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|gender=Male
 
|gender=Male
 
|birth=
 
|birth=
|death=[[1936]]<br />[[Tabernacle]], ''[[Geheimhaven]]'', [[Aegean Sea]]
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|death=[[1936]]<br />[[Tabernacle]], ''[[Geheimhaven]]'', [[Aegean Sea]]<ref name="RotLA">''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]''</ref>
 
|nationality={{Nat-Nazi}}
 
|nationality={{Nat-Nazi}}
 
|profession=*[[Gestapo]] agent
 
|profession=*[[Gestapo]] agent
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==Biography==
 
==Biography==
[[Major]] Arnold Ernst Toht<ref>''[[Indiana Jones Comic 3]]'' Villain Spotlight</ref> had at least one sibling, a sister named [[Ilsa Toht|Ilsa]].<ref name="TFAoIJ-TGG">{{FAIJ|The Gold Goddess}}</ref> As with the rest of his fellow [[Gestapo]] brethren, Toht was trained in the art of combat, interrogation, torture, and espionage, and was well-versed in mysticism and the belief in Aryan society. Over time, Toht became a skilled torturer and interrogator, relishing the opportunity to inflict pain and suffering even for its own sake, and a firm believer in the [[Nazi]] doctrine.<ref name="Toht Marshall">{{IJ|url=marshall/character/toht/|text={{PAGENAME}}}}</ref>
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[[Major]] Arnold Ernst Toht<ref name="IJC3 VS">''[[Indiana Jones Comic 3]]'' Villain Spotlight</ref> had at least one sibling, a sister named [[Ilsa Toht|Ilsa]].<ref name="TFAoIJ-TGG">{{FAIJ|The Gold Goddess}}</ref> As with the rest of his fellow [[Gestapo]] brethren, Toht was trained in the art of combat, interrogation, torture, and espionage, and was well-versed in mysticism and the belief in Aryan society. Over time, Toht became a skilled torturer and interrogator, relishing the opportunity to inflict pain and suffering even for its own sake, and a firm believer in the [[Nazi]] doctrine.<ref name="Toht Marshall">{{IJ|url=marshall/character/toht/|text={{PAGENAME}}}}</ref>
   
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===Search for the Ark===
In [[1936]], Toht was sent to [[Nepal]] by the [[Third Reich Special Antiquities Collection]]<ref>[[Raiders of the Lost Ark (novel)|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' novel]]</ref> to acquire the [[headpiece to the Staff of Ra]] from [[Marion Ravenwood]]. Toht and his surbordinate [[Otto (Second Nazi)|Otto]] hired three henchmen off the streets of [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]] known as the [[Ratty Nepalese]], the [[Mean Mongolian]] and the [[Giant Sherpa]] and followed [[Indiana Jones]] to ''[[The Raven]]'' bar in [[Patan]] where Toht tried to take the piece by preparing to torture Marion with a hot iron, but Indiana Jones appeared and intervened, disarming Toht with his bull[[whip]].<ref name="RotLA">''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]''</ref>
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In [[1936]], Toht was sent to [[Nepal]] by the [[Third Reich Special Antiquities Collection]]<ref name="RotLA Novel">[[Raiders of the Lost Ark (novel)|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' novel]]</ref> to acquire the [[headpiece to the Staff of Ra]] from [[Marion Ravenwood]]. Toht and his surbordinate [[Otto (Second Nazi)|Otto]] hired three henchmen off the streets of [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]] known as the [[Ratty Nepalese]], the [[Mean Mongolian]] and the [[Giant Sherpa]] and followed [[Indiana Jones]] to ''[[The Raven]]'' bar in [[Patan]] where Toht tried to take the piece by preparing to torture Marion with a hot iron, but Indiana Jones appeared and intervened, disarming Toht with his bull[[whip]].<ref name="RotLA" />
   
All the henchmen who went into the bar with Toht died during the ensuing fight with Jones and Ravenwood, during which Marion's bar was set ablaze. While Indy was grappling with a large thug, Toht dispassionately ordered both shot, but his henchman was quickly dropped by four bullets from his erstwhile victims and Toht scrambled for cover. Crouching next to a table, Toht noticed the headpiece lying on the ground during the skirmish but when he tried to pick it up, he badly burned his hand as the headpiece had been lying very close to the fire. Screaming non-stop in agony, he fled from ''The Raven'', jumping through the tavern's window and plunged his hand into the snow.<ref name="RotLA" />
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All the henchmen who went into the bar with Toht died during the ensuing fight with Jones and Ravenwood, during which Marion's bar was set ablaze. While Indy was grappling with a large thug, Toht dispassionately ordered both shot, but his henchman was quickly dropped by four bullets from his would-be victims and Toht scrambled for cover. Crouching next to a table, Toht noticed the headpiece lying on the ground during the skirmish and tried to grab it, but the bronze relic had been heated by the flames throughout the fight and began sizzling the moment he gripped it, searing its ancient design into his flesh. Screaming in agony, Toht fled from ''The Raven'', jumping through the tavern's window and plunged his hand into the snow in an attempt to soothe it.<ref name="RotLA" />
   
 
When Toht met up with [[Colonel]] [[Herman Dietrich]], [[Major]] [[Gobler]] and [[René Emile Belloq]] in [[Egypt]]. From his headpiece-scarred palm, the Nazis were able to create a crude, one-sided reproduction of the headpiece; but the missing information from the other side would prove critical to finding the Ark's resting place, the [[Well of the Souls]].<ref name="RotLA" />
[[File:Legendary hanger scene.jpg|thumb|left|Toht prepares to hang his coat.]]
 
