Daredevils Of Hollywood 38-05-06 ep04 Slim Talbot

Summary

Podcast Summary: Daredevils Of Hollywood 38-05-06 ep04 Slim Talbot

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Daredevils Of Hollywood 38-05-06 ep04 Slim Talbot
• Release Date: August 1, 2025
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of entertainment before the advent of television. Listeners are transported back to a time when families gathered around the radio to enjoy iconic shows such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.

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1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode, titled "Daredevils Of Hollywood," delves into the thrilling and often perilous world of Hollywood stuntmen. Hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, this installment features Slim Talbot, one of Hollywood's top stunt performers, sharing his firsthand experiences and the inherent dangers of his profession.

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2. Reenactment of a High-Stakes Stunt

Setting the Scene:

The episode begins with a dramatized reenactment, transporting listeners to September 16, 1937, at United Artist Studios in Hollywood. The narrative immerses the audience in a bustling lunchroom where actors, extras, and crew members prepare for the day's filming.

Key Dialogue and Actions:

• Mr. Aldridge (Director): Guides the gang of bank robbers in executing a complex robbery scene involving an armored car. He instructs Jerry, one of the gang members, on the crucial maneuver: "You're supposed to be driving it. We'll have a few dummies to double the other guys... crash through the railing and sail off into the ocean" ([00:47]-[01:03]).

• Slim Talbot: Confidently responds, "Sure. It's a cinch" ([01:03]-[01:04]), highlighting his expertise and calm demeanor under pressure.

• The team proceeds to set up the stunt at a high cliff in Chatsworth, a location chosen for its dramatic backdrop and significant height of 152 feet. Slim identifies the safety measures: "the only way the stunt can be done is to run the boom out over the edge of the cliff and have a piano wire attached to me and one on the horse" ([05:08]-[05:24]).

The Near-Miss Incident:

During the execution of the stunt, unforeseen complications arise:

• Narrator: Describes the tense moments as Slim and the horse prepare for the jump, capturing the audience's anticipation ([06:25]-[07:07]).

• Mr. Aldridge: Alerts the team when the piano wire breaks: "Look out, Slim. Look out, Slim. The wire's broke. Jump. Jump. Careful" ([06:44]-[07:07]).

• Slim Talbot: Survives the ordeal by a narrow margin, stating, "Yeah, it had to be quick. I was lucky to make the bank" ([07:15]-[07:17]).

Analysis of the Incident:

This reenactment underscores the unpredictable nature of stunt work and the thin line between success and catastrophe. The broken piano wire serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved, even with meticulous planning.

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3. Interview with Slim Talbot

Introduction:

Following the dramatized stunt, the podcast transitions to an in-depth interview with Slim Talbot, conducted by Glenn Hardy. This segment provides valuable insights into Slim's career, experiences, and the challenges faced by stuntmen in Hollywood.

Key Highlights from the Interview:

• Recollection of the Stunt:

  • Glenn Hardy: "Well, Slim, that certainly was a close shave. But tell me, what happened to the horse?" ([07:40]-[07:45]).
  • Slim Talbot: "Well, believe it or not, he didn't even get a scratch. He slid down the steep slope on his back and a little ledge down about 20ft stopped him" ([07:45]-[07:53]).

  Slim emphasizes the horse's remarkable escape, highlighting the luck involved in avoiding tragedy.

• Discussion on Equipment Failure:

  • Glenn Hardy: "Well, Slim, about that piano wire. Why do you suppose it broke?" ([08:00]-[08:04]).
  • Slim Talbot: "No one ever found out. The piano wire is funny that way" ([08:04]-[08:07]).

  This exchange reveals the unpredictability of equipment reliability during stunts.

• Additional Stunt Experience:

  • Slim narrates another harrowing experience where he nearly drowned while doubling for Slim Somerville. Wearing a suit of heavy armor, he had to jump into a lake, which weighed him down: "You don't mind if we interrupt here? You can tell us all about that in a moment" ([08:56]-[09:07]).

  • Slim Talbot: "Yeah, and almost drowned in one gag. I had to jump into a lake wearing a suit of armor. The thing weighed about 100 pounds. Was universal picture back in 1933. Location was out at Sherwood Lake, and we were all" ([08:42]-[08:56]).

