Although Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is hailed as the least favorite of the Indiana Jones stories, this chapter offers much in the character development of Dr. Jones and the validity of the story as a whole. What few people realize is that this story is prologue to Raiders of the Lost Ark and this chapter deals with a different man than the archaeologist we see in the other two stories. Here, Indiana is without the large company of friends that help him raid the Ark and has not yet joined forces with the senior to embark on the last Crusade. This chapter is a "starting out" tale of a professor in archaeology who has rare and dangerous adventures and has yet to strike it rich by finding his "fortune and glory". Like Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, this chapter is the center sequel that offers the darker side to the hero's quests.
For this installment in the Dr. Jones saga, it would appear that Williams has retreated from his use of deeper symbolism and gone the route of cueing themes more often, giving them the chance to relate to each other on their own. Central to this theory is the theme of the young sidekick, Shortround. Shortround's theme, based on when it is cued in relation to others, seems to be the "glue" that holds the other themes together. This will be discussed on its own page, but it is an interesting approach if, indeed, the composer meant it to be this way. Of course, the "Raider's March" returns as Indy's theme and is heard throughout his shining moments. New to the story is lounge singer Willie Scott, whose clumbsy mishaps on screen are paralleled in her comedic theme in the orchestra. Taking the place of the Ark theme in this episode is the theme for the slave children, who surprise Indy by bringing him the glory he seeks even though his ideas were quite different. Void of a true villain theme, the song of the sacrificial offerings plays three times in this film. Although I would normally call this piece a separate work rather than a "theme", its repetition allows it a place on this page.