   
 
[[File:Legendary hanger scene.jpg|thumb|left|Toht prepares to hang his coat.]]
When Toht met up with [[Colonel]] [[Herman Dietrich]], [[Major]] [[Gobler]] and [[René Emile Belloq]] in [[Cairo]], his "Heil Hitler" salute revealed his headpiece-scarred hand. From this scar the Nazis were able to create a crude, one-sided reproduction of the headpiece; but the missing information from the other side would prove critical to finding the Ark's resting place, the [[Well of the Souls]].<ref name="RotLA" />
 
   
 
Frustrated with Belloq's inability to extract useful information from the (now captive) Marion Ravenwood, Dietrich had Toht intercede. His own interrogation proved equally fruitless however. When the Nazis finally caught up with Jones at the Well of the Souls, Toht threw Ravenwood into the Well under Dietrich's orders, for they had no further use for her. Belloq's protest against the action caused Toht to giggle with glee.<ref name="RotLA" />
 
Frustrated with Belloq's inability to extract useful information from the (now captive) Marion Ravenwood, Dietrich had Toht intercede. His own interrogation proved equally fruitless however. When the Nazis finally caught up with Jones at the Well of the Souls, Toht threw Ravenwood into the Well under Dietrich's orders, for they had no further use for her. Belloq's protest against the action caused Toht to giggle with glee.<ref name="RotLA" />
   
 
He later accompanied Belloq and his fellow Nazis in the effort to deliver the Ark to a safer location, since his duty was to oversee the delivery of the artifact Hitler desired. However, Jones succeeded in [[The Desert Chase|taking the Ark]] back from them. Toht and the others located his whereabouts later on and reclaimed the Ark along with Marion.<ref name="RotLA" />
 
He later accompanied Belloq and his fellow Nazis in the effort to deliver the Ark to a safer location, since his duty was to oversee the delivery of the artifact Hitler desired. However, Jones succeeded in [[The Desert Chase|taking the Ark]] back from them. Toht and the others located his whereabouts later on and reclaimed the Ark along with Marion.<ref name="RotLA" />
 
[[File:Death by face melting.jpg|thumb|right|Toht's face melts.]]
 
   
 
Shortly thereafter, on a [[Geheimhaven|small island]] north of [[Crete]], Toht disembarked from the ''[[Wurrfler]]'' along with the rest of the Nazis including Belloq and Ravenwood. While walking to the [[Tabernacle]], where the ceremony was going to be performed, Jones resurfaced and threatened to blow up the Ark unless Ravenwood was released, but Belloq distracted him long enough to be captured.<ref name="RotLA" />
 
Shortly thereafter, on a [[Geheimhaven|small island]] north of [[Crete]], Toht disembarked from the ''[[Wurrfler]]'' along with the rest of the Nazis including Belloq and Ravenwood. While walking to the [[Tabernacle]], where the ceremony was going to be performed, Jones resurfaced and threatened to blow up the Ark unless Ravenwood was released, but Belloq distracted him long enough to be captured.<ref name="RotLA" />
   
That night, Toht stood with Belloq and Dietrich in the Tabernacle for the ceremonial opening of the Ark. Initially, the Ark seemed to bear only dust and sand, which was all that was left of the Ten Commandments; this amused Toht, who never quite believed in the supernatural imperative of his assignment. His laughter was replaced by astonishment, and then screams of terror, as the Ark unleashed its true power. The Gestapo agent's face was melted off of his skull by the intense fire and his remains were carried away by the following whirlwind.<ref name="RotLA" />
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That night, Toht stood with Belloq and Dietrich in the Tabernacle for the ceremonial opening of the Ark. Initially, the Ark seemed to bear only dust and sand, which was all that was left of the Ten Commandments; this amused Toht, who never quite believed in the supernatural imperative of his assignment, and the despair of Belloq on top of that had him burst into laughter. His enjoyment was cut short, however, as a power surge destroyed all equipment in the vicinity of the Ark before apparitions began to emanate from within the gilded gold chest.<ref name="RotLA" />
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[[File:Death by face melting.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Toht's face melts.]]
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The astonished Toht watched as one of the spirits approached them. Appearing as a youthful woman, the entity's visage gave way to a terrifying fanged countenance that snarled at the assembled Nazis. Toht's screams only increased as the Ark's full wrath was unleashed in the form of an intense fire that struck down the gathered soldiers; Toht's own face melted clean off his skull before his remains were carried away by the following whirlwind.<ref name="RotLA" />
   
