MovieChat Forums > House of Frankenstein (1944) Discussion > How was Quicksand scene staged?

How was Quicksand scene staged?

posted 11 years ago by ronaldt49
7 replies | jump to latest

Have never seen an explanation of this "Behind the Scenes" so to speak.

We do see Boris take a breath before going under but what happened afterward?
Any retakes?

Years ago I read "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazine but I don't recall this subject being mentioned.

[–] billperk-640-154770 11 years ago

They are really under oatmeal for two or three seconds. It is only about two feet thick. So the actors count to ten or something then stand up.

[–] millsey72 (10282) 2 years ago

Do you know which flavor if any of the oatmeal used in this scene?

[–] GreenGoblinsOck8 (7699) a year ago

Eww! I'd hate being covered in oatmeal much less staying under some for 10 seconds.

[–] millsey72 (10282) a year ago

If it were cinnamon spice, it would be nice actually

[–] greenbudgie (2355) a year ago

You can see the genuine panicky look on Boris Karloff's face in that scene. Even if it's only oatmeal. A sharp intake of breath needed.

[–] PaladinNJ (21510) 3 months ago

If it is then the oatmeal is only few inches. Its obviously water below that.

[–] liscarkat (18410) 3 months ago

My guess is that the actor is standing in a pool with the "quicksand" stuff floating on top, and slowly squats down to simulate sinking, until his head finally goes under. He waits a few seconds to allow for the shot to be finished, then he stands up. From such a shallow depth, he can probably hear the director say "cut".