EP5 Nightmares of Indianapolis

Description: Imagine actual people living for real through the plot of several disaster and survival movies combined. That's what the crew of the USS Indianapolis experienced after it was torpedoed at the very end of the Second World War.
Show Notes:
1. "In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors" by Doug Stanton
2. "The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why" by Amanda Ripley
This episode is brought to you by Audible
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/ dancarlin

[@FlashUndies]

Crazy you brought up Jaws. Spielberg said that he originally was going to make a Jaws 2 himself as a prequel and it was as he described it "Saving private Ryan with sharks" centered around the indianapolis. The studio wouldn't let him do that so they parted ways. Imagine the movie we lost there.

[@linusdn2777]

I like how the Uss Indianapolis speech from Jaws is in my recomendations now

[@jeffwalker6815]

I never knew that was a true story or that I could like that movie any more that I already do.

[@calvinthegreat69]

Having been on a boat in the ocean on the edge of a storm, I'll say it's terrifying. I can't imagine being on a sinking burning ship in the middle of the night. The fact anybody survived it is astounding.

[@m.m6770]

When I was a senior in high school four survivors on the Indianapolis came and spoke to us, it was amazing

[@jordankashuba3467]

Crazy

[@77mpickett]

We had some GI's talk to my class about the battle of the bulge. Talk about a bunch of kids morbidly awestruck. That was some heavy stuff.

[@dmccoy9848]

This is really, really good. Great episode to use for any other HH fans (fanatics) who always try to introduce Dan's work to others.

[@Randall_Kildare]

In a Dan Carlin podcast: you get the head, the tail.. the whole damn thing.

[@pillman8719]

😂

[@discotheque5860]

I mourned every passing captivating minute. Harrowing and visceral as always. Thank you for yet another hour of much needed escapism.

[@stephaniesunderland1974]

I was born and raised near Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The story of the Indianapolis i heard about when i was a kid. I can't imagine anything worse than what they went through. Thank you for covering this incredible survival story.

[@famebrightstudio451]

possibly the crocodile event that Japanese troops faced...but its probably equal.

[@monachoates9170]

I fall asleep to this nightly

[@JesterMoon-xd8fd]

I can't sleep when he's talking 😅

[@vzo3981]

Thanks Dan for telling stories like these. I will never complain about anything ever again.

[@shananagans5]

I was 9 when Jaws came out. That summer's trip to Myrtle Beach just wasn't the same.

[@KQY614]

@Winston Churchill's Ghost Haha can't "sea"! I sea what you did there

[@Fractal_Farms]

Imagine getting to go to the beach to get scared and not just getting scared of tacking a bath

[@shawnseven9285]

Nags Head, NC for me. Definitely wasn't the same

[@Cotac_Rastic]

@@Fractal_Farms Allright, tough guy. Go put a sandpit in the dark and put burrowing desert snakes and spiders everywhere. Or is wee wittle babby too scared of his sandcastle 😱

[@Fractal_Farms]

@@Cotac_Rastic I'm not tough, I've just never been on any sort of vacation. Never seen the ocean.

[@tommonk7651]

Robert Shaw was dead drunk when he filmed that Indianapolis scene, and he did it in 1 take. Just genius. He had that character completely down.... I was 15 when Jaws came out, and my granddad took my little brother and me to see it. I remember the Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons song "Who Loves You" was playing in the theater before the movie. Whenever I hear that song, it takes me back to that day.

[@kimflint6602]

I remember riding home in the car after seeing jaws still traumatized. I’ll always remember that song Year of the Cat was playing on the radio.

[@GarrettCates]

Actually, he did a take dead drunk and it was horrible. Spielberg gave him permission to drink and Shaw embarrassed himself. He came back the next day dead sober and did the monologue in the movie.

[@BulldozerBilly]

Love the memories your post shares!

[@historyonfireofficial]

what a masterpiece. perfect example of why Dan is a master storyteller

[@brandonnejame2352]

Thank you Dan!

