I want to see some of these old movies that Lucas/Spielberg drew from to make the Indiana Jones series of movies. What can you all recommend for me? I really want to see more movies like the Indy films, but I'm sure most will fall short. All qualified recommendations go in my Blockbuster queue today.

If you want a specific inspiration, check out John Ford's "Stagecoach". The truck scene in Raiders owes a lot to that movie.

Otherwise, check out "Secret of the Incas" starring Charlton Heston. You've got Heston playing the Indiana Jones type (complete with leather jacket, felt fedora, and revolver), a Belloq-type bad guy, and a scene that I would swear Spielberg lifted directly for both the booby trap scene in the beginning of Raiders and the Map Room scene.

Also, if you're interested, check out "Gunga Din" from 1939. The damn thing is like a prequel to "Temple of Doom".

Here's a comparison shot I was thinking of between Heston's Harry Steel character and Indiana Jones.

I recall Spielberg and Lucas saying in interviews that they used a lot of stuff from the old Republic serials that used to play in front of feature films on Saturday matinees. Are those on DVD somewhere? (I know, I know -- a title would help. But I never heard them mention any by name.)

Lucas and Spielberg have both said they were heavily influenced by one serial in particular, "Nyoka and the Tigermen", but I don't know if it's available on DVD. I've never seen it, either.

Yup, it's not on DVD, but I found a VHS of it on Amazon (since there's no DVD, I can't make it a AmazWAN link).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000003NZG/?tag=imwan-20

I didn't know it starred Clayton Moore, TV's Lone Ranger!

There was a Republic serial in 1943 called "The Secret Service in Darkest Africa." It's been cited in many articles as a probable influence for "Raiders." It bears some strong similarities to the Egyptian segment; lots of action sequences with an American agent battling Nazis.

Lucas is a proven liar about his inspirations and intentions.

Added Gunga Din, but BB doesn't damn have Secret of the Incas. Weren't there some other ones? Alan Quatermain or something like that? If not, those books should be made into films.

Oh, and thanks everyone!

Try "King Solomon's Mines." (The Brit version from the 1930s.)

Added, thanks Kevin. I'll probably regret it but I also added those 80s ones with Richard Chamberlain.