Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Year: 1981

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Spielberg

ActionAdventure

In 1936, adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones races against the Nazis to find the legendary Ark of the Covenant. His quest takes him from Nepal to Egypt, where he encounters dangerous traps, fierce rivals, and his former flame, Marion Ravenwood. Indy must use all his skills and courage to secure the powerful artifact before the Nazis can harness its power for their nefarious plans.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Trace every key event in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Indiana Jones retrieves the Golden Idol

In 1936, Indiana Jones embarks on an adventure in Peru to retrieve the Golden Idol from a booby-trapped temple. His success is met with danger as he faces life-threatening traps, showcasing his ingenuity and bravery.

1936 Peru
2

Encounter with René Belloq

Just after securing the Golden Idol, Jones is confronted by René Belloq, a rival archaeologist. Belloq cunningly absconds with the idol, forcing Jones to escape quickly, highlighting the rivalry that drives their subsequent actions.

3

Call from Army Intelligence

Back in the United States, Indiana Jones is summoned by two Army Intelligence agents. They inform him about the Nazis’ excavation in Tanis, Egypt, where they seek the powerful Ark of the Covenant, marking the beginning of Jones’ next mission.

United States
4

Meeting Marion Ravenwood

In Nepal, Jones reunites with Marion Ravenwood, the daughter of his late mentor. Their reunion is filled with nostalgia until the chaos of a Gestapo agent’s arrival disrupts their meeting as he attempts to seize an important medallion from Marion.

Nepal
5

Fire and Escape

During the altercation in the bar, Gestapo agent Arnold Toht tries to retrieve the medallion from the flames, severely burning his hand in the process. This incident forces Jones and Marion to make a hasty escape, solidifying their partnership.

Nepal
6

Reunion with Sallah in Cairo

Traveling to Cairo, Jones and Marion are joined by their trusted ally, Sallah. The trio discovers that the Nazis have created a replica of the medallion, revealing their intent to find the Ark and increasing the stakes of their quest.

Cairo
7

A Dangerous Ambush

A surprise ambush by the Nazis leads to Marion being captured, causing Jones to experience anguish and fear of losing her. This confrontation emphasizes the constant threat posed by Belloq and his allies.

Cairo
8

Consulting the Imam

In a race against time, Jones consults an imam who deciphers the medallion’s inscriptions. This pivotal information reveals both a warning against disturbing the Ark and the necessary measurements for the Staff of Ra.

9

Infiltrating the Nazi Dig Site

With the newfound knowledge, Jones and Sallah infiltrate the Nazi excavation site to locate the Well of Souls. Their expertise allows them to reveal the resting place of the Ark, setting the stage for their ultimate confrontation.

Tanis, Egypt
10

Discovery of the Ark

Jones and his allies discover the intricately decorated chest that holds the Ark of the Covenant. Just as victory seems within reach, Belloq orchestrates a theft, capturing Marion and further complicating their mission.

11

Plan to Transport the Ark

Determined to reclaim the Ark, Jones devises a plan to transport it to London. His strategy is interrupted when a German U-boat captures both Marion and the Ark, propelling Jones into a new, covert operation.

12

Infiltration of the U-boat

Under the cover of darkness, Jones secretly infiltrates the German U-boat. His actions become crucial as he aims to rescue Marion and reclaim the Ark before it can be misused by the Nazis.

Aegean Sea
13

Confrontation on the Island

As the U-boat approaches the island, Jones launches a strategic assault against the Nazi forces. His mission is clear: to prevent the Nazis from exploiting the power of the Ark before Hitler.

Aegean Sea
14

The Unleashing of the Ark

In a tense ceremony, Belloq opens the Ark, but chaos ensues as supernatural forces are unleashed. This calamity overwhelms the Nazis, leading to a spectacular display of divine wrath as Jones warns everyone to shield their eyes.

15

Government Honors and Secrecy

In the aftermath, Jones is honored in Washington D.C. for his role in retrieving the Ark. However, he leaves with ambiguity as the Ark’s fate is shrouded in secrecy, imprisoned in a government warehouse away from public knowledge.

Washington D.C.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:05

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Raiders of the Lost Ark Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Raiders of the Lost Ark, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Raiders of the Lost Ark Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Raiders of the Lost Ark

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Raiders of the Lost Ark

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