FILM OF THE WEEK:
Raiders of the Lost Ark, BBC1, Saturday, 6.30pm.
Yes, it’s been on countless times before, but the fact is after 32 years, this is still the greatest action adventure ever made.
Harrison Ford has never been better as intrepid archaeologist Indiana Jones, the mild– mannered teacher who goes in search of the legendary Ark of the Covenant, a biblical artefact of devastating power.
His quest leads him to Egypt, where the Nazis are plotting to use the Ark’s power to further Hitler’s plans for world domination – aided by Jones’s deceitful French rival.
Director Steven Spielberg may have had countless smashes over the years, but this is one of his most rewarding, a masterful mix of great story, superb cast, an outstanding John Williams score and special effects that are as intentionally haunting as they are magical.
With solid support from Karen Allen as the feisty love interest Marion; Paul Freeman as charming villain Belloq, and John Rhys-Davies as faithful sidekick Sallah, it should entertain the whole family, though that moment when the Ark is finally opened is enough to give anyone nightmares.
The much-missed Ronald Lacey (as sneering Nazi Toht) and Denholm Elliott (as Indy’s colleague Brody) also deserve a mention for helping to make this a five-star epic so special, and look out for the everbrilliant Alfred Molina in his film debut.
In short, a whip-cracking, mindblowing, jaw-dropping masterpiece.