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Jul 7 2011

How Human Cannonballs Work

29 min 4 movies discussed
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There's no question that human cannonballs are daredevils. They pack themselves into the confines of huge cannons, which shoot them into the air. But how does it work? Join Josh and Chuck to learn more about the bizarre performances of human cannonballs.

AI Summary

In this fascinating episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck dive into the wild world of human cannonballs, exploring how circus performers actually get launched through the air without being blown to bits by gunpowder. They trace the history from 19th century British showmen to famous circus families like the Zacchinis, revealing the surprising science, safety precautions, and serious risks behind this death-defying act. You'll discover why it's not the shooting that's dangerous - it's the landing - and learn about the incredible forces and precise calculations that go into every spectacular flight.


Movies Discussed

Death Wish
Death Wish
1974 1h 33m
★ 6.9
"You're probably going to reference his death wish — Chuck mentions this in reference to Hunter S. Thompson's desire to have his ashes shot from a cannon." — Chuck
House Party 3
House Party 3
1994 1h 34m
★ 5.1
"Some of you know me as Shobo from House Party 3 — This appears in the same advertisement where Michael Kaya mentions his movie role."
Martin
Martin
1992
★ 7.6
"Some of y'all know me as Mr. Whitaker from Martin — This appears in an advertisement where comedian Michael Kaya mentions his role in the TV show Martin."
The Simpsons
The Simpsons
1989
★ 8.0
"That's a Simpsons character too, but it's a Simpsons character — Josh mentions The Simpsons when discussing a character reference to Charles Bronson." — Josh

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