Live and Let Die’s Crocodile jumping – is it possible?
October 6, 2016Leading scientists and engineers have studied stunts in James Bond films.
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| Photo © EON, United Artists, Danjaq LLC |
In “Live and Let Die“ (1973), Bond villain Dr. Kananga (Yaphet Kotto) leaves 007 (Roger Moore) to die on a small rock in the middle of a swamp full of crocodiles and alligators.
As the hungry reptiles close in for the kill, Bond jumps off the island and runs across the backs of four of the crocodiles in the water to make good his escape.
The scene was shot at a crocodile farm and the actual owner of the property ran across the backs of his crocodiles, not a stuntman as you might assume.
He had to do the stunt several times before getting it right, almost being grabbed by one of the reptiles at one point.
In order to do this stunt successfully, the crocodiles were tied to the bottom of the pool with weights and their tails and heads were left free so they could thrash around for effect.
The reptiles were unable to move around to anticipate the jumper and get into an attack position, as they would if they were free roaming, wild crocodiles.
It was a good job the crocs were tied down, as the man fell into the water during one of the practice runs.
On another occasion, a croc was able to free itself enough to grab his shoe as he ran over the back of the animal behind him.
Source: James Bond 007: 7 Bond stunts – E & T Magazine
Live and Let Die’s Crocodile jumping: IMPOSSIBLE
Pirita and Mika, Finland´s first James Bond bloggers, visiting 007 filming and book locations.