INDIANA JONES... AND HIS AGE-DEFYING LOOK

In the Temple of Doom in 1984

Saturday May 17,2008

By Elisa Roche Showbusiness Editor

MOST men of Harrison Ford’s age would rather be looking for their pension books than the Lost Ark, let alone the ominous-sounding Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

But, then, not many chaps of 65 can lay claim to a rippling physique and beautiful younger girlfriend like the Indiana Jones star.

The devilishly handsome movie veteran proved he can still turn heads when hundreds of screaming fans welcomed him in Cannes yesterday.

Perhaps wisely, his long-term partner, 43-year-old actress Calista Flockhart, chose to stay at their hotel.

Dressed in black trousers and a tight T-shirt, Ford looked more than ready for action.

His age-defying look was topped off with a solitary earring, his trademark for the past 10 years.

Starring in his latest film with Shia LaBeouf

“I don’t know why people keep asking me about the earring,” he laughed. “It’s been there for ages now, even longer than David Beckham’s.”

It is almost 30 years since Ford first took on the role of adventure-seeking archaeologist Indiana Jones in 1981.

His latest film, Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, marks his return to the part after a 19-year absence.

The film, directed once again by Steven Spielberg, will have its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival tomorrow, when co-stars Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone and Shia LaBeouf are all expected to join Ford on the red carpet.

Set in 1957, this fourth film pits an older and wiser Indiana Jones against agents of the Soviet Union, led by Spalko (Cate Blanchett).

Both sides are searching for an ancient crystal skull used in Mayan worship and said to hold the key to life.

The intrepid adventurer is assisted this time by his former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), a younger helper (Shia LaBeouf) and fellow archaeologist Mac (Ray Winstone).