View Full Version : Ricky and his fainting spells...


Ireneparalegal
10-05-2007, 05:45 PM
In the Fur Coat episode, I try and notice when Ricky is abt to faint from Lucy cutting up that fake fur, I wonder what makes his fall "easier". That floor is hard no doubt, but is he using that furball in his hands to make his hit on the floor "soft"? It looks very real how Ricky falls forward without hesitation. Usually when you see someone faint on television, you see an edit where the person falls backwards and then you see a different shot of them already on the floor. This shot of Ricky is done with one shot. How do you think he did it?

It reminds me of when he falls backwards after he sees Little Ricky for the first time after he is born. Ricky faints and it is one shot. Could he have had a cushion underneath that heavy coat of his?

Madame X
10-05-2007, 08:38 PM
In the Fur Coat episode, I try and notice when Ricky is abt to faint from Lucy cutting up that fake fur, I wonder what makes his fall "easier". That floor is hard no doubt, but is he using that furball in his hands to make his hit on the floor "soft"? It looks very real how Ricky falls forward without hesitation. Usually when you see someone faint on television, you see an edit where the person falls backwards and then you see a different shot of them already on the floor. This shot of Ricky is done with one shot. How do you think he did it?
I think you're right. His arm hit the floor first then he used the furball to help cushion the blow to his chest and head.

It reminds me of when he falls backwards after he sees Little Ricky for the first time after he is born. Ricky faints and it is one shot. Could he have had a cushion underneath that heavy coat of his?
On this one they do make somewhat of a cut. He is filmed "sitting down" (probably a pillow on his rump) and then falling back so it wasn't so far to fall.

On both faints he did it very smoothly and didn't flinch at all. :)

Ireneparalegal
10-05-2007, 09:08 PM
I know nowadays they use sophisticated editing and/or different camera shots, sometimes even using cushions to soften the blow of someone falling, we may see them fall behind a couch or usually there is a person that just happens to be there to "help" them to the floor or they happen to catch them just as they are falling, but with Desi, it seemed so flawless.

Lodee
10-15-2007, 04:01 PM
I always thought that fall in the fur coat episode was pretty impressive. It doesn't look like anything is cushioning him enogh for it not to hurt. I don't think I could do it.

Ireneparalegal
10-15-2007, 04:57 PM
I always thought that fall in the fur coat episode was pretty impressive. It doesn't look like anything is cushioning him enogh for it not to hurt. I don't think I could do it.
I agree. I keep watching that moment and I can't put my finger on it. I know Fred is holding his arm for a moment, but still, it wouldn't calm my fears of landing face down. Even the carpet/floor area doesn't look cushioned.

Madame X
10-15-2007, 05:18 PM
I agree. I keep watching that moment and I can't put my finger on it. I know Fred is holding his arm for a moment, but still, it wouldn't calm my fears of landing face down. Even the carpet/floor area doesn't look cushioned.

Here is the sequence of Ricky's fall. The ball of fur definitely helped ease his landing. He can be seen gathering up the fur in anticipation of the fall. It is one of the better falls I've seen without cuts. These photos are blurry because there was so much movement.

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Lodee
10-15-2007, 06:16 PM
Thanks Madam X! Yeah, I definitely couldn't do that. Ouch!

Ireneparalegal
10-15-2007, 06:30 PM
You can see his left hand reaching out, but believe me, that is not enough to curb that fall. He must have had something underneath the smoking jacket (in the arms area, similar to what Lucy had on her shins), but other than that, that is definitely some fall. Kudos to Desi! No stunts, no double, no editing, no camera tricks.

coffield3
10-15-2007, 08:45 PM
Here is the sequence of Ricky's fall. The ball of fur definitely helped ease his landing. He can be seen gathering up the fur in anticipation of the fall. It is one of the better falls I've seen without cuts. These photos are blurry because there was so much movement.

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LOL! great pictures! i guess in those days they didnt have stunt doubles! :lol: