'RAIDERS' AT 40: THE ARK UNLEASHED!

With the Ark of the Covenant now opened up by Nazi interlopers, an air of electric expectancy turns to disappointment- that everyone's efforts have all been wasted as the powers that may once have lain within it now seem no more than decayed ashes. Then, the power of God is truly revealed- an ominous noise at first, leading to the unleashing of misty apparitions that soon become all-consuming demons who swiftly destroying the Nazi platoon and bring absolute terror and bloody carnage to the trio of Belloq, Dietrich, and Toht, now getting their just deserts, during the exciting, scary and truly bloody finale to Raiders of the Lost Ark that no one will ever forget!

The original Belloq exploding head moment that proved too nasty for the screen!

Their eyes expectantly shut, Indy and Marion survive the fiery 'wrath of God' carnage!

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/06/12/raiders-lost-ark-stars-discuss-infamous-face-melting-scene/7628757002/

Concept art of one of the Ark ghosts.

Spielberg confers with Ford and Allen at Elstree.

'RAIDERS' AT 40: DAMN NAZIS!

Like that other near immortal hero James Bond, Indiana Jones must have a worthy adversary to fight against in his epic globe-trotting adventures and Raiders of the Lost Ark brings us the Nazi threat through four greats. First off there is Indy's true rival in archaeology and fortune and glory seeking, Rene Belloq (played with a slimy kind of class by Paul Freeman), followed by his key Nazi aides desperate tor recover the 'Lost Ark' for their eager Fuhrer: stalwart German actor Wolf Kahler (who'd appeared previously as a Nazi against Harrison Ford in 1978's Force Ten From Navarone), Gobler (Anthony Higgins), and the truly creepy Toht (a standout performance from the late Ronald Lacey, who was apparently about to quit acting completely before being given this marvellous comedy villain role to enjoy).

"Heil, Hitler!" Toht, as played by Ronald Lacey.

Freeman and Lacey with John Rhys-Davies and Pat Roach at the UK press launch in 1981.