A plot element involving
the Ark of the Covenant
was cut from the film
and is only hinted at
during the finale when
the Ark is opened. Basically,
there were 2 rules about
the Ark not mentioned
in the final cut of the
film:
- If you touch the Ark,
you die.
- If you look at the
Ark when it is opened,
you die.
This is
first explained in additional
dialogue for the scene
when Indy and Sallah visit
Imam. Before translating
the writings on the headpiece
that give the height of
the Staff of Ra, Imam
warns Indy not to touch
the Ark or look at it
when it is opened.
The next scene involving
this Ark subplot is when
Sallah and Indy remove
the Ark from the Well
of the Souls. When Sallah
first sees it he reaches
out to touch it. Indy
stops him before he does
and reminds him of Imam's
warning. Then they insert
long poles through each
side of the Ark to lift
it out of its crypt.
Notice that nobody ever
touches the Ark throughout
the rest of the film until
the finale. |