Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: Episode Summary – "Acoustic Kitty"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Acoustic Kitty," Aaron Mahnke delves into two remarkable and eerie stories that underscore the lengths to which human ingenuity and curiosity can go. Produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild, this installment of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities takes listeners on a journey through the bizarre world of Cold War espionage and the perilous early days of Hollywood filmmaking.

1. Operation Acoustic Kitty: The CIA's Feline Spy

Timestamp: [01:06]

Aaron Mahnke opens the episode by exploring the long history of human-animal domestication, highlighting how our relationships with pets like dogs and cats have evolved over millennia. However, he swiftly shifts focus to a darker chapter in this history—Operation Acoustic Kitty, a clandestine CIA project from the Cold War era.

The Genesis of Acoustic Kitty

The operation aimed to transform cats into covert surveillance agents. Mahnke explains, "In order to make the cat ready for the operation, several surgeries were performed. The cat was cut open and batteries and a receiver were sewn into its stomach lining" ([01:12]). These modifications included a microphone in the cat's ear and a speaker, effectively turning the feline into a mobile listening device.

Training and Trials

Once surgically altered, the CIA agents embarked on training the cat using a series of tones linked to specific commands, such as "left" or "right." Mahnke notes, "One tone told it to go left, another told it to go right, and so on" ([02:30]). Despite the sophisticated training regimen, the endeavor faced significant challenges. The innate instincts of the cat often overruled the conditioned commands, leading to unpredictable behavior.

Field Test and Outcome

The culmination of Operation Acoustic Kitty saw the cat deployed near the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. According to Mahnke, "They unloaded the cat onto the street and began to issue commands" ([04:00]). The mission, however, did not unfold as planned. While some accounts suggest the cat performed adequately but remained uncontrollable, the more widely accepted story recounts the cat being hit by a taxi, effectively ending the experiment and costing millions of dollars ([04:50]).

Conclusion of the Operation

Mahnke summarizes the project’s failure: "The CIA came to the conclusion that cats would never be an ideal ally in the spy trade" ([05:10]). Operation Acoustic Kitty remains a testament to the extremes of espionage activities during the Cold War and serves as a curious example of how scientific curiosity can sometimes lead to ethically questionable endeavors.

2. Noah's Ark: The Perilous Production of a 1928 Blockbuster

Timestamp: [06:37]

Transitioning from espionage to the tumultuous world of early cinema, Mahnke recounts the harrowing production of the 1928 film adaptation of Noah's Ark. Produced by Warner Bros. and directed by Michael Curtiz, the film aimed to rival Cecil B. DeMille's successful The Ten Commandments.

Ambitious Production Plans

To depict the Biblical Great Flood, the production orchestrated what was intended to be a groundbreaking special effect. Mahnke describes, "As many as 7,000 extras were brought on for this scene, along with livestock. The plan was to actually flood the set with all of these people there" ([07:15]). This real-water approach was meant to create authentic chaos and visual spectacle.

Safety Concerns and Chaos on Set

Despite warnings from cinematographer Hal Moore, who confronted Producer Daryl Zanuck about the potential dangers, the decision was made to proceed. Mahnke highlights Moore's apprehension: "He confronted the director and producer, Daryl Zanuck. Allegedly, he asked what would be done about the extra people, and Curtiz replied, 'they'll have to take their chances'" ([08:45]).

On the day the flood sequence was to be filmed, the set was inundated with between one to four million gallons of water, depending on varying accounts. The overwhelming force of the water led to significant destruction: "The set broke and shattered, not just at the key points designed to give way" ([09:30]). Tragically, the chaos resulted in severe injuries, including an incident where actor George O'Brien had two toenails ripped off by water pressure.

Lives Lost and Lasting Impact

Mahnke reveals the grim aftermath: "35 ambulances rushed to the rescue. It is frequently claimed that in the chaos, three people lost their lives, and Hal Moore has even said that at least one man lost a leg" ([10:20]). Among the survivors was Marion Morrison, who would later gain fame as the Western icon John Wayne. Mahnke poignantly remarks, "If he hadn't survived that shoot today, the history of film would have turned out quite differently" ([10:50]).

Lessons Learned

The disastrous filming of Noah's Ark serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in production. Mahnke concludes, "Whether you're a movie producer, a business owner, or anyone people trust with their safety, be careful of who you think is expendable because you never know which extra is a future star" ([11:05]).

Conclusion

In "Acoustic Kitty," Aaron Mahnke masterfully intertwines stories of human ambition and the unforeseen consequences of pushing ethical boundaries. From the CIA's ill-fated attempt to weaponize a cat to the near-tragic events on the set of Noah's Ark, the episode underscores a recurring theme: the peril inherent in unchecked curiosity and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Through rich storytelling and meticulous research, Mahnke invites listeners to ponder the costs of such endeavors and the thin line between genius and recklessness.

Notable Quotes

• "In order to make the cat ready for the operation, several surgeries were performed. The cat was cut open and batteries and a receiver were sewn into its stomach lining." — Aaron Mahnke ([01:12])

• "One tone told it to go left, another told it to go right, and so on." — Aaron Mahnke ([02:30])

• "They unloaded the cat onto the street and began to issue commands." — Aaron Mahnke ([04:00])

• "They'll have to take their chances." — Michael Curtiz, as recounted by Aaron Mahnke ([08:45])

• "If he hadn't survived that shoot today, the history of film would have turned out quite differently." — Aaron Mahnke ([10:50])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key narratives and insights from the "Acoustic Kitty" episode, providing an engaging overview for those who haven't yet listened to the episode.