German Magazine Ad for VENOM

You're probably aware of the story behind Kinski's involvement with the film VENOM. Though Steven Spielberg wanted him for a role in the blockbuster-to-be RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, Klaus passed on that slice of cinematic immortality because he was being offered more cash to star as the kidnapper/terrorist Jacmel in the tale of a black mamba on the loose in a London flat.

Personally, I'm a fan of the flick and really enjoy the tension-so-thick-you-can-cut-it-with-a-knife "chemistry" between Klaus and co-star Oliver Reed, who brings a sweaty desperation to the role of Dave, the desperate and sweaty chauffeur/kidnapper. Though I'd love to have seen what original director Tobe Hooper did with the material, one listen to the commentary track on the Blue Underground DVD makes me appreciate the job Piers Haggard did in not only wrangling his two larger-than-life stars but also producing an entertaining flick with a healthy dose of our man Klaus.

Here's a funky, Klaus-centric German magazine ad for the flick, here known as DIE SCHWARZE MAMBA...