Just like 'Star Wars,' 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and it's sequels were inspired by the Saturday Morning Movie serials that were popular as far back as 1912.

The overall concept includes; a hero, a damsel in distress, a villain and no-win situations for our heroes. Each episode would be action packed and would end on a cliff-hanger. Some type of situation that looked impossible to get out of, but as the following week's episode would show, our heroes always find a way out.

The Indiana Jones films were definitely bred from that same 'hi-octane' thrill ride, but on a much grander scale.

Here are a few bits of behind the scenes trivia you might not know about the world's most well known archaeologist.

  • Jeff Bridges turned down the role of Indy. Other actors considered included; Steve Martin, Nick Nolte, Sam Neill and Jack Nicholson.
  • Amy Irving and Debra Winger and Maureen McCormick auditioned for the role of Marion.
  • The sound effects of the body blow punches were created by hitting a pile of leather jackets with a baseball bat.
  • Originally Indiana's last name was 'Smith.'
  • Before Paramount finally decided to do the picture, it had been turned down by every studio in Hollywood. (The film would end up being the top grosser for 1981)
  • Check out the 'Well of Souls' scene frame by frame. You'll see tiny engravings in the golden pillar of R2-D2 and C-3PO from 'Star Wars.'
  • Harrison Ford had come down with food poisoning on the day they were to shoot the scene with the swordsman. the script called for 'Indy' to use his bullwhip, but the ailing Ford decided to 'cut to the chase' and just shoot him. Spielberg loved the idea and they decided to shoot the scene that way.
  • Want to recreate the sound of the Ark being slid open? Just slowing slide off the lid off the top of your toilet tank.

 

Just like the review of the 'Making of Star Wars' book I wrote awhile back, you may be interested in checking out 'The Complete Making Of Indiana Jones.' Currently it's only  available in hardcover and paperback.

 

 

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