[@SUPERsneeky33]

Fantastic episode!! Mr. Carlin, you have an uncanny ability to put these various situations through history into a very personal perspective. Everything you give us has been utterly amazing. I cant wait for more!

[@bw3240]

The human spirit is a truly amazing thing. In the depths of hell the human spirit shines the brightest.

[@buccos2004]

Awesome quick hitter, Dan! Such a interesting and terrifying tale. Thank you so much, Dan!

[@macleandancy8029]

Jaws introduced me to a fear of water. These grim accounts are a tragic reminder of the respect that needs to be held for the ocean. Thank you for telling this story, i hope every soul upon this boat and every other in the past and future found peace. Edit: this podcast is amazing. Always wraps on moving comments

[@ACarter87]

What’s even crazier, is everyone got “ a fear of water” because of sharks n things, but most never even realize that water itself is terrifying Everything about this story has to be one of the worst things humans have ever endured, I mean even Viking midevel stuff doesn’t really compare I feel?

[@schaddenkorp6977]

@@ACarter87 Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.

[@legionreaper8486]

It's simple Dan releases a podcast i stop everything and listen.......

[@pierce_13]

I read a book about this and the "Juneau" (another horror story, worse if possible) when I was a teenager. Thank you for the great podcast!

[@pierce_13]

@@huntera4825 It's called "Left To Die" by Dan Kurzman. I picked it up in paperback in the mid 90s.

[@seventhsatan]

I have having a crappy day and then I listed to this. My day is pretty damn good. Thanks Dan!

[@masterson0713]

Where ya from

[@klausgartenstiel4586]

that monologue from jaws stuck with me since i was a teenager. it's really all i ever needed to know about the incident. so listening to this programme is more like taking dan by the hand and walking deeper into that dark place of dead eyes.

[@LilyS1031]

I don't know why but this comment is just so disturbing. I keep going back to read it, tho. Thanks a lot for the nightmare ;)

[@amonferrari]

Quality time of the month!

[@Kujien]

Terrifying story, as always thank you Dan and everyone else involved. Never knew that a sinking ship will pull down things with it from the vacuum, makes total sense though. What a nightmare

[@theoriginalpiz]

How did I just now know he has a KZbin channel. He gonna be an all time legend.

[@GWCSB]

Same! Had to comment because all of the other comments are from years ago and then I see yours.

[@JustPast12]

After listening to this I got the book Dan mentioned called “In Harms Way”. I highly recommend it if you want more details. Anyway the ship was docked in San Francisco getting work done on it before it got the call and was out to sea a few days later. Imagine you are a young soldier hanging out in San Francisco in the 40’s. Going to movies, drinking with your buddies, chasing girls and whatever else they could do to pass time. Then you go from that to being in the pitch black ocean while being eaten by sharks. Talk about going for heaven to hell.

[@Highmelon]

Keep up the great work Mr Carlin!

[@CadenCadet94]

Horrific retelling. Wonderful as always Dan

[@johnharvey2405]

Dan Carlin is an awesome teller of history 👏 I listen to them over and over.

[@shawnseven9285]

Just started listening to your show. Remarkable. Watched you on Rogan as well. Thank you for your time. Just a class act, man. My best to you and your family.

[@LFJones3]

Great story Dan! However , it literally brought me to tears for two reasons. My Dad ,who is deceased now, was 18 y.o on a Destroyer and was there when this happened; he told me this story many times growing up ; and I simply wept for the suffering of those men.

[@darkgravityplay1904]

listened to this episode on my phone and it was amazing. the imagery with the sharks was so captivating.

[@thehistoriant2192]

What a treat!!! Thanks Dan!

[@R3adybreck]

28:50 The way Dan says "you can see the sharks below you"

[@vietnow4611]

Well, thank god I saw this with 6 hours before I have to wake up... just great

[@charlesrosa9922]

Incredible....Thank you!

[@chriscox52282]

Haha. Great opening, such a great opening. Fantastic episode as well.!!

