FROM: Wandering the World with Wally Published Mondays

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Chaos! Explosions! Mayhem! Yes, it's time for another wander with Wally. Our fearless but peerless adventurer takes us with him to Hollywood Studios as he answers a casting call for stuntmen, but of course, it's never that easy...

- by Walter Octavius March, April 18, 2011

KUNGALOOSH!

As I walked through the lobby of my resort this morning, a Cast Member handed me a note which read simply: "I will be in touch". Chuckling, I told the Cast Member that we already were in touch! But he explained, rather patiently, that the note was unsigned and that it had been left here for me the previous night.

What might it mean? Obviously, it means someone will be contacting me, but whom? and why? Time will tell. We won't let it interfere with our next adventure!

Wally Hears the Casting Call

Where are we headed, you ask, dubiously? Well, after he handed me that note, the Cast Member mentioned a casting call today for volunteers to help with the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I thought we'd wander over there and try to be part of the show. After all, I was a Hollywood stuntman for a short time, back before computer generated stunts were the norm, so I have some experience.

Let's head to the bus stop. On the way, I'll tell you about some of my movie credits. Ah, what timing: here's the bus now!

Are you comfortable? Very well, then...

One of my favorite roles was playing the 'second', as we used to be called, in a movie starring a very famous actor. I don't want to drop names, but he was in a few great movies, and in one of his most famous, he played a cop who drove a 1968 Ford Mustang GT. Yes, him!

The movie I was in with this man's man was the war film that he made just before he got behind the wheel of that '68 Mustang. I didn't get to do any stunts, since he did his own, but I did crash a plane in that movie (not actually part of the script, but they used the footage) and I was also in the German car that pursued my famous friend as he rode ahead of us on a motorcylce.

That was a wonderful time in Hollywood! And today should be equally wonderful in Disney's version of Hollywood.

Wally Is Ready for His Close-up

Come along, then: I want to enter and go directly to the right. My friend Bruce wrote about Iced Coffee from The Ice Cold Snack Stand last week on his website and I have had a craving since I read about it. Mmmm, that is a very refreshing Cup of Joe.

But off with us now, over to the Backlot! I must find the Casting Director for the show.

I think that is the chap over there.

"Excuse me, excuse me! Yes, good day, sir. I am Wally Octavius March - perhaps you've heard of me. No? Really? Maybe you know me by my stage name, Walter? No? You are quite young, that must be it. You see, I was acting in Hollywood many years ago. I have come by today to offer my services as a stunt double for your show.

"What's that? You have all your actors already? I see. No need for an extra... extra, as it were? No?

"Well, then, I guess my agent and I will have to speak to the director. How's that? He's on set and ready to start. I see.

"Well, then, can we get a seat up front? I would at least like to sit close to the action, even if I cannot be on stage. I'll have to talk to the man in charge after the show."

I'm sorry, my friend, that you will not see me participating, but we should stay and enjoy the show anyway. It is rather exciting. Here we go! "Two down front please, thank you young lady, we appreciate it." Such wonderful Cast Members here, as they are in all of Disney World. Shhhh, the show is beginning...

Do you remember this scene in the movie? I would have liked to be the stunt double here. Look at those spikes coming out of the floor. Amazing choreography. Well, he made it to the idol. You remember what happens now, right?

"What? Oh, sorry ma'am, I'll try to keep my voice down."

Sorry, friend, they are asking me to stop talking, so I'll have to whisper. Did you see that? What a great stunt!

Wally Prepares His Exit Scene

"What's that? I'm sorry, ma'am. No, no, there is no reason to call for an usher. Oh, hello, how are you? Well, yes, I was just telling my friend here... where'd he go? Hmph! Anyway, I guess I will go now. I must find my friend. Good day, sir!

"You there, have you seen my friend? He is a medium-sized chap, with... What's that? Who am I? Well, I am Walter Octavius March, but you, my friend, may call me Wally. Where are you headed? Toward Pixar Place? So am I!

"Let me walk with you and tell you about my days as an actor. No, I wasn't a big star, I was one of those people who made the big stars look good. I was a stunt man...

"Hey, there goes my other companion. You there! You there! Why is he walking faster? He must need a restroom, Oh, well..."

Until next time, KUNGALOOSH! And keep your eyes open for Adventure!

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