the women of indiana jones

Indiana Jones films [Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade] are largely GP fares with a particular appeal for the male demographics. and the resourceful, intelligent, rugged, funny, and all-too-human Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones makes a particularly likeable hero.

The proof of this franchise’s enduring appeal lies in its substantial box office success and the consistently good ratings it has earned from critics and fans alike. and now, george lucas, steven spielberg, et al. are about to release the highly anticipated fourth installment of the series: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

but it doesn’t just end there. Indy Jones’s appeal to women and rapport with his leading leadies are also two reasons for the films’ resounding success. apart from the adventurous academic himself, you can also add the improbably entertaining plots, the dizzying special effecs, and the IJ ladies.

while they’re not basically driving the plot, these women are no pushover either — in their own right, they’re just as unforgettable, incandescent, funny and as single-minded as Indy himself. 

Marion Ravenwood (Raiders of the Lost Ark: Karen Allen)

Wilhelmina "willy" Scott (Temple of Doom: Kate Capshaw)

Dr. Elsa Schneider (The Last Crusade: Alison Doody)

Irina Spalko (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: Cate Blanchett) 

i have no clear favorite, although i must confess that i’m rather partial to kate capshaw’s Willie (regardless of what the feminists say) because she made me laugh so hard. and of course, i still have to see how cate blanchett fares in this last IJ installment. (i have a feeling she’ll be a knockout here.)