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Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

By Michael Schilf · October 24, 2010

Screenplay Genre: Action / Adventure

Movie Time: 115 minutes

1. INCITING INCIDENT

Indy and colleague Marcus Brody decipher the cable for two Army officers: the Nazi’s have discovered Tanis, an ancient city and possible burial site of the Ark of the Covenant, which holds epic mystical power. (00:15:21)

2. LOCK IN (End of Act One)

Indy and Marion with the headpiece to the Staff of Ra, but Marion’s Nepal saloon “The Raven” is burning to the ground, and she declares herself Indy’s her new partner on his continued quest. (00:28:48)

3. FIRST CULMINATION (Midpoint)

With the correct staff height, Indy’s friend Sallah lowers him into the underground map room. Using the headpiece, Indy discovers the exact location of the Ark’s burial site, known as the Well of the Souls. (00:50:57)

4. MAIN CULMINATION (End of Act Two)

After an intense action sequence, Indy has been shot, beaten, even dragged by a truck in his heroic attempts to hijack the Nazi truck caravan transporting the Ark, and he accomplishes his goal. He gets away with the Ark of the Covenant. (1:29:51)

5. THIRD ACT TWIST

Indy, with rocket launcher aimed at the Ark, intercepts Belloq and the Nazis, vowing to blow it to heaven unless Marion is freed. Belloq calls the bluff. Indy lowers his weapon. (1:41:50)

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