A Bang in the Water

This happened during the filming of Little Patriot.

We’re filming a canoe chase. Our heroes are in one canoe, the evil British in another, blasting muskets at them. We’re shooting on the Katonah reservoir, from which New York City draws its drinking water. We have an EPA officer with us, watching our every move like a hawk.

Chris asks the officer if he can throw some firecrackers in the water to simulate musket hits. He’s gruffly denied. Changing his tack, Chris asks if he can use “special effects squibs” instead.

The ranger considers a moment. “Special effects squibs, that’s okay, I guess.”

The special effects squibs are, of course, firecrackers.