[@EvangelistNickGarrett]

Outstanding episode. As usual.

[@tamalesftw]

I love that short form for Dan is 50 minutes

[@micheleandolina1507]

Thanks Dan!

[@jasminewood395]

Haven't even listened yet, just commenting to add support and say that I'm a super fan... The addendums aren't my fav... I love the long series. I was hoping for part 2 of super nova, part 1 is great so much insight into Japanese culture. My grandfather fought in the Pacific ... Hated the Japanese but that episode gave me a lot of perspective! I found HH on YT, I really think uploading more stuff would help. Monetize them and let folks have them for free... You'd make more money, draw more attention and reach more people. No downsides ... Keep the website the same, just increase your free content and exposure here. Thanks for the Hard work ! You're legitimately changing lives, teaching ppl and making history engaging!

[@eberry023]

Finished In Harm's Way about three weeks ago, amazing book. It is definitely worth the or listen for anyone that enjoyed this.

[@Ojisan642]

Good to see you ignoring politics and doing the great work of Hardcore History again!

[@jackiecook535]

Todays politics is tomorrow's history.

[@matthewtrevino525]

You almost have to ignore it unless you have a workable solution. The Propaganda and the technology is so deep.

[@samuelquintanilla6338]

I find myself following suit, politics of today is disgusting .

[@theterriblechildren9018]

YES! MORE DAN CARLIN!

[@renanelvira]

A story that will never leave my mind

[@colossalcollin]

*THANKS DAN*

[@andreascovano7742]

wow, This story is something I could never have immagined

[@Spyderist]

Great work

[@makerstudios5456]

Sometimes the shark go away. Sometimes he don’t go away. Sometimes Dan releases the second episode of Supernova. Sometimes he don’t release the second episode of Supernova.

[@justmyopinion2333]

makerstudios you start pounding an screaming and Dan,s eyes roll black and doesn’t make sequel

[@cjtrickstar6060]

I'll never wear a life jacket again

[@killswitchrulez00]

Dan Carlin is always great.

[@_JohnDo]

Got notified of Dan's new video... Just when I though I was having a bad day..

[@Scientist_Salarian]

Great show! Out of pure coincidence, I just bought the book "Indianapolis" By Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic. This was a nice warm up to the event before diving in.

[@JesterMoon-xd8fd]

Take A Moment Dan, you paint with your words. Stay Safe and Stay Free

[@pharmacovigilant]

Hard to believe this happened. Impossible to imagine.

[@davidmchugh4962]

When I saw the title I thought to myself , wonder if that's about the story in jaws and BOOM....you my boy Dan!!!

[@9mathias408]

Great documentry on this The legacy USS Indianapolis. Told by the sailers

[@gelfling]

I hear it's good for your KZbin rating if we comment. So here goes! Great show as always. I'm not at all put off by any lack of "artistic touch" as you put it. I like how it's more of a thought that you had while researching, and are able to share with us. Perhaps this method would allow more frequent content? I bet a lot of rabbit holes appear during research. :) Always grateful for your wisdom and perspective. How about a Q and A episode sometime? (What do you think could lead the world to end war / begin world peace the fastest or best?) Thank you so much for your show.

[@0sm1um76]

Hearing all these details makes me appriciate the movie Dunkirk more. Those scenes where the ships sink are chilling.

[@JoshuaKevinPerry]

The men that drowned immediately were the lucky ones. Was how my grand daddy ended his story about this.

[@tristan7848]

Another amazing work from Dan and his team! Anyone else notice that the actual audio quality is a bit lower on this episode compared to other recent ones? Am I cray?

[@MoeAji]

Thanks for the horror story Dan. I'm not touching a boat for a while.

[@charlesrosa1481]

outstanding podcast

[@FierceMundy]

Jaws underrated? It's like one of the most beloved movies of all time.

[@DorkKnight99]

This was awesome. Can't WAIT for the rest of Supernova. Praying there's some decent focus on the US carriers and the absolute awesome thorn in Japan's side they became after Pearl.

