Unraveling the Mystery: Who Bestowed Indiana Jones with His Iconic Fedora?
Unveiling the Enigmatic Figure Behind Indy's Signature Style
In the captivating opening sequence of Steven Spielberg's 1989 masterpiece, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," we witness a young Indiana Jones, portrayed by the talented River Phoenix, embarking on a thrilling horseback adventure with his Boy Scout companions in the wild landscapes of Moab, Utah. Little did we know that this scene would introduce us to a character who would forever be intertwined with Indy's legacy.
While exploring the caves of Moab, young Indy and his friend stumble upon a group of freelance treasure hunters, who have just unearthed a golden treasure—the Cross of Coronado, a historically significant necklace destined for a museum. Indy's attempt to reclaim this artifact leads to a thrilling chase, involving horses, jeeps, and even a circus train. But it's not just the chase that captures our attention; it's the enigmatic figure who plays a pivotal role in this scene.
As the chase comes to an end, Indy, having outwitted his pursuers, returns home and presents the Cross to his father, played by the legendary Sean Connery. However, his father's preoccupation with research leaves Indy seeking validation elsewhere. Enter the sheriff, who informs Indy that, according to the law, the Cross legally belongs to the treasure hunters. And here's where it gets intriguing: the leader of these treasure hunters steps forward, a handsome adventurer donning a fedora, portrayed by actor Richard Young.
This character, referred to only as "Fedora" in the film's credits and script, is a fascinating enigma. His hat, a forward-thinking fashion choice for a treasure hunter in the early 20th century, would become a popular accessory in America a decade later. Initially nameless, this character's identity has evolved over time, taking on the name Garth in expanded universe lore and other sources.
But here's the twist: Fedora's real name is Garth... or is it? Even a casual fan of the Indiana Jones franchise can't help but notice the striking similarities between Fedora/Garth and the adult Indiana Jones, portrayed by Harrison Ford. From their similar facial scars (Indy's on his chin, Garth's on his cheek) to their durable leather jackets, and, of course, their shared love for the iconic fedora, it's clear that Fedora was intended to be a precursor to the legendary Indiana Jones.
The character's name, Fedora, is a nod to the hat he wears, which was first invented in the 1890s and named after an Italian feminist play called "Fédora." The wide-brimmed hat, reminiscent of the Panama-style homburg, was popularized by the play's lead actress, Sarah Berhardt, a renowned cross-dresser, and soon became a symbol of women's rights. So, Indiana Jones, the embodiment of masculine strength, dons a garment with feminist origins on his head—a fascinating contrast.
For many years, the character was exclusively referred to as Fedora, and it was initially intended to be the same character as "Panama Hat" (Paul Maxwell), a rich industrialist who hired Fedora to steal the Cross of Coronado. Early novelizations from 1989 didn't include Panama Hat, as they were based on earlier drafts of the screenplay written by Jeffrey Boam.
The introduction of the name Garth seems to have been an accidental development. In 2008, author Ryder Windham wrote an updated novelization of "Last Crusade," and referred to the Fedora character as Garth. This suggests that Windham was not referencing the shooting script of "Last Crusade" but a previously published version called "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Original Movie Script." Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that this "Original Movie Script" is not Boam's actual screenplay but a transcription of the final cut of "Last Crusade." For some reason, the person who transcribed this fake screenplay decided to name the character Garth.
And this is where it gets controversial: despite Lucasfilm's explicit denial of the name Garth on their website, the character's name has inadvertently become official through novelizations and even subtitled versions of the movie. The Lucasfilm website states that the character was always named Fedora, after his hat, and refers to him as an "archetypal placeholder" rather than a precise name.
Curiously, the character has another unofficial name, Jake, which appears in a German Indiana Jones novel, "Indiana Jones und das Verschwundene Volk," written by Wolfgang Hohlbein. In this novel, Indy recalls his youth and the hunt for the Cross of Coronado, and his foe introduces himself as Jake. However, this is the only time the character has been called Jake, making it just as unofficial as the name Garth.
So, who is the man behind the fedora? Is it Fedora, Garth, or perhaps Jake? The debate continues, leaving us with a fascinating mystery and a reminder of the intricate details that make the Indiana Jones franchise so beloved.
If you're a fan of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," delve deeper into the film's memorable climax with our oral history. The adventure continues!
