Remembering Raiders Of The Lost Ark: The Making Of Indiana Jones

9. The Raiders Story Conference

Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Paramount Pictures

Spielberg immediately responded to the central premise of a classic action-adventure yarn in the tradition of old Hollywood, and eight months later the two would get together with fledgeling screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan to thrash out the plot for Indiana Smith’s first adventure (Spielberg would eventually get his way on the name thing.)

Between 23-27 January 1978, Spielberg, Lucas and Kasdan sat in a room talking for up to nine hours a day, and for proper movie fans the transcript of their discussions is one of the most fascinating documents you’re ever likely to read.

Those conversations proved so fertile that they informed the story of not only Raiders Of The Lost Ark but also its immediate sequel. Some of the most memorable moments in Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom – the Shanghai opening, the escape from a nose-diving plane via an inflatable raft and the standout mine chase sequence – originated in that room.

Going in, Lucas had a clear picture of his rogue adventurer – the iconic leather jacket, rumpled hat and bullwhip – but also what would distinguish him from the likes of James Bond. This character would be vulnerable as opposed to indestructible, fallible rather than flawless; qualities that would imbue Indy with the imperfections and rough edges that make him one of cinema’s most enduring characters.

Kasdan went off to write the script, and with the men responsible for the two most successful movies ever made in its corner, financing Raiders would surely prove a formality.

Yeah, no.

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Contributor

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