Really Scoring

This particular tune has been ringing in my head for the past two days. In fact, it would spring on me so unexpectedly that I would start humming without realising it. Like the vocals kinda launched spiraling into auto cruise.

Of course I am referring to the catchy, adrenalin-filled John Williams' rendition of Indiana Jones' theme song. Has there ever been a tune so filled with adventure, anticipation, humour and promise?

My first real memory of the Indy trilogy was the Temple of Doom. The car chases with Short Round at the wheel, the sexy Capshaw singing on stage... "la la la la... Anything goes!" and the gory scene where the evil priest (Mola Ram?) reached his hand into a human sacrifice and pulled out a beating, pumping heart (ugh).

That was the first time I heard of an Indian goddess named Kali, the first time I flirted with the idea of becoming an archeologist, and to cut it short, the first time I saw a hero who was so close to home - beaten, bruised, flawed... and yet still a hero nonetheless.

It was a time where everything was possible... if you can only imagine it. I watched the movie nine times on the old VHS tape... and lost count how many re-runs it had seen in the ensuing years. By then, I was ready to digest Raiders of the Lost Ark and despite the latter being a better-made film, Temple has always held a special position in my heart. One year later, I was dressed to the nines and off to tea dances (at 4pm on Saturdays!) Friends had these cheesy autograph books where there was a list of favourite things one had to disclose. Everyone's favourite movie included Indiana Jones and Return of the Jedi or Grease II. It was Lucas' decade, soon to be Spielberg's.

So, after almost 20 years, Williams' score still tugs at the emo strings. At least for this former wannabe archeologist. OK, so I didn't find an exotic tribe and stop a cult sacrifice... but I sure did have some pretty awesome adventures in my own right, thanks to the hero who grew up with me, and taught me "So what? Everyone gets beaten one time or another."

Good to have you back, Uncle Jones!