Indiana Jones' Poisoned Champagne Glass (Containing White Powder Poison)

Clear crystal champagne flute used during tense negotiations between Indiana Jones and Lao Che in Shanghai's opulent nightclub ballroom. Chen secretly slips white powder poison into the glass while Indy is distracted. The poison dissolves unseen into the champagne, which Indy consumes during a toast. The poison activates rapidly, causing heavy sweats and tremors in Indy as Lao Che exposes the betrayal and demands Nurhachi's urn for the antidote. The glass serves as both a drinking vessel and a critical plot device revealing Chen's treachery. Key visual details include chandelier light glinting off the crystal, and Short Round observing from hiding as chaos erupts around the betrayal. Willie Scott later spills the remaining liquid to limit further exposure, though the damage is already done. The glass is central to the betrayal that ignites violence after Wu Han's death and forces Indy into desperate survival amid gunfire and grief.

4 appearances

Purpose

Drinking vessel for champagne during banquet negotiations

Significance

Delivers poison to Indiana Jones, sparking his realization of betrayal, reversing the negotiation's power balance, igniting ballroom violence, and fueling his vengeance after Wu Han's death.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S1E2 · INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM

The Ballroom Gambit: Poison, Betrayal, and Willie’s Unwitting Sabotage

Indy’s Champagne Glass with Poison Residue is the instrument of betrayal—Chen slips poison into it, and Indy drinks it unknowingly during the toast. The residue at the bottom is the first sign of the trap, forcing Indy into a desperate race for the antidote. The glass’s elegant design contrasts with its deadly purpose, symbolizing the duality of the nightclub—glamour masking violence.

Before: Full of poisoned champagne, placed in front of Indy.

After: Empty, residue visible at the bottom, abandoned as Indy chases the antidote.

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S1E2 · INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM

The Poisoned Gambit: A Dance of Betrayal and Desperation

Indy’s champagne glass, initially a prop in the negotiation, becomes the vehicle for Lao Che’s betrayal as Chen slips poison into it. Indy drinks the champagne, unaware of the poison, and only realizes the betrayal when he sees the residue at the bottom of the glass. The glass symbolizes the fragility of trust and the ease with which betrayal can be executed. Its role shifts from a tool of negotiation to a catalyst for Indy’s desperate fight for survival, as he must now secure the antidote to counteract the poison’s effects.

Before: Full of champagne, placed on the table as part of the negotiation’s formalities, appearing innocent and harmless.

After: Empty, with poison residue visible at the bottom, discarded as Indy realizes he has been poisoned and must act quickly to survive.

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S1E2 · INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM

Wu Han’s Sacrifice and Indy’s Blood Oath: The Ballroom’s Crucible of Vengeance

The champagne glass with poison residue is the vehicle of Lao Che’s betrayal. Indy drinks from it, unknowingly ingesting the poison, which Lao reveals with sadistic glee. The glass’s residue—visible at the bottom—confirms the poisoning, and Indy’s subsequent symptoms (sweating, trembling) drive the urgency of the scene. The glass becomes a symbol of deception and the fragility of trust in the negotiation.

Before: Filled with poisoned champagne, placed in front of Indy as part of the toast.

After: Empty, with residue visible at the bottom, now a discarded prop in the chaos.

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S1E2 · INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM

The Ballroom Gambit: Poison, Betrayal, and the Diamond’s Curse

Indy’s champagne glass, laced with poison by Kao Kan, becomes the instrument of Lao Che’s betrayal. Indy drinks the champagne, unaware of the poison, and only realizes the deception when he sees the residue at the bottom of the glass. The glass symbolizes the fragility of trust and the deadly consequences of underestimating one’s enemies. Its poisoned contents set the stage for the chaos that follows.

Before: Full of champagne, placed on the table during the negotiation, appearing innocent.

After: Empty, with residue at the bottom, discarded as Indy grapples with the effects of the poison.

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