Of course, the "Raider's March" proves to be the most noteworthy of all the themes in the Indiana Jones chapters, consequently making it also the most familiar. However, a peculiar realization came to me as I began to study this score. I don't know how to title it because I am not sure that Mr. Williams meant it to be, yet it seems to me that this theme can also be thought of as a "movement theme", perhaps a "vehicle theme." It's true, the theme highlights some of the heroics on the part of Dr. Jones, but every instance of this accompanies movement by Indiana on some sort of vehicle. Also interesting to note is that this theme is actually recycled from the Star Wars Main Title of a few years before, as one may notice that the first seven notes of the "Raiders March" are exactly the same as notes 6-12 of the Star Wars Main Title. The same seven notes will be used again in E.T..
The theme is introduced as the hero flees the natives at the beginning. It is cued at the moment Indy grabs hold of a vine to swing out into the river where Jacque awaits. This is the first illustration of how the theme is not meant to denote heroics, but movement, as all previous adventures retrieving the statue have been void of the fanfare. It is of note, too, that it not only emphasizes the movement of the vine here, but also continues throughout Indy's flight with Jacque and as they fly off to safety. Also while we are on the subject of flights, this theme will also play during the other two flights in the movie, both to Nepal and to Cairo.
Meanwhile, the next cue after its introduction comes as Marcus's car pulls up to Indiana's home. This is the scene in which Marcus announces to Indy that he has been chosen to go after the Ark. However, we do not hear the theme in this scene except while Marcus's car is moving.
With the exception of the afforementioned trip to Cairo, the theme remains dormant for quite a while until, amidst the snakes in the Well of Souls, Indy rides the large snake statue to freedom. It is amazing how this theory fits every time, but the theme is both cued and released as the movement of the snake dictates. Once the hole is made and Marion begins to wander through the skeletons, the theme is ended.
Once again, a matter of extreme coincidence perhaps, but in Indy's fight with the bald Nazi at the airstrip, this seems to be a moment in which Indy's heroic theme could be peppered throughout. However, the only time in the entire fight in which the theme is introduced is when Indy is on top of the plane trying to free Marian from the cockpit while the plane is moving. At this point, you have to think that Williams surely meant to use the theme in this way.
The next time the theme is used is probably the one instance in which you could make an argument against this theory. The time in question is just after Indy and Marion have reintroduced themselves to Sallah. The three are watching the departure of the truck carrying the Ark to Cairo from the excavation site. At this time, they are resting on an immobile hillside. However...the theme is cued at the exact moment Indy says the words "get a transport to England." And I think that is close enough for me!
In the following scene, the theme trades spotlight time with the Nazi theme as Indy chases after the Ark. The key points in which the "Raider's March" is highlighted in this scene are as he rides the horse up alongside the truck and both times in which he actually gains control of the truck from the driver. It is, however, noted several times in the scene, all of which correlate with moving cars, trucks, horses, and motorcycles.
Next, we hear the theme as Indy climbs out of the waters on board the Nazi submarine. This is one of the more exciting cues of the theme as it blares on in fanfare style, captive comrades cheering on his efforts from across the way. It remains until he gets inside and contemplates his plan (while sitting). I rationalize this by realizing that as he conspires, he sees Marion being carried off of the boat, which reverts to my idea that it could be a "vehicle" theme and not so much a "movement" theme. It's another tricky cue to rationalize to the theory.
Throughout the rest of the heroics exhibitted, the theme remains dormant. It is reintroduced very briefly as Indy is seen marching (movement) through the desert valley behind the Nazi soldiers, however it does not accompany his heroics moments later as he attempts to free Marion with a rocket launcher. If it cannott accompany that terrific scene as a heroic theme, I think it then becomes obvious that it's not meant to be a heroic theme at all. The next and last cue is just after the Ark is set away in the government warehouse. The cue begins the fade to black and heads into the final credits.