MovieChat Forums > The Wild Wild West (1965) Discussion > Can't Keep A Good Man Down

Can't Keep A Good Man Down

posted 8 years ago by djanb1215
8 replies | jump to latest

In the episode Night of the Fugitives, along w many other stunts that he always did himself,Robert Conrad did one that while it may look like a planned fall as he jumped from the 2nd floor of a saloon and grabbed on to a chandelier, slipped off and fell to the floor and slowly get up a few moments later. In an excellent job of splicing(for that time period)those few moments were actually a few weeks! It seems that in creating the scene, just like gymnasts require powder on the rings or bars to get a good grip, the same had to be done with the chandelier- however, they put on too much and so when he grabbed it, his hands slipped off, sending him crashing to the floor where he cracked his skull.
Now in today's insurance guided Hollywood that would be enough for them to demand that like it or not, Mr Conrad would have a stunt double- but not then!
He recovered FORTUNATELY for all of us in his audience to go on to many more incredible stunts-including (and one I find most amazing)playing a 53-year-old gym franchise owner while looking all of the 39yrs he actually was at the time on an episode of Columbo!

[–] a_l_i_e_n 8 years ago

In the final episode of the series ("The Night Of The Cossacks"), Conrad and a stuntman had to go through a window. On the way through, however, Conrad accidentally jammed his knee into the window frame. Still, despite the intense pain he was clearly experiencing, he stayed in character and they completed the take which was later used in the final cut of the episode. Guy was a real trooper.

[–] alpha128 8 years ago

In the final episode of the series ("The Night Of The Cossacks"), Conrad and a stuntman had to go through a window. On the way through, however, Conrad accidentally jammed his knee into the window frame. Still, despite the intense pain he was clearly experiencing, he stayed in character and they completed the take which was later used in the final cut of the episode. Guy was a real trooper. - a_l_i_e_n

Yeah. In Susan Kesler's book, Conrad says words to the effect that the cancellation of the show may have been in a blessing in disguise, since if the series continued someone on the stunt team could have suffered a permanent debilitating injury.

[–] a_l_i_e_n 8 years ago

In Susan Kesler's book, Conrad says words to the effect that the cancellation of the show may have been in a blessing in disguise, since if the series continued someone on the stunt team could have suffered a permanent debilitating injury.

Yes, and considering the risks he took, it really is a miracle Conrad didn't cripple or even kill himself making that series.

[–] Matt-nicholson-246-892076 8 years ago

Had it kept going, they would have toned down the episodes so much it would not have been "West." I will take the four years and be happy in them.

Never make friends with the devil brother, his pitchfork will get you in the end.

[–] alpha128 8 years ago

Had it kept going, they would have toned down the episodes so much it would not have been "West." I will take the four years and be happy in them. - Matt-nicholson-246-892076

Good point. I agree.

[–] flickfiend 7 years ago

Yup- it was my favorite show (totally cool).

[–] djanb1215 8 years ago

Though they cancelled the series, the TV-movies they made- showing them "age" somewhat still maintained the quality of the series and the characters!
Unlike the motion picture,which,like many others who have tried to make movies based on successful TV shows (ie The Mod Squad),they seemed to have completely missed the point of why the series was successful!
The only thing good about the Wild Wild West movie was the music video by Will Smith!I like all of the lead actors but they were all miscast and they made drastic unnecessary and, in the end,disappointing changes to the characters! First,James West and Artemus Gordon NEVER referred to each other by their last names-only their enemies did that! And if Dr Loveless had been alive to see his "descendant"as they wrote it, he'd have disowned him and probably killed him!
If they truly wish to pay tribute to a series they would focus on substance rather than just a whiff of the original!
Oh and in a response Robert Conrad, perhaps unintentionally, was referred to in the "past" tense- he is alive and well, by the most recent reports, and probably as happy as anyone to see the series continue to be aired and drawing new generations of audiences!

[–] SHADO (82) 3 years ago

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!