In 1981, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford collaborated to make Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first in what would quickly become a trilogy of iconic Indiana Jones movies. (We won't mention the other two.)
Starring Ford and Karen Allen, the movie features some of cinema's most iconic scenes including the rolling ball heist, and the infamous "don't bring a sword to a gunfight" gag necessitated by the cast and crew's collective bout with dysentery.
Each major contributor has gone on to do countless other amazing projects, but in 1981, Raiders was and still is as cool as it gets.
Here are 25 photos from behind the scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
1
Behind the scenes with Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, and Karen Allen.
2
Steven Spielberg preparing a scene.
3
Harrison Ford laughing at John Rhys-Davies joke.
4
Karen Allen and Harrison Ford behind the scenes.
5
Harrison Ford and stunt double Vic Armstrong.
6
Harrison Ford, cinematographer Douglas Slocombe, and Steven Spielberg.
7
Harrison Ford helping create one of the most iconic moments in film.
8
Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford.
9
John Rhys-Davies and Harrison Ford.
10
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas pose with some of the cast on set.
11
Harrison Ford and Karen Allen on set.
12
Harrison Ford’s stunt double watches this classic scene in the making.
13
Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford making Raiders of the Lost Ark.
14
A set of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Can't miss that boulder.
15
George Lucas and Harrison Ford on set.
16
Indiana Jones and his stunt double.
17
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas on location for Raiders of the Lost Ark.
18
Steven Spielberg, Alfred Molina's dummy and Alfred Molina on set.
21
Karen Allen, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford on set for Raiders of the Lost Ark.
22
Steven Spielberg inspects Karen Allen and Harrison Ford.
24
Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg tired while filming Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981.
