Retroist Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Podcast

Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom carved its niche as a riveting piece of film history, captivating audiences with its daring escapades and dark undertones. Released in 1984, this sequel to the iconic Raiders of the Lost Ark takes us back into the thrilling world of archaeology and myth, transporting viewers from the vibrant streets of Shanghai to the heart of India.

What sets this film apart? It might be its audacious blend of dark supernatural elements, perilous adventures, and the charismatic yet fallible hero, Indiana Jones, played with unparalleled zest by Harrison Ford. Or perhaps it's the film's ability to balance that darkness with moments of humor and heart that keeps it enduringly beloved.

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of darkness that is Temple of Doom. Beyond my own fondness for the film and its impact on the genre, we'll explore what makes Temple of Doom a cinematic experience worth revisiting. I'll dissect the collaboration between Spielberg and Lucas, how they crafted a film that not only expanded the Indiana Jones universe but also took a path that set it apart from its predecessors and successors alike.

Then I will talk about the mesmerizing score by John Williams and how it added layers of depth to the movie, transporting audiences to an exotic and perilous world. The challenges Indiana Jones faces, from confronting cult leaders to rescuing enslaved children, are all set to the perfect music.

So, whether you're a long-time fan who revels in Indiana Jones’s thrilling escapades or new to the films, this episode promises an enjoyable journey into the darkest chapter of Indy’s adventures.

Listen and download the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Podcast

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Production Notes

• This is the 318th episode of the Retroist Podcast and episode 19 of this season.

• This is the second episode in a series of podcasts I will be doing about Indiana Jones. I will be covering the original trilogy and more.

• I again had some technical difficulties while recording the show. I think the dark forces of Mola Ram did not want me to succeed.

• I would love to have had a Haunted House version of Indiana Jones. Something that really focused on ghosts and hauntings.

• This movie was a favorite to play at the video stores I worked at. At Suncoast, we weren’t allowed to play it because our manager told us it was too dark. I wonder whose policy that was?

• I would have preferred Marion Ravenwood in this film as Indy’s partner. Why couldn’t they have had more adventures before Raiders? I am still all for a Marion Ravenwood series. Show her life leading up to Raiders.

• We had a party at home when this came out on VHS. My family was supposed to watch it together, but my sisters bailed, and my mom got sick. So I was watching it with my Grandmother, who was not impressed.

• I mention the Temple of Doom arcade game, but will go deeper on that in a future episode. Same with the comics.

• Just want to talk about that convenience store/deli I mentioned in the notes last week. It was near the movies, and you could walk by it on the way home. I had my first Snapple there, way before Snapple was a widely available drink. They really had an amazing cold drinks selection. Also good ice cream.

• I will post the clipping I mention over on Patreon soon. Got some good ones.

• Up next, Last Crusade.

• Keeping this up here. I have been having issues with YouTube lately. Until that had been worked out, I will not be posting episodes of the show there. I apologize for the inconvenience.

• Follow Lou Lumenick on Twitter. He was my favorite childhood move reviewer.

• Music on the show is, as always, by Peachy.

Thanks for listening to the show and I hope you have a great weekend.