 
=== Legacy ===
 
=== Legacy ===
After Toht's death, his sister [[Isla Toht|Isla]] tried to avenge him by killing Indiana Jones, the adventurer who had contributed to his death. Ilsa, a high-ranking official of the Third Reich in the same vein as her brother, became head of a plot by the Nazis involving the theft of the [[Chachapoyan Fertility Idol]] and its use in manipulating the [[South America]]n native peoples into joining the Third Reich were war to break out. A battle of wits followed as Indiana Jones attempted to prevent Ilsa from enacting her revenge and succeeding in her mission. As a direct result of Jones' intervention, Ilsa perished in a violent plane crash.<ref name="TFAoIJ-TGG" />
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After Toht's death, his sister [[Ilsa Toht|Ilsa]] tried to avenge him by killing Indiana Jones, the adventurer who had contributed to his death. Ilsa, a high-ranking official of the Third Reich in the same vein as her brother, became head of a plot by the Nazis involving the theft of the [[Chachapoyan Fertility Idol]] and its use in manipulating the [[South America]]n native peoples into joining the Third Reich were war to break out. A battle of wits followed as Indiana Jones attempted to prevent Ilsa from enacting her revenge and succeeding in her mission. As a direct result of Jones' intervention, Ilsa perished in a violent plane crash.<ref name="TFAoIJ-TGG" />
   
 
==Personality and traits==
 
==Personality and traits==
 
{{Quote|Heil Hitler.|Arnold Ernst Toht|Raiders of the Lost Ark}}A sadistic psychopath reputed for his resourcefulness and cunning,<ref name="Toht Marshall" /> Toht possessed an extensive knowledge of torture methods. Besides that he displayed a sardonic sense of humor as well, picking up something that uninformed observers could misinterpret as an instrument of torture, before revealing it as simply a hanger for his coat. Usually a quiet man, Toht favored black attire, wearing a [[fedora]], leather coat and a full suit and tie regardless of the climate he was in. He had receding jet black hair and a pair of round spectacles spread across his broad face.<ref name="RotLA" />
{{Quote|Heil Hitler.|Arnold Ernst Toht|Raiders of the Lost Ark}}
 
A sadistic psychopath reputed for his resourcefulness and cunning,<ref name="Toht Marshall" /> Toht possessed an extensive knowledge of torture methods. Besides that he displayed a sardonic sense of humor as well, picking up something that uninformed observers could misinterpret as an instrument of torture, before revealing it as simply a hanger for his coat. Usually a quiet man, Toht favored black attire, wearing a [[fedora]], leather coat and a full suit and tie regardless of the climate he was in. He had jet black hair and a pair of round spectacles spread across his broad face.<ref name="RotLA" />
 
   
 
Toht was loyal to [[Adolf Hitler]] despite his own skepticism of anything claimed to be supernatural,<ref name="Sourcebook">''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark Sourcebook]]''</ref> as his primary goal was to just please his Führer by carrying out his orders to the letter in order to ensure his place in the Gestapo hierarchy.<ref name="Toht Marshall" /> He enjoyed René Belloq's disenchantment when the opening of the Ark appeared to contain nothing but sand.<ref>''[[Indiana Jones: The Ultimate Guide]]''</ref> He was flabbergasted when the Ark began to unleash spirits which swarmed amongst the soldiers, and quickly became terrified when they showed their true colors.<ref name="RotLA" />
 
Toht was loyal to [[Adolf Hitler]] despite his own skepticism of anything claimed to be supernatural,<ref name="Sourcebook">''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark Sourcebook]]''</ref> as his primary goal was to just please his Führer by carrying out his orders to the letter in order to ensure his place in the Gestapo hierarchy.<ref name="Toht Marshall" /> He enjoyed René Belloq's disenchantment when the opening of the Ark appeared to contain nothing but sand.<ref>''[[Indiana Jones: The Ultimate Guide]]''</ref> He was flabbergasted when the Ark began to unleash spirits which swarmed amongst the soldiers, and quickly became terrified when they showed their true colors.<ref name="RotLA" />
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==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
Toht was portrayed by the late [[Ronald Lacey]] in ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'' who is never referred to by name beyond the credits and only has a total of sixteen lines in the film. The film's'' ''novel establishes Toht's first name as "Arnold," but in [[Marvel Comics]]' ''[[The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones]]'', the character's sister [[Ilsa Toht|Ilsa]] refers to him as "Ernst Toht." The [[Indiana Jones Comic 3|third issue]] of the UK ''[[Indiana Jones Comic]]'' reconciles both names, establishing Ernst as Toht's middle name. Although [[Dennis Muren]] plays a similarly bespectacled, nameless [[Trenchcoated European Spy|trenchcoated spy]] who boards the plane in [[San Francisco]] with Indy, this is not Toht. Author [[Campbell Black]] in his [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (novel)|novelization of the film]] has Toht boarding with Indy in [[Shanghai]] and not San Francisco.
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Toht was portrayed by the late [[Ronald Lacey]] in ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'' who is never referred to by name beyond the credits and only has a total of sixteen lines in the film.<ref name="RotLA" /> The film's'' ''novel establishes Toht's first name as "Arnold" but in [[Marvel Comics]]' ''[[The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones]]'', the character's sister [[Ilsa Toht|Ilsa]] refers to him as "Ernst Toht".<ref name="RotLA Novel" /><ref name="RotLA Comic">[[Raiders of the Lost Ark (comic)|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' comic]]</ref> The [[Indiana Jones Comic 3|third issue]] of the UK ''[[Indiana Jones Comic]]'' reconciles both names, establishing Ernst as Toht's middle name.<ref>''[[Indiana Jones Comic 3]]''</ref> Although [[Dennis Muren]] plays a similarly bespectacled, nameless [[Trenchcoated European Spy|trenchcoated spy]] who boards the plane in [[San Francisco]] with Indy, this is not Toht.<ref name="RotLA" /> Author [[Campbell Black]] in his [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (novel)|novelization of the film]] has Toht boarding with Indy in [[Shanghai]] and not San Francisco.<ref name="RotLA Novel" />
   
