Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 1989

Test your knowledge of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with our quiz!

Plot Summary


Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery) is the renowned father of Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr. As an ardent archaeologist, his passion for ancient artifacts has been inherited by his adventurous son, who, as a young Boy Scout in 1912, embarks on a scouting expedition in the majestic Utah mountains. During this adventure, he encounters a band of thieves who are illicitly plundering the nation’s heritage, specifically the Cross of Coronado, a priceless relic dating back to the 1520s, hidden within an ancient cave. Firmly believing that national treasures deserve a place in a museum, Indy takes it upon himself to recover the artifact.

In a thrilling chase, Indy gallops away on horseback, pursued relentlessly by the thieves until he boards a train transporting animals for a circus. This leads to a series of comical yet perilous encounters, as he finds himself submerged in a tub of snakes—his greatest fear—and battling within a lion’s cage armed only with a whip. Although he makes it home, the sheriff catches up with him, arriving alongside the bandits, pressuring Indy to return the artifact they claim he stole. As a final act of mockery, the chief thief places a Fedora hat on Indy’s head.

Fast forward to 1938, Indy finds himself battling a rival on a ship for the Cross of Coronado, reclaiming it with the belief that it rightfully belongs in a museum. Now at university, his life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a brown package from Venice—a diary belonging to his father filled with insights about the legendary Holy Grail, a chalice believed to have been used by Jesus during the Last Supper, entrusted to Joseph of Arimathea.

Indy’s journey deepens as he learns from Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), a wealthy museum benefactor who informs him that his father, Henry, has gone missing while searching for the second marker that leads to the Grail’s location. This second marker, discovered in a tomb in Venice, can only be found with the clues in Henry’s diary. Here, Indy meets Doctor Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), who assists him on this perilous quest.

Their adventure takes a perilous turn as they uncover the oil-drenched tunnels where the marker lies, igniting a fire set by the Brotherhood of the Cruciform Sword, a cult devoted to guarding the Grail. Indy frequently grapples with moral dilemmas, especially as their relentless pursuit leads them to learn that Henry is held captive in Castle Brunwald, Germany. As Indy and his father strive to escape, they become embroiled in a larger plot involving the Nazis and Walter Donovan’s ambitions for immortality through the Grail.

With betrayal, refined cleverness, and bravery, Indy pursues a path lined with complex traps designed to safeguard the Grail. Amidst heart-pounding action, Indy chooses a simple carpenter’s cup over ostentatious alternatives, correctly identifying it as the Grail. Walter meets his end by choosing poorly, and with healing water from the cup, Indy saves Henry. However, amid nearly catastrophic events, Elsa attempts to seize the Grail for herself, leading to her tragic demise as she falls into the earth’s crevice. In a poignant moment, Henry urges Indy to relinquish the Grail and allow it to rest, underscoring the film’s theme of self-sacrifice over personal glory.

Timeline


Indiana's Early Adventure

In 1912, a young Indiana Jones embarks on a scouting expedition in the stunning Utah mountains, an adventure that showcases his spirit of exploration. During this trip, he encounters a group of thieves who are engaged in the illegal act of plundering the nation's heritage, specifically seeking the Cross of Coronado, an ancient and priceless relic.

1912 Utah

The Chase Begins

As Indy attempts to recover the Cross of Coronado, he finds himself in a high-stakes chase on horseback, pursued by the band of thieves. His thrilling escape leads him to a train transporting circus animals, where he confronts his greatest fear—snakes—as he navigates through a series of comical yet dangerous situations.

Train

Confrontation with the Sheriff

After making his daring escape, Indy returns home only to be confronted by the sheriff, who arrives with the very thieves he outran. They claim that Indy has stolen the Cross of Coronado, and in a mocking gesture, the chief thief places a Fedora hat on his head, marking a pivotal moment in Indy's young life.

The Quest for the Grail Begins

Fast forward to 1938, Indiana Jones finds himself in a fierce battle on a ship against a rival archaeologist over the same Cross of Coronado. This reclaiming of the relic emphasizes his belief that such treasures belong in museums, not in the hands of thieves.

1938 Ship

The Brown Package

Indy's life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a mysterious brown package containing his father's diary. Filled with invaluable information about the legendary Holy Grail, this diary ignites Indy's quest for the chalice believed to hold miraculous powers.

University

The Search for Henry

Indy's adventure deepens as he learns from Walter Donovan that his father, Henry Jones Sr., has gone missing while searching for the next clue leading to the Holy Grail. This revelation compels Indy to pursue his father's trail, leading him to a tomb in Venice where crucial markers are hidden.

Venice

Meeting Doctor Elsa Schneider

During his journey in Venice, Indy partners with Doctor Elsa Schneider, who adds expertise and intrigue to their quest. Together, they investigate the oil-drenched tunnels containing the second marker, which is integral to unlocking the location of the Holy Grail.

