Summary of "Sam Shepard: You Can Lead a Horse to Water" – The Moth Podcast
Episode Details:
- Podcast: The Moth
- Host: The Moth
- Episode: Sam Shepard: You Can Lead a Horse to Water
- Release Date: March 1, 2010
Introduction
In the episode titled "Sam Shepard: You Can Lead a Horse to Water," acclaimed actor and playwright Sam Shepard shares a riveting behind-the-scenes anecdote from his experience working on the film "The Right Stuff." Recorded live at The Moth main stage in 2008, under the theme "Toil and Trouble: Stories of Experiments Gone Wrong," Shepard's narrative delves into the unexpected challenges encountered during a seemingly straightforward stunt scene.
Background and Setup
Sam Shepard begins by setting the scene in the Mojave Desert, California, during the early 1980s. He recounts his enthusiasm for a pivotal chase scene in "The Right Stuff," which involved his character pursuing his wife on horseback across the desert terrain.
"Back in the early 80s, I shot a film which some of you may have seen called the Right Stuff in the Mojave Desert out in California... there was this great chase scene at the beginning on horseback galloping..."
— Sam Shepard [02:31]
Determined to bring authenticity to the scene, Shepard decides to use his own horse, a roan gelding named Roney, claiming a personal connection and rapport with the animal.
The Filming Process
Upon arriving on set, Shepard encounters Corky Randall, the head wrangler, and Choo Choo Chambers, the stuntman responsible for executing the dangerous maneuvers. Skepticism arises when Randall questions the feasibility of using Roney, citing the lack of a matching double horse required for safety during stunts.
"The problem with it is that he's a red roan horse... they don't have a horse that looks like this horse so that when the stunt comes, they can put the stunt man on the horse that looks like my horse..."
— Sam Shepard [04:10]
Despite reservations, Shepard insists on utilizing Roney, leading to initial success during the filming of the galloping sequences. The picturesque desert backdrop complements the action, and early dailies reflect promising footage.
The Stunt Gone Wrong
The narrative shifts to the critical stunt: Shepard's character is to be chased toward a saguaro cactus, culminating in a dramatic collision intended to appear perilous yet controlled. The setup involves modifying the cactus with a balsa wood dowel to simulate a realistic yet safe impact point.
"They put a balsa wood dowel in the arm that's sawed about a quarter of the way through... to the untrained eye, you can't tell that it's not a real cactus."
— Sam Shepard [07:15]
However, unforeseen complications arise when Roney becomes aware of a concealed electric cable near the cactus, possibly mistaking it for a threat. This causes the horse to abruptly halt, resulting in a collision that diverges sharply from the planned choreography.
"And as he's approaching the last few yards to accomplish this stunt, the horse looks down and he sees a big black electric cable... and Ol Roni leaves the ground in mid like all four legs come up away from this cable and consequently smashes directly into the trunk of the cactus..."
— Sam Shepard [09:50]
The stuntman, Choo Choo Chambers, is violently thrown from the saddle, leading to severe injuries including a lost ear, broken ribs, a dislocated hip, and multiple lacerations. The aftermath is harrowing, with Shepard visiting Chambers in the hospital, grappling with guilt over the incident.
"I'll tell you what, that might be a nice team roping horse, but he can't dodge a cactus for shit."
— Choo Choo Chambers [11:00]
Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The accident serves as a profound lesson for Shepard about the unpredictability of live stunts and the risks inherent in using personal livestock for professional film projects. Reflecting on the incident, he acknowledges the complexity of coordinating such actions and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
"That was virtually the last time I tried to use my own livestock. And it was a lesson well learned..."
— Sam Shepard [11:30]
Shepard emphasizes the resilience of stunt professionals and their acceptance of accidents as part of their métier. Despite the calamity, the incident underscores the delicate balance between creative ambition and practical execution in filmmaking.
Conclusion
Sam Shepard's story encapsulates a moment where ambition met unforeseen adversity, leading to a moment of introspection and professional growth. His candid recounting not only highlights the perils of on-set stunts but also celebrates the dedication of those who risk their well-being to bring cinematic visions to life. Through vivid storytelling and personal reflection, Shepard offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the challenges behind the scenes of Hollywood filmmaking.
Notable Quotes:
- Sam Shepard at 02:31: "Back in the early 80s, I shot a film which some of you may have seen called the Right Stuff in the Mojave Desert out in California..."
- Sam Shepard at 04:10: "The problem with it is that he's a red roan horse... they don't have a horse that looks like this horse..."
- Sam Shepard at 07:15: "They put a balsa wood dowel in the arm that's sawed about a quarter of the way through..."
- Sam Shepard at 09:50: "And as he's approaching the last few yards to accomplish this stunt, the horse looks down and he sees a big black electric cable..."
- Choo Choo Chambers at 11:00: "I'll tell you what, that might be a nice team roping horse, but he can't dodge a cactus for shit."
- Sam Shepard at 11:30: "That was virtually the last time I tried to use my own livestock. And it was a lesson well learned..."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Sam Shepard's story, providing listeners with a detailed and engaging account of a significant on-set event that underscores the unpredictability and inherent risks of filmmaking.