• Response to Near-Drowning:

  • Slim Talbot: "Well, you see, the suit of armor pulled me right down to the mud bottom and held me there" ([11:04]-[11:08]).
  • Glenn Hardy: "Well, couldn't you do anything for yourself?" ([11:08]-[11:10]).
  • Slim Talbot: "Nope. I just couldn't do a thing. Even both the lifeguards had a tough job" ([11:10]-[11:14]).

  This segment illustrates the critical moments where quick thinking and assistance are vital for survival.

• Career Insights:

  • Glenn Hardy: "Well, honestly, how do you like doing stunts for the movies?" ([11:14]-[11:17]).
  • Slim Talbot: "Well, sometimes the stunts are not so hot, but the doe's always there" ([11:17]-[11:21]).

  Slim candidly shares his motivations, revealing that financial incentives are a primary driver: "That's the only reason I'm in it" ([11:21]-[11:23]).

• Background and Experience:

  • Glenn Hardy: "Tell me, what did you do before you got into that business?" ([11:23]-[11:28]).
  • Slim Talbot: "I was a rodeo performer. You know, bronc riding and things like that" ([11:28]-[11:31]).

  Slim’s transition from rodeo to stunt work underscores the physical prowess and fearless attitude required in his profession.

• Industry Relationships:

  • Glenn Hardy: "Do you work mostly for one [studio]?" ([11:31]-[11:39]).
  • Slim Talbot: "Well, I get a lot of calls from outside studios, but most of my work is with Paramount" ([11:39]-[11:43]).

  This highlights the networked nature of stunt work, with performers often collaborating with multiple studios.

Notable Quotes:

• Slim Talbot on Danger and Luck:

  • "Yeah, that had to be quick. I was lucky to make the bank" ([07:15]-[07:17]).
  • "No one ever found out. The piano wire is funny that way" ([08:04]-[08:07]).

• On the Nature of Stunt Work:

  • "Well, sometimes the stunts are not so hot, but the doe's always there" ([11:17]-[11:21]).
  • "That's the only reason I'm in it" ([11:21]-[11:23]).

---

4. Conclusion and Reflections

The episode culminates with Slim Talbot expressing gratitude for sharing his experiences: "You have certainly entertained us. And on behalf of our listeners, I want to thank you sincerely for coming here" ([11:48]-[11:52]).

Key Takeaways:

• The Perilous Nature of Stunt Work: Through both the dramatized scenes and Slim's recounting, listeners gain a profound appreciation for the risks stuntmen undertake to create cinematic magic.

• Human Element: The episode humanizes stunt performers, showcasing their bravery, ingenuity, and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.

• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: The detailed descriptions provide a rare glimpse into the logistical and technical aspects of orchestrating complex stunts, emphasizing teamwork and meticulous planning.

Final Thoughts:

"Daredevils Of Hollywood" offers an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the stunt profession, blending storytelling with firsthand accounts to honor these unsung heroes of the film industry. Slim Talbot's experiences serve as a testament to the dedication and resilience required to excel in such a demanding field.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Introducing.

[Mr. Aldridge]

The daredevils of Hollywood. Okay, Mac, get that camera set up while I go over the gag with Jerry here. Now Look, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah, Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Aldridge]

You're one of a gang of bank robbers. The gang's just captured an armored car. You're supposed to be driving it. We'll have a few dummies to double the other guys.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I see.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Now all you gotta do is swing off the sweep there onto the pier. Come tearing down to the end, crash through the railing and sail off into the ocean. Get it?

[Slim Talbot]

Sure. It's a cinch.

[Max]

We're all ready, Mr. Aldreth.

[Slim Talbot]

Swell.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Well, here we go. Jerry, I'll give you the signal.

[Jerry]

How fast do you want me to go off the pier, Mr. Aldreth?

[Mr. Aldridge]

Open it up wide. Give it all you got.

[Jerry]

Okay, I'm ready whenever you are.

[Mr. Aldridge]

All right, everybody, here we go.

[Max]

Quiet, please. Quiet, everybody. Quiet. Okay, Max, give him the signal. Okay, coming up. He is not wasting any time. Oh, boy, look at him make that turn.