Before Lacey was cast in the role of Toht, famous actors like director [[Wikipedia:Roman Polanski|Roman Polanski]] and the late [[Wikipedia:Klaus Kinski|Klaus Kinski]] were offered the part. However, they both declined the offer with the latter dismissing the script as being "moronically shitty".<ref>[https://books.google.com.pe/books?id=D1qE7ikaBQcC&pg=PA67&dq=roman++++polanski+interviews&hl=en&ei=27O3TpCPPIXa0QHmopjRBw&sa=X&ct=result&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=spielberg&f=false ''Roman Polanski: Interviews'']</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia: All I Need Is Love|''Kinski Uncut'']]</ref> The late [[Michael Sheard]], who played the later named [[Oskar Schomburg]] in the finished film and later went on to portray [[Adolf Hitler]] in ''[[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]'', was in contention for the role, but lost out to Lacey.<ref>[http://www.theraider.net/features/interviews/michael_sheard.php Michael Sheard interview] at [[TheRaider.net]]</ref>
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Before Lacey was cast in the role of Toht, famous actors like director [[Wikipedia:Roman Polanski|Roman Polanski]] and the late [[Wikipedia:Klaus Kinski|Klaus Kinski]] were offered the part. However, they both declined the offer with the latter dismissing the script as being "moronically shitty".<ref>[https://books.google.com.pe/books?id=D1qE7ikaBQcC&pg=PA67&dq=roman++++polanski+interviews&hl=en&ei=27O3TpCPPIXa0QHmopjRBw&sa=X&ct=result&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=spielberg&f=false ''Roman Polanski: Interviews'']</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia: All I Need Is Love|''Kinski Uncut'']]</ref> The late [[Michael Sheard]], who played the [[U-boat]] captain, later named [[Oskar Schomburg]], in the finished film and later went on to portray [[Adolf Hitler]] in ''[[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]'', was in contention for the role, but lost out to Lacey.<ref>[http://www.theraider.net/features/interviews/michael_sheard.php Michael Sheard interview] at [[TheRaider.net]]</ref>
   
[[File:Toht_comic_death.jpg|thumb|left|Toht's death as depicted in the [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (comic)|comic]].]]
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[[File:RoboToht.jpg|200px|thumb|Toht concept art by [[Ron Cobb]].]]
   
The character, originally identified as "Belzig" in [[Lawrence Kasdan]]'s ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'' screenplay, remains unnamed in the film dialogue and was renamed "Toht" in the closing credits of the film. The original script for ''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' depicted Toht as a cyborg with a metal arm that could change into a machine gun and a flamethrower. The next script gave him a light in his right eye. Eventually this was decided as too far-fetched by the directors but the idea of a mechanical limb resurfaced in the unmade ''[[Indiana Jones and the Monkey King]]'' script before becoming part of canon with [[Helmut von Mephisto]] in ''[[Indiana Jones and the Mystery of Mount Sinai]]''.
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The character, originally identified as "Belzig" in [[Lawrence Kasdan]]'s screenplay, remains unnamed in the film dialogue and was listed as "Toht" in the closing credits of the film, [[Raiders of the Lost Ark script development|reflecting script revisions]]. The production played around with the idea of Toht being a cyborg with a metal arm that could change into a machine gun and a flamethrower. Concept art was drawn up by [[Ron Cobb]], some which also gave him a light in his right eye. However, [[George Lucas]] pushed against the development, telling director [[Steven Spielberg]] that he was mixing genres so it was dropped.<ref name="TCMoIJ">''[[The Complete Making of Indiana Jones]]''</ref> The idea of a character with a mechanical limb resurfaced in the unmade ''[[Indiana Jones and the Monkey King]]'' script before becoming part of canon with [[Helmut von Mephisto]] in ''[[Indiana Jones and the Mystery of Mount Sinai]]''.<ref>''[[Indiana Jones and the Monkey King]]''</ref> The concept later greatly influenced the appearance of ''[[Star Wars]]'' antagonist [[starwars:Gable Karius|Gable Karius]] in [[starwars:Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series|''Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series'']].<ref>PhilSzostak (@PhilSzostak) on [[Twitter]] "Admiral Karius in #VaderImmortal. Concepts I did for the character. Inspired by an early concept for the character Toht by the legendary Ron Cobb for #RaidersoftheLostArk." - @ILMVFX senior art director @AmcbToraidhe #StarWars
   
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https://www.instagram.com/p/ByMQt1tjJ0n/
[[File:RoboToht.jpg|200px|thumb|Toht's original concept art by [[Ron Cobb]].]]
 