[@EMAN00619]

How long can I put myself off playing this? Damn lasted 3 minutes.

[@espadolfo]

EMAN00619 me too! Lmao

[@mattbigelow4355]

just click and let the content flow!

[@Galvaxatron]

Oh hell yes! Dan Carlin time!

[@willkatching9219]

You know when Dan narrates at ya, he dont seem to he livin. Till he quotes ya. Then his voice roollllssss back and theres the pounding and the hollerin and that terrible thunderous UNQUOTE.

[@GBTWC]

Thank you

[@darwinawardcommittee]

My wife’s uncle she never met was on the Indianapolis. Her dad had an older brother he doesn’t remember because his big brother went off to war while he was a baby (big farm family). My wife’s cousin never met his dad. He was born just a couple days after the sinking. It’s so sad when you think about it. A young bride at home with a newborn that will never meet his dad😢

[@doinksinthePM]

You actually sound like Richard Dreyfuss at certain points. Dang, now I can't unhear it!

[@martinrheaume5393]

That was brutal, dude

[@jackiecook535]

I know quality podcasts take time but it doesn't stop the dry heaves I get between shows. Thanks for throwing these tidbits out there to quell my addiction. Miss Common Sense something awful.

[@amonferrari]

Yay! Thanks for that!

[@SLIDESPOT]

surprised that JAWS is considered a classic? JAWS is one of the best American films ever made simply because it covered all the bases; it as an adventure, it was a thriller, it was a horror, it had comedy, it had great dialogue and great characters. A great score and it was beautifully shot.

[@ACarter87]

It got turned into a “joke” in some eyes because of the ride at Disneyland, and the subsequent movies There was a period in I’d say the 90’s, where it just was “spoofed” and things so much, as well as people that keep acting like sharks aren’t that bad, etc…. Undermining the movie happened quickly But yes, it’s obviously one of the best movies ever made Classic case of something so amazing getting played so much you grow tired of it, until you revisit it years later and go “wow yea it still holds up and I’m an idiot” lol

[@schaddenkorp6977]

@@ACarter87 Minor correction: it was the theme ride at Universal not Disneyland. Also I never understood how anyone could watch that scene where the guy is screaming in terror as the shark devours him alive, his bones crunching as he spews up blood, and all they can think about is “that shark looks so fake”. Fucking misanthropes these people.

[@ben-jam-in6941]

Sending Christmas cards to the Captain years later was just cold and cruel no matter how much grief one has for the loss of a loved one. Blame war, hell even blame the Japanese who shot the torpedo (even blaming them for following orders isn’t gonna help anyone) but the Captain who did his best.... That’s just cruel and his death is the outcome they obviously wanted it just took 20 years. Sad.

[@kylebell7323]

Great story dan! You ever think of doing a short show about the sms emden?

[@RedsKinDK23]

Last night I fell asleep to what has been my first go of the "Death Throes Of The Old Republic" series, on ep. 3 now. I was wondering when will Dan release "Super Nova In The East pt. 2" ? I am of course surprised to look and see this new addendum was released. Eerie.

[@orthodoxcaveman5819]

I had no idea this happened. Probably because I'm not American, despite knowing a lot about ww2. This is heart wrenching, very good one.

[@charliestone8323]

these are rare and far between. Nice to have a new upload Carlin.

[@DRsideburns]

This was an amazing hh as usual... but one request for future. And i understand this is a shorter program but please give just a few words of closure at the end about how the men got out of this situation.

[@highjinx6519]

And what happened to the Captain of the ship. Poor guy.

[@lisad476]

Chilling.

[@konatelassina5301]

Curious about the title of the book he mentioned about behavior under survival situations.

[@anchorbait6662]

I can't wait for the multi part Shackleton show. When is that coming out btw? ;)

[@Scientist_Salarian]

Oh, that would be so great!

[@tristanmestroni6724]

There may be "worse" things, but I can't think of anything more terrifying.

[@Jayson8181]

Great.

