Object
Donovan's Pistol
Walter Donovan's compact 1930s military-issue pistol, used to fatally wound Henry Jones Sr. in the Grail Temple. The weapon is a metallic sidearm that Donovan draws from his jacket to coerce Indiana Jones into retrieving the Holy Grail as the only means to save Henry's life. The pistol plays a critical role in the temple's climactic confrontation, where Donovan's desperate act forces Indy into the deadly trials while Sallah and Elsa Schneider stand by in shock. The gunshot leaves Henry bleeding severely, his shirt stained with blood as he collapses amid the temple's ancient stone carvings and traps.
6 appearances
Purpose
Handgun to shoot Henry Jones Sr. and coerce Indiana Jones into retrieving the Holy Grail
Significance
Donovan's pistol turns scholarly pursuit into visceral survival stakes, exposes his betrayal alongside Elsa Schneider's, and propels Indy through humility-testing trials; its single shot fractures alliances and reveals immortality's ruthless cost
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used