Ridiculous History - Episode Summary

Title: A Titanic Disaster: That Time An Entire Production Crew Tripped Off Bad Chowder
Host/Authors: Ben Bolan & Noel Brown
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Production: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bolan and Noel Brown delve into a bizarre and lesser-known incident that occurred during the filming of James Cameron's epic movie, Titanic. This event, marked by an unexpected poisoning of the entire production crew through contaminated chowder, showcases the intersection of high-stakes filmmaking and unexpected chaos. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, the hosts unravel the mystery behind this unprecedented on-set disaster.

Context: The Making of James Cameron's Titanic

The episode begins by setting the stage for the monumental effort behind the making of Titanic, an already legendary film renowned for its depiction of the infamous ship's tragic sinking. Ben Bolan provides historical context, noting, "The Titanic, by the way, did sink in fact on April 15th of 1912. So we're going to use that as our date, our benchmark date for this."

James Cameron is portrayed as an intense and demanding director, often referred to as a "tyrant on set." Noel Brown emphasizes Cameron's authoritarian management style, stating, "He is an iron fist, as you said, Noel. He is an iron fist. Director, producer, auteur, we could say." This environment sets the backdrop for the unfolding drama.

James Cameron’s Management Style

Cameron's reputation precedes him as a filmmaker who expects excellence, sometimes to the point of creating a stressful working environment. Noel Brown shares insights from various sources, including a New York Times profile and Premiere magazine, highlighting Cameron's perfectionism and micromanagement. A notable quote from the episode captures this sentiment:

Ben Bolan [04:53]: "He's a bit of a science-minded fellow, so he may or may not know a little bit about what he's talking about. And he's trying to get out of there so that he can make himself induce vomiting."

This relentless pursuit of perfection has reportedly led to strained relationships on set, contributing to the tension that would later play a role in the incident.

The Incident: Contaminated Chowder

As the production progresses, the crew is stationed in Nova Scotia, Halifax, filming the wraparound scenes that feature Bill Paxton as an underwater explorer. Amidst rigorous schedules and minimal breaks, the crew enjoys delicious seafood, particularly a seafood chowder that becomes the catalyst for the disaster.

Ben Bolan narrates the sequence of events:

"People were enjoying a little break... the delicious mussels, clams, possibly lobster, described often as a seafood bisque or clam chowder."

However, after indulging in the chowder, crew members begin exhibiting strange behaviors. At approximately [07:06], Noel Brown notes:

"People start acting a little funny, feeling a little funny, struggling to do their work... a stand-in actress actually passes out."

Further descriptions reveal symptoms consistent with PCP (Phencyclidine) poisoning, including hallucinations, disorientation, and aggressive behaviors.

Immediate Aftermath on Set

The situation rapidly deteriorates as more crew members succumb to the effects of the contaminated chowder. Ben Bolan describes the chaos:

"A crew member in one of these oral histories of the event saying they didn't have experience with drugs, but the others were saying that it was like the beginning of an acid trip."

Bill Paxton emerges as a stabilizing force amidst the turmoil. Despite feeling the effects, he reportedly copes by smoking joints to manage the situation:

"[24:35] Ben Bolan: 'I saw an interview with Paxton... he cracked a six-pack and started smoking joints because he was like, I know what this is. I don't know exactly what substance it is, but I know the only way to get through it.'"

The situation escalates to the point where the assistant director divides the crew into "good crew" and "bad crew" to manage the chaos, reminiscent of a frantic game of Red Rover.

The Fallout: Investigations and Theories

In the wake of the incident, the Halifax Police Department launches an investigation. Despite extensive efforts, including issuing warrants and compiling a detailed report, no suspects are ever definitively identified. The hosts discuss various theories surrounding the poisoning:

1. Disgruntled Crew Member:
   James Cameron initially endorsed this theory, suggesting that a recently fired crew member sought revenge by contaminating the chowder.

2. Catering Crew Sabotage:
   Another theory posits that a disgruntled member of the catering staff, possibly upset with the production's demands, tampered with the chowder.

3. External Prankster:
   Speculation also includes the possibility of an outsider pulling a malicious prank against the Hollywood production.

Noel Brown remarks on the unresolved nature of the case:

"[44:16] Noel Brown: 'The case remains closed today. No suspects were ever identified by HPD. The case gets closed in February of 1999.'"

Efforts to unearth more information continue, with calls for the release of redacted police reports still unanswered as of the episode's release in 2025.

Conclusion

The Ridiculous History episode sheds light on a bizarre and tragic episode behind the scenes of one of Hollywood's most iconic films. Through meticulous research and engaging narration, Ben Bolan and Noel Brown present a compelling case study of how unforeseen circumstances and human malice can intertwine with large-scale productions, leaving enduring mysteries in their wake.

The unresolved nature of the chowder poisoning incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for chaos in high-pressure environments and the lingering questions that remain unanswered decades later.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Bolan [04:53]: "He's a bit of a science-minded fellow, so he may or may not know a little bit about what he's talking about. And he's trying to get out of there so that he can make himself induce vomiting."

• Noel Brown [16:03]: "Life's messy. We're talking spills, stains, pets and kids. But with Annabe, you never have to stress about messes again."

• Ben Bolan [24:35]: "I saw an interview with Paxton... he cracked a six-pack and started smoking joints because he was like, I know what this is. I don't know exactly what substance it is, but I know the only way to get through it."

• Noel Brown [44:16]: "The case remains closed today. No suspects were ever identified by HPD. The case gets closed in February of 1999."

• Ben Bolan [45:54]: "Someone's got to take the fall."

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies Ridiculous History's commitment to uncovering the strange and unexpected facets of human civilization. By highlighting such a peculiar and dramatic event in film history, Ben Bolan and Noel Brown not only entertain but also provoke thought about the darker undercurrents that can exist behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood productions.

For those intrigued by the intersection of history, mystery, and the unexpected, this episode offers a rich and engaging narrative that underscores the show's dedication to exploring the most ridiculous and fascinating stories from our past.