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</ref>
   
Also, in earlier drafts of the ''Raiders'' script, Toht was originally going to die along [[Gobler]] after flying off a cliff into his [[Mercedes-Benz G5|troop car]] during [[The Desert Chase]].<ref>''[[The Complete Making of Indiana Jones]]''</ref> Although cut from the film, this fate for Toht was retained in Black's [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (novel)|novelization]] (being aboard a jeep with [[Gobler]])<ref>[[Raiders of the Lost Ark (novel)|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' novel]]</ref>. That depiction was also included in the [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (comic)|comic]]<ref>[[Raiders of the Lost Ark (comic)|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' comic]]</ref> and [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (Storybook)|storybook]] adaptations.<ref>[[Raiders of the Lost Ark (Storybook)|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' storybook]]</ref> [[Ryder Windham]]'s 2008 [[Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (junior novelization)|junior novelization]] has a more screen accurate portrayal of Toht's death.
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Drafts of the ''Raiders'' script indicate that Toht was originally intended to die alongside [[Gobler]] after flying off a cliff in their [[Mercedes-Benz G5|troop car]] during [[The Desert Chase]].<ref>[[Raiders of the Lost Ark script development|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' script development]]</ref> Toht's survival was a late development and the character was spared until the opening of the [[Ark of the Covenant]]. This might explain why Ronald Lacey isn't actually present at the conclusion of the chase outside [[Omar's Garage]] as, although the character is there, Toht is represented by his hat and jacket propped up in the front seat of the staff car.<ref name="RotLA" /> Cut from the film, the alternative fate for Toht was retained in Black's [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (novel)|novelization]].<ref name="RotLA Novel" /> That depiction was also included in the [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (comic)|comic]]<ref name="RotLA Comic" /> and [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (Storybook)|storybook]] adaptations.<ref>[[Raiders of the Lost Ark (Storybook)|''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' storybook]]</ref> [[Ryder Windham]]'s [[Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (junior novelization)|junior novelization]] has a more screen accurate portrayal of Toht's death.<ref>[[Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (junior novelization)|''Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark'' junior novelization]]</ref>
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[[File:Toht_comic_death.jpg|thumb|left|Toht's death as depicted in the [[Raiders of the Lost Ark (comic)|comic]].]]
   
[[Ronald Lacey]] shaved the top of his head in order to play Toht in ''Raiders''. When he removes his hat to wipe the sweat off his head, stubble showing his hairline can be seen. His character was the inspiration for Herr Otto Flick in the [[United Kingdom|British]] sitcom ''[[Wikipedia:'Allo 'Allo!|'Allo 'Allo!]]''.
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The gag in which Toht seems to pull out a torture device only for it to be revealed as a coat hanger was originally intended by director [[Steven Spielberg]] to be performed by [[Christopher Lee]] in ''[[Wikipedia:1941 (film)|1941]]'', the last film he had directed before taking on ''Raiders''. The moment didn't work out so Spielberg cut it from the film but later reused it with Toht.<ref name="TCMoIJ" /> Lacey shaved the top of his head in order to play Toht. When he removes his hat to wipe the sweat off his head, stubble showing his hairline can be seen.
   
During the early development of [[Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull|the fourth ''Indiana Jones'' film]], [[Frank Darabont]]'s first draft of his ''[[Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods]]'' script featured the Nazis seeking revenge against [[Indiana Jones]] due his role in the deaths of Toht and other Nazis that he fought before and during [[World War II]]. However, Spielberg disliked the idea and it was dropped.<ref>''[[The Complete Making of Indiana Jones]]''</ref> Although Toht doesn't appear in ''Crystal Skull'', he briefly appears in a trailer for the film as footage from the opening of the Ark scene from ''Raiders'' was included.
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During the early development of [[Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull|the fourth ''Indiana Jones'' film]], [[Frank Darabont]]'s first draft of his ''[[Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods]]'' script featured Nazis seeking revenge against [[Indiana Jones]] due his role in the deaths of Toht and other Nazis that he had fought before and during [[World War II]]. Spielberg disliked the idea, however, and it was dropped.<ref name="TCMoIJ" /> Although Toht doesn't appear in ''Crystal Skull'', he briefly appears in a trailer for the film as footage from the opening of the Ark scene from ''Raiders'' was included.
   
In the video game ''[[Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures]]'', Toht attacks ''[[The Raven]]'' alone and without his black [[fedora]]. He battles Indy from upper platforms jumping from one to another but when Indy defeats him, he escapes without burning his hand with the [[headpiece to the Staff of Ra]], which remains with [[Marion Ravenwood]] during the whole stage. However, Toht is never seen with the Nazis afterwards and thus absent during the opening of the Ark, leaving his fate unclear.
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In the video game ''[[Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures]]'', Toht attacks ''[[The Raven]]'' alone and without his black [[fedora]]. He battles Indy from upper platforms jumping from one to another but when Indy defeats him, he escapes without burning his hand with the [[headpiece to the Staff of Ra]], which remains with [[Marion Ravenwood]] during the whole stage. However, Toht is never seen with the Nazis afterwards and thus absent during the opening of the Ark, leaving his fate unclear.<ref>''[[Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures]]''</ref>
   
In ''[[LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures]]'', Toht burns his behind instead of his hand on the headpiece. His death during the opening of the Ark differs from the film, however, in that his head appears to shrink while his foot seems to melt, a fate shared with [[Herman Dietrich]]. The portable versions of the game don't specify the fates of Dietrich, Belloq and Toht, who disappear from one scene to another. [[LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues|In the sequel]], Toht appears in every ''Raiders'' level, but his demise differs greatly. A disco ball emerges from the Ark which makes Toht and the other Nazis dance until Belloq, transformed into a lightning monster, makes Toht explode with a ray beam.
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In ''[[LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures]]'', Toht burns his behind instead of his hand on the headpiece. His death during the opening of the Ark differs from the film, however, in that his head appears to shrink while his foot seems to melt, a fate shared with [[Herman Dietrich]]. The portable versions of the game don't explicitly show the fates of Dietrich, Belloq and Toht.<ref>''[[LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures]]''</ref> [[LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues|In the sequel]], Toht appears in every ''Raiders'' level, but his demise differs greatly. A disco ball emerges from the Ark which makes Toht and the other Nazis dance until Belloq, transformed into a lightning monster, makes Toht explode with a ray beam.<ref>''[[LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues]]''</ref>
   
[[Kenner]] released an action figure of Toht as part of its ''[[The Adventures of Indiana Jones (toy line)|The Adventures of Indiana Jones]]'' toyline in the 1980s, and Toht's figure had the distinction to be the most common figure of the series along with the [[Arab Swordsman]]. He also had the most cardback variations. In its second release, the character's name was misspelled on the cardback as "Thot", but this was corrected for the third release.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060518060607/http://raidersofthelosttoys.50webs.com:80/toht.html TOHT] at [http://raidersofthelosttoys.50webs.com Raiders of the Lost Toys] {{C|Web archive}}</ref> There were plans by Kenner for a playset of ''[[The Raven]]'' which would have included a new Toht action figure, but the set went unproduced when the whole ''The Adventures of Indiana Jones'' toyline was abruptly cancelled.<ref>[http://www.theweekinnerd.com/2017/02/see-concept-art-for-canceled-indiana.html SEE CONCEPT ART FOR CANCELED INDIANA JONES TOYS FROM 1980'S KENNER] at [http://www.theweekinnerd.com The Week In Nerd]</ref> [[Hasbro]] also released an exclusive action figure of Toht from their unreleased fifth wave of [[Indiana Jones Action Figures]] at the [[2011]] San Diego Comic Con.
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[[Kenner]] released an action figure of Toht as part of its ''[[The Adventures of Indiana Jones (toy line)|The Adventures of Indiana Jones]]'' toyline in the 1980s, and Toht's figure had the distinction of being the most common figure of the series along with the [[Arab Swordsman]]. He also had the most cardback variations. In its second release, the character's name was misspelled on the cardback as "Thot", but this was corrected for the third release.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060518060607/http://raidersofthelosttoys.50webs.com:80/toht.html TOHT] at [http://raidersofthelosttoys.50webs.com Raiders of the Lost Toys] {{C|Web archive}}</ref> There were plans by Kenner for a playset of ''[[The Raven]]'' which would have included a new Toht action figure, but the set went unproduced when the whole ''The Adventures of Indiana Jones'' toyline was abruptly cancelled.<ref>[http://www.theweekinnerd.com/2017/02/see-concept-art-for-canceled-indiana.html SEE CONCEPT ART FOR CANCELED INDIANA JONES TOYS FROM 1980'S KENNER] at [http://www.theweekinnerd.com The Week In Nerd]</ref> [[Hasbro]] also released an exclusive action figure of Toht from their unreleased fifth wave of [[Indiana Jones Action Figures]] at the [[2011]] San Diego Comic Con.
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==

Revision as of 19:50, 24 June 2020

"Fräulein Ravenwood, let me show you what I am used to..."
―Toht preparing to torture Marion Ravenwood with a flaming poker[src]

Sturmbannführer Arnold Ernst Toht was a sadistic and ruthless Nazi Gestapo agent and military officer who was René Belloq's bane during the Nazi effort to locate the Ark of the Covenant in 1936.

Loyal to Adolf Hitler, Toht did everything he could to contribute to the search for the Ark. Although deep down he did not believe in the supernatural, it was the power of the Ark that would be his undoing.