[@twt3716]

The book jaws is pretty dark and deep. The film on the other hand used to be my feel good film as a kid. I always watched it when I needed comfort. What a weird kid I was.

[@yumpie100]

Damm his podcasts are not like others.. i cant play games or do other things while listening. it deserve the undivided attention

[@richardcolman9043]

I don't fear much. But deep dark water and sharks scare the bejesus out of me. Thanks I think. Great show...

[@samuraichilton]

Lived in Indy for 17 years. There is a littlr sign on 465, maybe its on Interstate 70 that is put there for the U.S. Indianapolis. I have never really heard the story. Thanks Dan.

[@justrightheightbear]

Theres the memorial down on the Canal Walk. It and the other memorials throughout the city, especially the World War Memorial should all be visited more often than they are. www.ussindianapolis.org/monument.htm

[@samuraichilton]

@@justrightheightbear wow, thank you. Ive walked the canal half a hundred times. Im not sure if I have ever stopped by the USS Indianapolis memorial. Is that the one next to the steam clock and museum?

[@justrightheightbear]

@@samuraichilton you might be thinking of the glass panel congressional medal of honor memorial. The USS Indianapolis memorial is on the north south running part of the canal just north of Michigan St and south of St Claire St

[@TorahObservantUnitarian]

This is honestly frightening.

[@4gegtyreeyuyeddffvyt]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Hell yes!!!!!!

[@rustygoldentv4049]

The great Indy scene in JAWS was written by John Milius 👏 who has been brought in to some epic movies to add THE SCENE. He wrote APOCALYPSE NOW. And yes, THE line about the napalm 😅. Also wrote RED DAWN and directed CONAN: THE BARBARIAN. There's a great documentary out there called MILIUS. 👏 True Hollywood Renegade Genius I forgot that one of THE SCENE with speech that he wrote was in DIRTY HARRY. "Do you feel lucky punk" scene describing the .357 is epic.

[@filthypetetheinternetpeasant]

man goes in the salsa, sharks in the salsa

[@nutsackmania]

My grandma gave me Fatal Voyage by Dan Kurzman when I was a kid. It was pretty crazy for an 11 year old to read.

[@bruno17289]

Welp that was rough.

[@forresthunter1483]

Awesome! But yeah, you didn't cancel part 2 of Japan, did you?

[@DeathBySnuSnu69]

I cannot find you on audible do you have a link to follow?

[@russellmlfranklin]

Well, this is horrifying...

[@billyrowland503]

GREAT PODCAST!! Will no longer be listening on youtube however. I've had enough of being interrupted by adds.

[@floraposteschild4184]

Not many people know that the Indianapolis speech in Jaws was written by Robert Shaw himself. He was a fine playwright (The Man In the Glass Booth) as well as an actor. He died tragically early of cancer.

[@floraposteschild4184]

I had a comment (which has disappeared from my feed somehow) that was very positive the Jaws speech was written by John Milius. From the Wiki: "The question of who deserves the most credit for writing Quint's monologue about the Indianapolis has caused substantial controversy. Spielberg described it as a collaboration between Sackler, Milius, and actor Robert Shaw, who was also a playwright.[20] According to the director, Milius turned Sackler's "three-quarters of a page" speech into a monologue, and that was then rewritten by Shaw.[24] [Primary screenwriter Carl] Gottlieb gives primary credit to Shaw, downplaying Milius's contribution.[25][26]" Before anyone gets snippity about "oh, Wikipedia", the sources include Lester Friedman's Steven Spielberg: Interviews, Gottlieb's The Jaws Log, and Jankiewicz, Patrick (2009). Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion. Check it out: books.google.ca/books?id=eqY-DwAAQBAJ&q=+Indianapolis&redir_esc=y#v=snippet&q=Indianapolis&f=false For what it's worth, I've also read it in articles about Shaw and his biography; he was also known to help rewrite lines in other films he appeared in. Milius made the claim well after Shaw's death, which was fortunate for Milius.