[Mr. Aldridge]

He's on the pier.

[Max]

Here's our shot. Now get this.

[Narrator]

From Hollywood, the motion picture capital of the world. We bring you the thrilling true life experiences of those men behind the scenes. Those daring, unsung heroes. Whose breathtaking adventures on the screen have thrilled millions. Whose daily jobs bring them face to face with death. Those men who comprise the strangest fraternity on earth. The Suicide squad, the movie stuntmen.

[Mr. Aldridge]

The daredevils of Hollywood.

[Glenn Hardy]

Ladies and gentlemen, in bringing you this copyrighted radio feature. We are privileged to have as our guest. One of the top notch stuntmen of Hollywood, Slim Talbot. It is through his cooperation that we are able to reenact some of the highlights of his dangerous profession. The thrilling scenes you are about to hear are his own actual experiences. Slim Talbot is here in the studio right now. And later in the program we will bring him to the microphone.

[Narrator]

But now it is exactly 12 o' clock noon, September 16, 1937. The scene is a crowded lunchroom on the grounds of United Artist Studios in Hollywood. The congested room presents a weird picture Actors and extras, oddly dressed, some as Indians, some as convicts and others in evening clothes, sit at their tables casually discussing the topics at hand.

[Glenn Hardy]

At a table off in a corner.

[Narrator]

A director and his assistant are discussing.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Well, he should be here any minute now. I told him we'd wait lunch.

[Jerry]

By the way, Mr. Hollingsworth, what's the name of this new picture? The one of the stunt business owner?

[Mr. Aldridge]

Well, Bob, it's one of Sam Goldwyn's best efforts. It's called the Adventures of Marco Polo.

[Jerry]

Oh, that's the one. There's been a lot of talk about it already.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Personally, I think it'll be a knockout.

[Jerry]

Oh, here comes Slim now. Hiya, Slim.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Hello, Talbot. Have a seat, Hollingsworth.

[Slim Talbot]

How are you, Bob? Both boys looking fine. Well, I understand that you've got some stunt stuff coming up, Mr. Hollingsworth. What's it all about? Anything tough?

[Mr. Aldridge]

If I had to do it, Slim, I think it was plenty tough. But you fellas don't seem to take anything seriously, eh?

[Slim Talbot]

Well, you'd be surprised if you knew how serious we are sometimes.

[Jerry]

Oh, listen to the man. Why, Slim, you stuntmen do half your gags with your eyes closed.

[Slim Talbot]

No, it's not quite that bad.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Here's what we got lined up for tomorrow, Slim. You know that high cliff out at Chatsworth? Well, that's the location. You're supposed to back a horse off there.

[Slim Talbot]

You mean that 150 foot cliff?

[Jerry]

Yeah, that's the one. Slim, you've been out there a lot of times.

[Slim Talbot]

Well, that sounds interesting to say the least. How do I keep from getting killed?

[Mr. Aldridge]

That's your job, Slim. I'm only the director. Don't look at me, Slim.

[Slim Talbot]

Oh, my palace. Well, I guess we can figure out some way to do it. When do we start shooting?

[Mr. Aldridge]

Location Trucks are going out tonight. They'll be ready first thing in the morning.

[Slim Talbot]

Well, I'll be out early and look over the setup, but I know we're going to need a boom and some piano wire. I can see that much already.

[Mr. Aldridge]

See that that stuff gets sent out, Bob.

[Jerry]

Sure, I'll take care of it, Mr. Hollingsworth.

[Narrator]

We now find the motion picture company on the location set. Scores of men have finished setting up the equipment. It is early morning. The bright September sun has just started on its trip across the sky, bringing a welcome warmth to the chilly mountain air.

[Slim Talbot]

The country is rough.

[Narrator]

High, jagged peaks, sheer cliffs, rocks. A landscape exposed to centuries of abuse by wind and water. On a small plateau overlooking a breathtaking canyon whose walls are lined with solid Rock, we find Slim Talbot. Mr. Hollingsworth, the director, and his assistant. Mr. Talbot is speaking.

[Slim Talbot]

What are you looking at, Bob? Seem absorbed in deep thought.