Biography

Major Arnold Ernst Toht[3] had at least one sibling, a sister named Ilsa.[4] As with the rest of his fellow Gestapo brethren, Toht was trained in the art of combat, interrogation, torture, and espionage, and was well-versed in mysticism and the belief in Aryan society. Over time, Toht became a skilled torturer and interrogator, relishing the opportunity to inflict pain and suffering even for its own sake, and a firm believer in the Nazi doctrine.[5]

Search for the Ark

In 1936, Toht was sent to Nepal by the Third Reich Special Antiquities Collection[6] to acquire the headpiece to the Staff of Ra from Marion Ravenwood. Toht and his surbordinate Otto hired three henchmen off the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal known as the Ratty Nepalese, the Mean Mongolian and the Giant Sherpa and followed Indiana Jones to The Raven bar in Patan where Toht tried to take the piece by preparing to torture Marion with a hot iron, but Indiana Jones appeared and intervened, disarming Toht with his bullwhip.[1]

All the henchmen who went into the bar with Toht died during the ensuing fight with Jones and Ravenwood, during which Marion's bar was set ablaze. While Indy was grappling with a large thug, Toht dispassionately ordered both shot, but his henchman was quickly dropped by four bullets from his would-be victims and Toht scrambled for cover. Crouching next to a table, Toht noticed the headpiece lying on the ground during the skirmish and tried to grab it, but the bronze relic had been heated by the flames throughout the fight and began sizzling the moment he gripped it, searing its ancient design into his flesh. Screaming in agony, Toht fled from The Raven, jumping through the tavern's window and plunged his hand into the snow in an attempt to soothe it.[1]

When Toht met up with Colonel Herman Dietrich, Major Gobler and René Emile Belloq in Egypt. From his headpiece-scarred palm, the Nazis were able to create a crude, one-sided reproduction of the headpiece; but the missing information from the other side would prove critical to finding the Ark's resting place, the Well of the Souls.[1]

Legendary hanger scene

Toht prepares to hang his coat.

Frustrated with Belloq's inability to extract useful information from the (now captive) Marion Ravenwood, Dietrich had Toht intercede. His own interrogation proved equally fruitless however. When the Nazis finally caught up with Jones at the Well of the Souls, Toht threw Ravenwood into the Well under Dietrich's orders, for they had no further use for her. Belloq's protest against the action caused Toht to giggle with glee.[1]

He later accompanied Belloq and his fellow Nazis in the effort to deliver the Ark to a safer location, since his duty was to oversee the delivery of the artifact Hitler desired. However, Jones succeeded in taking the Ark back from them. Toht and the others located his whereabouts later on and reclaimed the Ark along with Marion.[1]

Shortly thereafter, on a small island north of Crete, Toht disembarked from the Wurrfler along with the rest of the Nazis including Belloq and Ravenwood. While walking to the Tabernacle, where the ceremony was going to be performed, Jones resurfaced and threatened to blow up the Ark unless Ravenwood was released, but Belloq distracted him long enough to be captured.[1]

That night, Toht stood with Belloq and Dietrich in the Tabernacle for the ceremonial opening of the Ark. Initially, the Ark seemed to bear only dust and sand, which was all that was left of the Ten Commandments; this amused Toht, who never quite believed in the supernatural imperative of his assignment, and the despair of Belloq on top of that had him burst into laughter. His enjoyment was cut short, however, as a power surge destroyed all equipment in the vicinity of the Ark before apparitions began to emanate from within the gilded gold chest.[1]

Death by face melting

Toht's face melts.

The astonished Toht watched as one of the spirits approached them. Appearing as a youthful woman, the entity's visage gave way to a terrifying fanged countenance that snarled at the assembled Nazis. Toht's screams only increased as the Ark's full wrath was unleashed in the form of an intense fire that struck down the gathered soldiers; Toht's own face melted clean off his skull before his remains were carried away by the following whirlwind.[1]

Legacy

After Toht's death, his sister Ilsa tried to avenge him by killing Indiana Jones, the adventurer who had contributed to his death. Ilsa, a high-ranking official of the Third Reich in the same vein as her brother, became head of a plot by the Nazis involving the theft of the Chachapoyan Fertility Idol and its use in manipulating the South American native peoples into joining the Third Reich were war to break out. A battle of wits followed as Indiana Jones attempted to prevent Ilsa from enacting her revenge and succeeding in her mission. As a direct result of Jones' intervention, Ilsa perished in a violent plane crash.[4]

Personality and traits

"Heil Hitler."
―Arnold Ernst Toht[src]A sadistic psychopath reputed for his resourcefulness and cunning,[5] Toht possessed an extensive knowledge of torture methods. Besides that he displayed a sardonic sense of humor as well, picking up something that uninformed observers could misinterpret as an instrument of torture, before revealing it as simply a hanger for his coat. Usually a quiet man, Toht favored black attire, wearing a fedora, leather coat and a full suit and tie regardless of the climate he was in. He had receding jet black hair and a pair of round spectacles spread across his broad face.[1]

Toht was loyal to Adolf Hitler despite his own skepticism of anything claimed to be supernatural,[7] as his primary goal was to just please his Führer by carrying out his orders to the letter in order to ensure his place in the Gestapo hierarchy.[5] He enjoyed René Belloq's disenchantment when the opening of the Ark appeared to contain nothing but sand.[8] He was flabbergasted when the Ark began to unleash spirits which swarmed amongst the soldiers, and quickly became terrified when they showed their true colors.[1]

With a faith in Aryan society like many within the Schutzstaffel and the higher levels of Germany's military government,[5] Toht believed that "pure" Germans were a race of superbeings and that their supposed racial and political purity gave the Nazis the right to destroy any threat to their supremacy.[7] He was sure that one day, the Nazis were going to conquer the world.[5]

