Snap Judgment Episode Summary: "The Home Alone Curse"

Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host/Author: Snap Judgment and PRX
Description:
Snap Judgment blends real-life stories with compelling beats to create immersive, cinematic radio experiences. Their unique storytelling approach invites listeners to view the world from diverse perspectives, all accompanied by a rhythmic soundtrack.

Overview

In the episode titled "The Home Alone Curse," host Larry Hankin shares a captivating and humorous personal anecdote about his near-miss opportunity to star in the iconic Christmas movie Home Alone. Through a blend of storytelling and introspection, Hankin delves into themes of luck, persistence, and the mysterious forces that seem to influence success in the entertainment industry.

Introduction to the Story

[02:32] Larry Hankin:
Larry begins by engaging the audience with a rhetorical question, "By a show of hands, how many people have seen Home Alone?" This sets the stage for his narrative about the supposed curse associated with the film's production and his own involvement.

The Initial Opportunity

[02:37]
Hankin recounts the year 1990-1991, a period marked by his personal struggles with paying rent and learning guitar, juxtaposed with his efforts to secure acting roles. His agent informs him of a crisis on the set of Home Alone—Daniel Stern, a key actor, is threatening to quit over pay disputes, potentially jeopardizing the film's production.

[03:15] Larry Hankin:
"They're thinking about you," his agent tells him, suggesting that Hankin could replace Stern. Excited by the prospect of starring alongside Joe Pesci, Hankin anticipates landing a significant role.

Negotiations and the "Curse"

After a tense half-hour wait, Hankin learns that Daniel Stern has resolved his issues and is staying with the production. Disheartened, Hankin initially declines the role, feeling betrayed by the producers' indecision.

[04:10] Larry Hankin:
"They jerked me around, the producers jerked me around and I didn't like it," he admits, expressing his frustration.

However, two weeks later, Hankin receives another call. This time, the producers claim that the movie is "cursed" due to the earlier turmoil and believe Hankin's involvement could lift this curse. They offer him a $10,000 payday for just three lines of dialogue, promising a seamless, half-day shoot with luxurious accommodations.

[05:50] Larry Hankin:
"They say the movie is cursed. They say, we need you in the movie because of the curse," Hankin explains the producers' rationale behind re-inviting him.

The Recording Session

Despite his initial reluctance, Hankin agrees to participate, intrigued by both the offer and the unusual circumstances. He arrives on set, fully expecting a straightforward recording. However, things take a bizarre turn.

[07:20]
Hankin is put in a cop uniform and asked to deliver his lines while eating a glazed doughnut—a request he finds peculiar.

[08:15] Larry Hankin:
"I want to be eating a donut while I say your lines," he recalls, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

As filming begins, unexpected technical difficulties plague the session. Multiple takes are required, each marred by various mishaps, including equipment failures and environmental hazards.

[12:00]
"Everything's going wrong, and it's not me. It's something technical each time," Hankin notes, growing increasingly convinced of the film's curse.

Despite the setbacks, the crew remains unfazed, attributing the issues to the supposed curse. On the tenth take, amidst the chaos, Hankin finally delivers his lines flawlessly, culminating in a humorous and unintended blooper where everyone laughs at his performance.

Revelation and Resolution

After the recording concludes, Hankin reflects on the day's events. He reviews the footage in a TV village but notices an anomaly—one particular doughnut crumb that remains unnaturally stuck to the phone's mouthpiece, unlike the others that fall.

[17:45] Larry Hankin:
"All the other crumbs fall to the ground, but this one... it's still there," he observes, suggesting a supernatural presence.

Concluding his story, Hankin credits the producers' generosity and his own willingness to embrace the unexpected as factors that lifted the curse, leading to the film's subsequent success.

[19:19] Narrator:
"Because the producers treated me so nice and they paid me so much money for half a day's work, I removed my curse from the movie."

Key Themes and Insights

1. Luck and Serendipity:
   Hankin's story underscores the unpredictable nature of success, especially in the entertainment industry. His near-miss and subsequent involvement highlight how luck can play a significant role.

2. Persistence Amid Challenges:
   Despite initial setbacks and unexpected challenges during filming, Hankin's perseverance to see the project through ultimately pays off.

3. The Power of Storytelling:
   The narrative blends humor with suspense, engaging listeners and illustrating how personal stories can resonate universally.

4. Supernatural Elements in Everyday Life:
   The concept of a "curse" serves as a metaphor for unforeseen obstacles, adding a mystical layer to Hankin's professional journey.

Notable Quotes

• Larry Hankin on Opportunity:
  "John Hughes movie, Home Alone. I mean, everybody knew then it was going to be a really cool movie."
  [03:00]

• On the Cursed Production:
  "The movie is cursed because of the way they jerked you around in the negotiations."
  [06:10]

• Expressing Frustration:
  "They jerked me around, the producers jerked me around and I didn't like it."
  [04:10]

• Realization of the Curse:
  "I'm starting to think, holy crap, it is cursed."
  [16:50]

• Final Reflection:
  "Because the producers treated me so nice and they paid me so much money for half a day's work, I removed my curse from the movie."
  [19:19]

Conclusion

"The Home Alone Curse" offers a delightful glimpse into Larry Hankin's personal experiences within the film industry, blending humor, suspense, and introspective insights. Through his storytelling, Hankin not only entertains but also provides a thoughtful commentary on the unpredictability of life and the hidden forces that shape our journeys. This episode is a testament to Snap Judgment's ability to transform personal anecdotes into engaging, beat-driven narratives that captivate and resonate with listeners.

Special Acknowledgments:

• Sam Shaw: For sharing Larry's story. Sam is currently working on a documentary about Larry's improvisational theater company. More information can be found at thecommitteemovie.com.

• Crow Comedy Club, Santa Monica: For hosting Larry during one of their memorable storytelling nights. Visit crowcomedy.com for more details.

Larry Hankin's Notable Works: From Escape to Alcatraz to Friends, Seinfeld, and Breaking Bad, Larry has made a significant impact on television over the past five decades. He also authored a book titled "That Guy: A Cautionary Memoir."

Listen to the Full Episode:

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