[Jerry]

You know, I was just thinking it's a long way down there.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Exactly 152ft. It's been measured several times from where the cameras are set up. All this depth shows in the picture. It'll be a beautiful shot.

[Slim Talbot]

Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Hollingsworth, the only way the stunt can be done is to run the boom out over the edge of the cliff and have a piano wire attached to me and one on the horse.

[Mr. Aldridge]

I see. Then when the horse backs off the cliff, the wire will keep you both from falling to the bottom, eh?

[Slim Talbot]

Yeah, that's it. Now, you can cut the scene there and we can make the long shot of the fall using the wire as safety.

[Mr. Aldridge]

That's a very practical suggestion, Slim. Bob, get the grips on that right away, will you?

[Jerry]

Sure, Mr. Hollingsworth.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Well, Slim, when we get that done, we'll be ready to go. I'm anxious to get this scene in the bag.

[Jerry]

We're all set, Mr. Hollingsworth. Boom's rigged up with a wire.

[Slim Talbot]

Good.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Well, get up on your horse, Slim. We'll tie you off to the boom. We'll have this shot before you know it.

[Slim Talbot]

Okay, tie us off.

[Mr. Aldridge]

All right, everybody, we're ready to go. How about cameras?

[Max]

All set, Mr. Hollingworth?

[Mr. Aldridge]

Sound okay? All right, Slim, how about it?

[Slim Talbot]

I guess we're ready, too.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Okay, now listen to all you men on the horses. You keep backing Slim up towards the edge of the cliff until he goes over. And talk it up among yourselves.

[Max]

When I yell cut, give him plenty of room to jump back. Is that clear? All right, here we go. Quiet, everybody. Quiet, please. Quiet, please. Okay, roll them. Go ahead, men. Now, not too fast.

[Jerry]

Jeff's horse backs up good, doesn't he?

[Mr. Aldridge]

Maybe he wouldn't if he knew what he was backing into.

[Max]

You fellas on the boom, keep up slack on those wires. There they go, off the edge. Watch em. Okay, cut all that swell. Bring that boom back in. Hey, watch that wire. Look out, Slim. Look out, Slim. The wire's broke. Jump. Jump. Careful.

[Jerry]

Boy, what a close shave.

[Mr. Aldridge]

He barely made it. You okay, Slim? See, that was a quick jump you made there, boy.

[Slim Talbot]

Yeah, it had to be quick. I was lucky to make the bank.

[Mr. Aldridge]

I'll say you were.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, it is our pleasure to present in person the courageous young man who made that scene and who so narrowly escaped death, Slim Talbot, interviewed by Glenn Hardy.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, Slim, that certainly was a close shave. But tell me, what happened to the horse?

[Slim Talbot]

Well, believe it or not, he didn't even get a scratch. He slid down the steep slope on his back and a little ledge down about 20ft stopped him.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, that horse was pretty lucky himself then.

[Slim Talbot]

He sure was. If he'd turned over in his feet and dropped, he'd have been killed.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, Slim, about that piano wire. Why do you suppose it broke?

[Slim Talbot]

No one ever found out. The piano wire is funny that way.

[Glenn Hardy]

I suppose they had to take that scene all over again.

[Slim Talbot]

No, no, they let it go at that swell to the camera's eye.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, in your experience, Slim, do they have to take many retakes?

[Slim Talbot]

No. As a matter of fact, in the 10 years that I've been doing stunts, I've only had to do two of them over. Pretty lucky, I guess.

[Glenn Hardy]

That's quite a record. Say, Slim, just how tall are you anyway?

[Slim Talbot]

Oh, six feet three.

[Glenn Hardy]

You know, you'd make a good double for Slim Somerville.

[Slim Talbot]

I hope so. I've doubled him a lot of times.

[Glenn Hardy]

You have, eh?

[Slim Talbot]

Sure. Do you remember him in the picture? They had to get married. Zimmer was in it, too.

[Glenn Hardy]

Yes, I remember that very well. Well, did you double for him in that?

[Slim Talbot]

Yeah, and almost drowned in one gag. I had to jump into a lake wearing a suit of armor. The thing weighed about 100 pounds. Was universal picture back in 1933. Location was out at Sherwood Lake, and we were all.

