User blog:ARTaylor/30 Years of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Today is the thirtieth anniversary of the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The film was the third in the series, and originally intended to be the final in a trilogy. The story follows the famed archeologist as he must reconcile with his estranged father while searching for the missing Holy Grail of Jesus Christ.

The film was made in part to "apologize" for the harsher reception of the previous film Temple of Doom. The move was successful so that fans and critics were much more appreciative. The film faced harsh competition at the box office but managed to become the highest grossing of the year worldwide. At the time, the film was the eleventh highest grossing film of all time. The film received the Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing and was nominated for numerous more. The prologue, set in Indiana's youth, paved the way for the live-action television series The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. The film was welcomed as a fitting ending, and it was nineteen years before the filmmakers and cast relented to make a fourth film.

The film was written, produced, and edited by George Lucas. It features the talents of John Rhys-Davies returning as Indiana's friend Sallah.