Venice

Conflict with the Brotherhood

As Indy and Elsa search for the second marker, they are targeted by the Brotherhood of the Cruciform Sword, a cult dedicated to protecting the secrets of the Grail. This encounter results in a dramatic fire that threatens their lives, intensifying the stakes of their quest.

Tunnels

The Captivity of Henry

Indy grapples with moral dilemmas while searching for his father, who has been captured and detained in Castle Brunwald, Germany. The looming threat of the Nazis and Donovan’s dark ambitions complicate their rescue efforts, adding urgency to their situation.

Castle Brunwald, Germany

Navigating Traps

In a race against time, Indy and his father navigate a series of intricate traps designed to guard the Holy Grail. Their escape requires quick thinking and bravery, highlighting the bond between father and son as they rely on each other to confront the challenges ahead.

Choosing the Grail

Amidst the thrilling chaos, Indy faces a defining moment when he must select the true Holy Grail from an array of extravagant options. His choice of a simple carpenter's cup over ornate alternatives signifies his wisdom and intuition, leading to pivotal outcomes.

Walter's Betrayal

Walter Donovan's greed culminates in his demise as he chooses the wrong cup, showcasing the film's central theme regarding the consequences of greed and vanity. Indianapolis's correct decision allows him to heal his father with the grail's water, ensuring a moment of victory amidst the chaos.

Elsa's Ambition

In a tragic turn of events, Elsa attempts to claim the Grail for herself, demonstrating her selfishness. This chase leads her to a deadly fate as she falls into a crevice, emphasizing the perils of ambition overshadowing moral integrity.

The Final Choice

In a poignant climax, Henry Jones Sr. urges Indy to relinquish the Grail, advocating for the notion that some relics are meant to remain undiscovered. This moment solidifies the film's themes of self-sacrifice and the importance of letting go.

Characters


Henry Jones Sr.

Henry Jones Sr. is a passionate archaeologist whose dedication to ancient artifacts significantly influences his son, Indiana. His character is emblematic of the wisdom that comes with age, embedded with a fierce love for his family and a fear of immortal pursuit through the Grail. His disappearance sets the stage for Indy’s adventurous quest, showcasing the strong bond between father and son.

👨‍👦 Family 📜 Scholar 🌍 Adventurous

Henry 'Indiana' Jones Jr.

Indiana Jones Jr., portrayed as a daring archaeologist, embodies the spirit of adventure and a strong moral compass. From his childhood escapades to his gripping battles against antagonistic forces, Indy represents resilience and cleverness. His journey not only seeks treasures but also self-discovery and maturity as he navigates complex moral landscapes.

🧙‍♂️ Adventurer 💪 Resilient ⚖️ Courageous

Doctor Elsa Schneider

Doctor Elsa Schneider is a complex character who assists Indy in his quest, embodying both allure and betrayal. Initially appearing as a like-minded archaeologist, her true motivations later reveal a darker ambition. The depth of her character adds tension to the narrative, especially in her final moments, emphasizing the pitfalls of greed.

👩‍🎓 Archaeologist 💔 Betrayal 🌌 Ambitious

Setting


Time period

1912, 1938

The narrative is split between two different time periods, with the early scenes set in 1912, showcasing the youthful spirit of adventure during the Boy Scout era. Fast forward to 1938, a time marked by pre-World War II tensions and a surge of interest in archaeological treasures, both of which factor significantly into Indy’s quest for the Holy Grail.

Location

Utah mountains, Venice, Castle Brunwald, Germany

The movie takes place in various remarkable locations, starting with the scenic Utah mountains, known for their majestic landscapes and outdoor adventures. Venice adds an air of historical intrigue, characterized by its canals and stunning architecture, crucial for Indy’s quest. Castle Brunwald in Germany serves as a foreboding backdrop for the climax, amplifying the peril faced by Indy and his father.

🏞️ Nature 🏰 Historical 🌍 Global

Themes


🏺

Heritage

The film deeply explores the importance of cultural heritage and protection of artifacts. It portrays the conflict between preserving national treasures and the greed that often accompanies exploration. Indy’s commitment to returning the Cross of Coronado resonated with his father's ideals, emphasizing the value of shared human history.

⚔️

Bravery

Bravery is a recurring theme that manifests through Indy’s physical confrontations and moral choices. The character's courage is juxtaposed against dangers posed by thieves, Nazis, and intense situations, emphasizing that true bravery is not just about facing threats but also about making the right decisions in dire times.

❤️

Self-Sacrifice

The theme of self-sacrifice is poignantly illustrated towards the film's conclusion. Henry Jones Sr.’s plea for Indy to relinquish the Grail symbolizes the prioritization of familial bonds and values over material gain. This heartwarming moment reinforces the idea that sometimes letting go is the ultimate act of love.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.