Milestone Years
- 35th Anniversary: May 24, 2024
- 40th Anniversary: May 24, 2029
- 50th Anniversary: May 24, 2039
- 60th Anniversary: May 24, 2049
Inspiration Behind the Movie
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg wanted to return to the tone of Raiders of the Lost Ark while deepening Indiana’s character through a father-son dynamic. The Holy Grail theme drew from Arthurian legends, and Sean Connery was cast as Indy’s father to emphasize the film’s classic adventure roots.
You Might Not Know
- Sean Connery was only 12 years older than Harrison Ford.
- River Phoenix played young Indy in the opening sequence, inspiring The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
- Many scenes were filmed on location across Europe and the Middle East.
- The film’s blend of humor and action made it the most warmly received of the original trilogy.
- The tank chase scene was done with real stunts, using a full-size tank built for filming.
Food Ideas
- Grail goblets filled with themed drinks (grape juice or cider)
- Crusader’s cheese and charcuterie platter
- Camelback wraps (Mediterranean-style flatbreads)
- Fedora-topped cupcakes
- Ancient map sugar cookies with edible ink
Release Date: May 24, 1989
Summary:
When his father goes missing while searching for the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones embarks on a globe-trotting mission to rescue him and complete the quest. Facing Nazis, ancient traps, and personal trials, Indy must follow clues and confront the meaning of faith, legacy, and family.
Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Adventure, Action, PG-13
Key Cast Members:
- Harrison Ford
- Sean Connery
- Denholm Elliott
- Alison Doody
- John Rhys-Davies
- Julian Glover
- River Phoenix
Ways to Celebrate
- Wear fedoras and satchels for an Indy dress-up night
- Host a Grail quest scavenger hunt in your home or backyard
- Try writing or decoding clues on aged paper for a fun activity
- Watch the original Indy trilogy for a full arc experience
- Discuss the film’s real historical references vs. fantasy elements
Filming Locations
- Petra, Jordan was used for the Grail temple’s stunning exterior
- Spain stood in for Nazi-occupied Europe, including castle scenes
- Venice boat chase scenes were filmed on real canals in Venice, Italy
- Interior scenes were filmed at Elstree Studios in the UK