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.

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.

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.

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.