight.

The Conclusion

Choosing the True Grail

The climax occurs when Donovan and Elsa follow the Joneses to the Grail chamber. Donovan drinks from a false grail and dies, demonstrating the consequence of greed. Indiana correctly identifies the true Grail and uses it to heal his father, who was mortally wounded by Donovan. The knight warns them that the Grail cannot be taken beyond the temple. As they leave, Elsa attempts to take the Grail and dies when the temple collapses. The film ends with Indiana, his father, and their companions riding off into the sunset.

Movie Ending

The film concludes on a hopeful and adventurous note, with Indiana Jones and his father having reconciled and achieved their quest, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the importance of family and faith.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Type of Movie

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is an action-adventure film that combines elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and family drama.

Cast

• Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
• Sean Connery as Professor Henry Jones Sr.
• Denholm Elliott as Marcus Brody
• Alison Doody as Dr. Elsa Schneider
• John Rhys-Davies as Sallah
• Julian Glover as Walter Donovan

Film Music and Composer

The film’s iconic score was composed by John Williams, whose music has become synonymous with the Indiana Jones series. The soundtrack includes the famous “Raiders March” theme.

Filming Locations

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed in various international locations, including:

• Venice, Italy: For the scenes involving the library and catacombs.
• Almería, Spain: For the desert scenes and the final sequence at the Canyon of the Crescent Moon.
• Petra, Jordan: The exterior of the temple housing the Holy Grail.

Awards and Nominations

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade received several prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Sound Effects Editing. Nominated for Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Art Direction.
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Special Effects, Best Production Design, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Sean Connery).
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Sean Connery).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Sean Connery and Harrison Ford’s on-screen chemistry as father and son is often credited with the film’s success. Their interactions added a layer of depth and humor to the narrative.
• The film’s production faced various challenges, including harsh filming conditions in the deserts of Spain and Jordan.
• Steven Spielberg and George Lucas aimed to return to the adventurous and fun tone of Raiders of the Lost Ark after the darker Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Inspirations and References

The character of Indiana Jones was inspired by the adventure heroes of 1930s film serials and pulp magazines. The Holy Grail quest draws on Arthurian legends and historical myths about the search for the Grail.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut closely follows Spielberg’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film was novelized by Rob MacGregor, providing additional background and details not included in the movie. The novelization explores the characters’ thoughts and motivations more deeply.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The prologue with young Indiana Jones.
• The Venice library sequence and escape through the catacombs.
• The dramatic escape from the Nazi castle.
• The three trials to reach the Holy Grail.
• The final confrontation in the Grail chamber.

Iconic Quotes

• “You have chosen wisely.” – The Grail Knight
• “That belongs in a museum!” – Indiana Jones
• “Junior, I’m sorry. They got us.” – Professor Henry Jones Sr.
• “The pen is mightier than the sword.” – Marcus Brody

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes several references to Raiders of the Lost Ark, such as the reappearance of the Ark of the Covenant in the catacombs.
• The name of Indiana’s father, Henry Jones Sr., is a nod to the character’s inspiration from Sir Henry Morton Stanley, a Welsh-American explorer.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $48 million, and it grossed over $474 million worldwide.
• Sean Connery, despite playing Indiana Jones’ father, is only 12 years older than Harrison Ford.
• The film’s screenplay was written by Jeffrey Boam, who also worked on the Lethal Weapon series.

Why Watch?

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade offers a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and heart. Its engaging plot, iconic characters, and thrilling action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of classic adventure films.

Director’s Other Movies

Steven Spielberg also directed:

• Jaws (1975)
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
• Jurassic Park (1993)
• Schindler’s List (1993)
• Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
• The Mummy (1999)
• National Treasure (2004)
• Romancing the Stone (1984)