With Walt Disney Studios’ announcement that a fifth Indiana Jones movie is in the works, it’s time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster film franchise about the adventures of a swashbuckling archaeologist. Indelibly embodied by Harrison Ford, the man in the fedora is dashing and irresistibly human, braving all manner of heart-stopping danger while battling Nazis, Stalinists and other foes in his quest for priceless artifacts—always with humor and panache. LIFE traces the evolution of the film series, from its roots in 1940s serials and action flicks through the creation and production of Raiders of the Lost Ark and three rollicking sequels. With a lively, incisive narrative and a rich trove of photos, this special edition features plot summaries, actor profiles, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes anecdotes—a fitting tribute to one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring heroes.With Walt Disney Studios’ announcement that a fifth Indiana Jones movie is in the works, it’s time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster film franchise about the adventures of a swashbuckling archaeologist. Indelibly embodied by Harrison Ford, the man in the fedora is dashing and irresistibly human, braving all manner of heart-stopping danger while battling Nazis, Stalinists and other foes in his quest for priceless artifacts—always with humor and panache. LIFE traces the evolution of the film series, from its roots in 1940s serials and action flicks through the creation and production of Raiders of the Lost Ark and three rollicking sequels. With a lively, incisive narrative and a rich trove of photos, this special edition features plot summaries, actor profiles, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes anecdotes—a fitting tribute to one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring heroes.
LIFE: Indiana Jones
LIFE Bookazines
A Timeless Hero • For four decades, Indiana Jones has thrilled and delighted audiences around the world—thanks largely to the enduring appeal of Harrison Ford
Raiders of the Lost Ark Opener • The rollicking tale of an intrepid—and magnetic—archaeologist-adventurer has lost none of the flair that first thrilled audiences four decades ago
Birth of a Blockbuster • Inspired by the B-movie adventures of their youth, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg cooked up one of the most successful film franchises in Hollywood history
Finding Indiana • Harrison Ford wasn’t the first choice to star in Raiders of the Lost Ark—but he was the only choice
Dressing the Part • That jacket and weathered fedora didn’t just happen: Designing Indy’s signature ensemble involved meticulous research—and lots of shopping
The Making of Raiders • Raiders of the Lost Ark set the template for all the Indiana Jones films that followed, moving at a breakneck pace, with nonstop thrills, chills, spills, wry wit—and a little romance
Spotlight: Karen Allen • THE ANIMAL HOUSE ACTRESS PROVED A PERFECT PICK FOR THE ROLE OF INDY’S ONETIME FLAME MARION RAVENWOOD
Spotlight: Opening the Ark • THE GRUESOME FINAL SCENE REQUIRED DEFT EFFECTS
Indy Rocks Hollywood • A monster hit, Raiders of the Lost Ark won critical raves for its style, action, and ingenuity and secured Steven Spielberg’s status as a movie industry titan
The Continued Adventures of Indiana Jones Opener • Raiders of the Lost Ark spun three sequels over the span of a quarter century, and while Indiana Jones may have grown a bit more weathered and world-weary, the dashing archaeologist-adventurer never lost his edge
Temple of Doom • The first sequel to Raiders was darker and even gorier—and also racially insensitive. But the thrill-a-minute ride raked in big bucks at the box office
Spotlight: Kate Capshaw • SPIELBERG CAST THE RELATIVE NEWCOMER AS MADCAP...