[Glenn Hardy]

Just a minute, Slim. You don't mind if we interrupt here? You can tell us all about that in a moment. But first we have a word from our sponsor. Okay, Slim. Now, what about that suit of armor?

[Slim Talbot]

Well, we've been shooting scenes all day out there at the lake. And when we came to this armor gag, Mr. Gregg, the director, called his assistant.

[Max]

All right, read. Scene 245.

[Jerry]

Scene 245. Exterior, lake set, wide angle, medium shot, double for Slim Somerville is wearing suit of heavy armor. He runs to the bank of the lake and jumps in.

[Slim Talbot]

Okay? Yeah.

[Mr. Aldridge]

You know what to do.

[Max]

Now, Talbot.

[Slim Talbot]

Yes, sir.

[Max]

And say, you lifeguards, if he doesn't come up in about 30 seconds, do your stuff.

[Slim Talbot]

You guys heard what the boss said. Thirty seconds, not 30 minutes.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Okay, we'll be there.

[Max]

Well, if you're all set, Slim, we'll take it.

[Slim Talbot]

Right. I'm ready.

[Max]

Say, that metal suit you've got on will pull you down like an anchor.

[Slim Talbot]

You know it. Maybe I'd better carry a can opener with me.

[Mr. Aldridge]

You might need one at that.

[Slim Talbot]

Oh, I Think these boys can handle the situation all right?

[Max]

Okay, here we go.

[Narrator]

It's a take.

[Max]

All set, everybody?

[Mr. Aldridge]

Places, please.

[Max]

Quiet.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Okay.

[Max]

Okay, Slim, get set. Make your run. All right, roll them.

[Slim Talbot]

Go ahead, Slim.

[Jerry]

Yeah, one thing about that, too. The crab couldn't very easily bite him.

[Max]

There he goes. Ah, that was swell. Follow shot on that. Get the bubbles.

[Jerry]

Say, how long is that guy gonna stay down there?

[Mr. Aldridge]

Well, I don't know.

[Max]

What's holding him? Come on up, Slim.

[Jerry]

Something's gone sour. He ought to be up by this time.

[Max]

Hey, you lifeguards, get in there. Come on, get him out.

[Jerry]

Well, what's happened to the lifeguards? They're not coming up either.

[Max]

What's the matter here? Come on up. Come on up. Oh, there they come. They got him. Look.

[Mr. Aldridge]

I bet he's drowned.

[Max]

Come on. Do something, man. Do something. Get that armor off quick. Here. Here.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Give him artificial respiration. Call a doctor.

[Max]

Do something. Hurry up with that first aid. Come on. Put it right over here.

[Mr. Aldridge]

He's coming around now. He's all right. Slim.

[Max]

Slim, come out of it. Something. Slim. Slim.

[Glenn Hardy]

Boy, oh, boy, they certainly had you in a spot there, Slim.

[Slim Talbot]

You're not kidding. I'd stayed under there another 10 seconds, I'd have drowned.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, just what happened?

[Slim Talbot]

Well, you see, the suit of armor pulled me right down to the mud bottom and held me there.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, couldn't you do anything for yourself?

[Slim Talbot]

Nope. I just couldn't do a thing. Even both the lifeguards had a tough job.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, now, Slim, honestly, how do you like doing stunts for the movies?

[Slim Talbot]

Well, sometimes the stunts are not so hot, but the doe's always there.

[Glenn Hardy]

Then you're in it for the money?

[Slim Talbot]

That's the only reason I'm in it.

[Glenn Hardy]

Tell me, what did you do before you got into that business?

[Slim Talbot]

I was a rodeo performer. You know, bronc riding and things like that.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, it's a far cry from bronc riding to stunt work. But tell me, Slim, are you on call at all the studios or do you work mostly for one?

[Slim Talbot]

Well, I get a lot of calls from outside studios, but most of my work is with Paramount.

[Glenn Hardy]

Well, whatever studio you work for, your business takes a lot of courage and confidence.

[Mr. Aldridge]

Slim.

[Glenn Hardy]

You have certainly entertained us. And on behalf of our listeners, I want to thank you sincerely for coming here. I know that everyone joins me in hoping that we may have you on this program again very soon. Goodbye, old man, and a lot of luck.

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