John Williams can crack a real good tune. Sure, just like James Horner (and many film scorers), Williams has taken inspiration from classical composers. Just listen to Antonín Dvořák’s 4th movement of his 9th symphony and you’ll stay clear of any beaches the rest of your life.

That’s fine. I don’t see at plagiarism any longer. It’s an interpolation and a tribute to the ones that are now gone. I like Williams so much another post will also be about him, a later career gem that also requires your attention.

Speaking of this, I’m writing about one of my parents’ fave movies: Indiana Jones and the last crusade. My fondest memory of this film is how many laughs the movie managed to draw out of my parents, who always were a bit on the quiet side, and how they would drop anything if it was on.

Last Crusade is really the best Indiana Jones film. It’s pacey enough to never become a chore. It’s funny without becoming a parody of itself. It’s got great cinematography and memorable quotes. It has possibly the best tank action scene I’ve seen (sorry, Fury). And I can still hear my parents guffawing at the “dad! what?” routine before escaping the burning room.

So the track I’m most fond of is Alarm! as it encapsulates the feeling and rhythm of the scene. You have a playful tone with precise action bits to follow the almost slapstick sequence that never forgets both Indy and his dad are in grave danger. The humour is both visual and verbal, and Spielberg’s knack for balancing both is spotless. Often copied, never equaled.

Alarm! has two motifs that come and go in Last Crusade’s soundtrack. You’ve got the “world war 2” baddie motif that is like a march (appropriately) and then immediately a wistful version of Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra, readying you for a classic Indy chase scene. It culminates with a few bars of Indy’s theme, cut short for that “we’re still in danger!” feeling.

Brilliant soundtrack.

-Sam J. Valdés López