Behind the scenes

Toht was portrayed by the late Ronald Lacey in Raiders of the Lost Ark who is never referred to by name beyond the credits and only has a total of sixteen lines in the film.[1] The film's novel establishes Toht's first name as "Arnold" but in Marvel Comics' The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones, the character's sister Ilsa refers to him as "Ernst Toht".[6][9] The third issue of the UK Indiana Jones Comic reconciles both names, establishing Ernst as Toht's middle name.[10] Although Dennis Muren plays a similarly bespectacled, nameless trenchcoated spy who boards the plane in San Francisco with Indy, this is not Toht.[1] Author Campbell Black in his novelization of the film has Toht boarding with Indy in Shanghai and not San Francisco.[6]

Before Lacey was cast in the role of Toht, famous actors like director Roman Polanski and the late Klaus Kinski were offered the part. However, they both declined the offer with the latter dismissing the script as being "moronically shitty".[11][12] The late Michael Sheard, who played the U-boat captain, later named Oskar Schomburg, in the finished film and later went on to portray Adolf Hitler in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was in contention for the role, but lost out to Lacey.[13]

RoboToht

Toht concept art by Ron Cobb.

The character, originally identified as "Belzig" in Lawrence Kasdan's screenplay, remains unnamed in the film dialogue and was listed as "Toht" in the closing credits of the film, reflecting script revisions. The production played around with the idea of Toht being a cyborg with a metal arm that could change into a machine gun and a flamethrower. Concept art was drawn up by Ron Cobb, some which also gave him a light in his right eye. However, George Lucas pushed against the development, telling director Steven Spielberg that he was mixing genres so it was dropped.[14] The idea of a character with a mechanical limb resurfaced in the unmade Indiana Jones and the Monkey King script before becoming part of canon with Helmut von Mephisto in Indiana Jones and the Mystery of Mount Sinai.[15] The concept later greatly influenced the appearance of Star Wars antagonist Gable Karius in Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series.[16]

Drafts of the Raiders script indicate that Toht was originally intended to die alongside Gobler after flying off a cliff in their troop car during The Desert Chase.[17] Toht's survival was a late development and the character was spared until the opening of the Ark of the Covenant. This might explain why Ronald Lacey isn't actually present at the conclusion of the chase outside Omar's Garage as, although the character is there, Toht is represented by his hat and jacket propped up in the front seat of the staff car.[1] Cut from the film, the alternative fate for Toht was retained in Black's novelization.[6] That depiction was also included in the comic[9] and storybook adaptations.[18] Ryder Windham's junior novelization has a more screen accurate portrayal of Toht's death.[19]

Toht comic death

Toht's death as depicted in the comic.

The gag in which Toht seems to pull out a torture device only for it to be revealed as a coat hanger was originally intended by director Steven Spielberg to be performed by Christopher Lee in 1941, the last film he had directed before taking on Raiders. The moment didn't work out so Spielberg cut it from the film but later reused it with Toht.[14] Lacey shaved the top of his head in order to play Toht. When he removes his hat to wipe the sweat off his head, stubble showing his hairline can be seen.

During the early development of the fourth Indiana Jones film, Frank Darabont's first draft of his Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods script featured Nazis seeking revenge against Indiana Jones due his role in the deaths of Toht and other Nazis that he had fought before and during World War II. Spielberg disliked the idea, however, and it was dropped.[14] Although Toht doesn't appear in Crystal Skull, he briefly appears in a trailer for the film as footage from the opening of the Ark scene from Raiders was included.

In the video game Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures, Toht attacks The Raven alone and without his black fedora. He battles Indy from upper platforms jumping from one to another but when Indy defeats him, he escapes without burning his hand with the headpiece to the Staff of Ra, which remains with Marion Ravenwood during the whole stage. However, Toht is never seen with the Nazis afterwards and thus absent during the opening of the Ark, leaving his fate unclear.[20]

In LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, Toht burns his behind instead of his hand on the headpiece. His death during the opening of the Ark differs from the film, however, in that his head appears to shrink while his foot seems to melt, a fate shared with Herman Dietrich. The portable versions of the game don't explicitly show the fates of Dietrich, Belloq and Toht.[21] In the sequel, Toht appears in every Raiders level, but his demise differs greatly. A disco ball emerges from the Ark which makes Toht and the other Nazis dance until Belloq, transformed into a lightning monster, makes Toht explode with a ray beam.[22]

Kenner released an action figure of Toht as part of its The Adventures of Indiana Jones toyline in the 1980s, and Toht's figure had the distinction of being the most common figure of the series along with the Arab Swordsman. He also had the most cardback variations. In its second release, the character's name was misspelled on the cardback as "Thot", but this was corrected for the third release.[23] There were plans by Kenner for a playset of The Raven which would have included a new Toht action figure, but the set went unproduced when the whole The Adventures of Indiana Jones toyline was abruptly cancelled.[24] Hasbro also released an exclusive action figure of Toht from their unreleased fifth wave of Indiana Jones Action Figures at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con.

Appearances

Sources

Notes and references