Ever wondered who handed young Indiana Jones that iconic fedora hat that became his signature look? It's a question that dives deep into the heart of Steven Spielberg's 1989 blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and trust me, the answer is more tangled than a whip in a treasure vault. But here's where it gets controversial – this seemingly simple detail has sparked debates among fans about what to call the mysterious figure at the start of it all. Let's unpack this adventure together, step by step, so even if you're new to the Indy saga, you'll follow along easily.
Picture this: The film kicks off in 1912, with a teenage Indiana Jones – brilliantly portrayed by River Phoenix – embarking on a horseback journey through the rugged wilderness of Moab, Utah, alongside his fellow Boy Scouts. As they explore some fascinating caves, Indy and a buddy stumble upon a group of shady freelance treasure hunters who've just unearthed a gleaming golden artifact. Indy, with his sharp eye for history, instantly recognizes it as the Cross of Coronado, a priceless necklace that rightfully belongs in a museum, not in the hands of looters. In a bold move, he attempts to swipe it, but gets caught in the act. What follows is an exhilarating, high-stakes chase that weaves through caves, onto horses, into jeeps, and even onto a circus train – pure adrenaline-fueled cinema.
The pursuit wraps up when Indy slips away and makes it back home safely. He's eager to show off the Cross to his father, played by the legendary Sean Connery, but Dad's too engrossed in his research to pay attention. Then, the sheriff arrives, and Indy tries to explain how he 'rescued' the artifact from those treasure hunters. But here's the twist most people miss: The sheriff breaks it to him that, according to the law, the Cross legally belongs to the hunters. That's when their leader steps forward – a dashing adventurer sporting a stylish fedora, brought to life by actor Richard Young. With a confident grin, he tells Indy he's lost this round, but Indy doesn't have to like it. And in a moment that defines the character's legacy, he places his fedora on Indy's head, essentially gifting him the hat that would become synonymous with adventure.
In the movie's credits and original script, this enigmatic figure is simply called 'Fedora,' a name inspired directly by the hat he wears. For context, fedoras were ahead of their time in 1912; while this character rocks one as a fashion statement, they didn't explode in popularity across America until the 1920s. It's a fun bit of historical trivia that adds layers to the scene – imagine wearing something so cutting-edge it feels futuristic!
But the story doesn't end there. In the broader Indiana Jones expanded universe – think books, comics, and other tie-ins beyond the films – this character eventually picked up the name 'Garth.' This was an accidental addition that popped up in some novelizations and even in subtitles of official Blu-ray releases. And this is the part most people miss: 'Garth' wasn't intentional; it stemmed from a transcription error in an unofficial script that Ryder Windham used for his 2008 novelization update of The Last Crusade. Windham drew from a transcribed version of the movie, not the original screenplay by Jeffrey Boam, and somehow, the name 'Garth' snuck in.
Of course, even a casual viewer might notice the parallels between this 'Fedora' guy and the adult Indy played by Harrison Ford – they share a rugged leather jacket, a similar facial scar (Indy's on the chin, this one's on the cheek), and now, the exact same hat. It's like seeing Indiana Jones in his early, unpolished form. Oh, and let's not forget the ironic twist: Fedoras originated in the 1890s from an Italian play called Fédora, famously worn by actress Sarah Bernhardt, who was known for challenging gender norms as a cross-dresser. The hat became a symbol of women's rights, yet here it is on the head of Indy, the epitome of masculine heroism. Is this a subtle nod to empowerment, or just a quirky historical coincidence? That's up for debate!
Delving deeper, the character was initially meant to tie into another figure called 'Panama Hat' – a wealthy industrialist who supposedly hired Fedora to steal the Cross. Early 1989 novelizations skipped this detail since they were based on earlier script drafts. But 'Garth' became somewhat 'official' by osmosis, appearing in subtitles and books, even though Lucasfilm has explicitly denied it. On their official website, under 'All About Indiana Jones,' they clarify that he's just 'Fedora,' a placeholder name referencing his iconic gift. The site notes that 'Garth' shows up in 'a handful of other sources,' but it's not canon – despite licensed products using it. It's almost like Lucasfilm is gatekeeping the lore, as they've been known to do in the prequel narratives.
Curiously, there's yet another unofficial moniker floating around. In a rare German novel titled Indiana Jones und das Verschwundene Volk (Indiana Jones and the Lost People) by Wolfgang Hohlbein, Indy reminisces about that youthful escapade and refers to his rival as 'Jake.' But this is a one-off, making it as fringe as 'Garth.' So, what's the verdict? Officially, he's Fedora – no ifs, ands, or buts. Yet, fan discussions often lean toward 'Garth' for its accidental charm.
If you're a fan of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, I highly recommend diving into our oral history piece on the film's unforgettable climax, where Indy faces those legendary three challenges – it's packed with behind-the-scenes gems!
Now, I'd love to hear your take: Do you think 'Garth' should be embraced as part of the official lore, or is sticking with 'Fedora' the way to go? And for those who've seen the film, what's your favorite part of that opening chase scene? Share your thoughts in the comments – does this hat handoff change how you view Indy's origins, or is it just a fun footnote? Let's discuss!
