Charles Bail obit

Chuck Bail, Famed Stuntman and ‘Gumball Rally’ Director, Dies at 85

Chuck Bail, the Hollywood man of action who portrayed the stunt coordinator in the Peter O'Toole-starring The Stunt Man and directed frenetic films including The Gumball Rally and Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold, has died. He was 85. 

He was not on the list.

Chuck Bail, the Hollywood man of action who portrayed the stunt coordinator in the Peter O’Toole-starring The Stunt Man and directed frenetic films including The Gumball Rally and Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold, has died. He was 85.

Bail died Wednesday in a hospital in Tyler, Texas, his friend and fellow former stuntman Gary Kent told The Hollywood Reporter. Bail had heart and gall bladder issues and then contracted COVID-19, he said.

A strapping 6-foot-4, Bail served as the stunt double for Max Baer Jr. on The Beverly Hillbillies and for Peter Breck on The Big Valley, and he threw punches as henchmen employed by Mr. Freeze (Otto Preminger), Catwoman (Julie Newmar), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith) and The Riddler (John Astin) on Batman.

As the steady stunt coordinator Chuck Barton, Bail essentially played himself in director Richard Rush’s The Stunt Man (1980). He also flew the bi-plane that performed dives around the Hotel del Coronado in one of the film’s more notable sequences.

He had been Rush’s stunt coordinator on Getting Straight (1970) and Freebie and the Bean (1974), and the two worked together on Hells Angels on Wheels (1967) and The Savage Seven (1968) as well.

Bail stepped up to make his directing debut in the waning days of the blaxploitation era on Black Samson (1974), starring Rockne Tarkington, then helmed the Hong Kong-set Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975), starring Tamara Dobson.

He read about a real-life coast-to-coast road race in a newspaper and pitched Warner Bros. on the idea for The Gumball Rally (1976). The film, which starred Michael Sarrazin and Raul Julia, was a forerunner to the more famous The Cannonball Run.

Bail also served as the second-unit director who worked out the action sequences on Greased Lightning (1977), The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981) and The Beastmaster (1982).

Regarding that last one, actor Marc Singer noted in a wonderful video biography of Bail put together by stuntman Bob Ivy that he “brought in a group of stuntmen from the old days, the Westerns from television … these guys ran stunts like a football team runs plays. Horses, dogs, women, children, all in the mix.”

Later, Bail helmed Choke Canyon (1986) and Street Corner Justice (1996), which he also wrote and produced, and called the shots for episodes of CHiPs, Knight Rider, Dragnet and Baywatch Nights.

Bail was born in Pittsburgh in 1935. His father was a jeweler and his mother owned a beauty parlor. He entered the U.S. Navy when he was 17 and was a competitive boxer and swimmer in the service.

After his discharge, Bail joined a Wild West show on a tour of Asia, but when it ran out of money, the U.S. Embassy arranged for the performers to return to the States. He docked in Los Angeles in 1957 and stayed to work in Hollywood when stuntman Chuck Couch took him under his wing; soon, he was falling off horses and getting into shootouts and fistfights on such TV Westerns as Broken Arrow, The Texan, Bat Masterson and Wanted: Dead or Alive.

Bail’s credits also included the features Sweet Bird of Youth (1962), The Green Berets (1968), Dennis Hopper’s The Last Movie (1971) and The House of Seven Corpses (1974) and such TV shows as Perry Mason, Honey West, Daniel Boone, The Big Valley, The High Chaparral, Bonanza, The Monkees and Kung Fu.

Bail was “a man of his word and a straight shooter,” Kent said. “What he said he always stood by, which by Hollywood standards is a tough thing to do.”

 

Survivors include his son, Mark.

Director

Tom Lister Jr. and Marc Singer in Street Corner Justice (1996)

Street Corner Justice

4.8

Director

1996

 

David Hasselhoff in Baywatch Nights (1995)

Baywatch Nights

3.8

TV Series

Director

1995–1996

4 episodes

 

The New Adam-12 (1990)

The New Adam-12

6.1

TV Series

directed by (as Chuck Bail)

1990–1991

26 episodes

 

Dragnet (1989)

Dragnet

5.7

TV Series

Director (as Chuck Bail)

1989–1991

22 episodes

 

Choke Canyon (1986)

Choke Canyon

5.3

Director (as Chuck Bail)

1986

 

David Hasselhoff in Knight Rider (1982)

Knight Rider

6.9

TV Series

Director (as Chuck Bail)

1985–1986

4 episodes

 

Melody Anderson, Simon MacCorkindale, and Reni Santoni in Manimal (1983)

Manimal

6.5

TV Series

directed by (as Chuck Bail)

1983

1 episode

 

Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox in CHiPs (1977)

CHiPs

6.5

TV Series

Director

1981–1983

7 episodes

 

Raul Julia, Norman Burton, Susan Flannery, Harvey Jason, Steven Keats, Joanne Nail, Tricia O'Neil, Nicholas Pryor, Lázaro Pérez, Michael Sarrazin, Walter R. Smith, Wally Taylor, and Linda Vaughn in The Gumball Rally (1976)

The Gumball Rally

6.2

Director (as Chuck Bail)

1976

 

Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975)

Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold

5.6

Director (as Chuck Bail)

1975

 

Black Samson (1974)

Black Samson

6.0

Director

1974

 

Actor

Dragnet (1989)

Dragnet

5.7

TV Series

Captain Ryan (as Chuck Bail)

1990

2 episodes

 

Rainy Day Friends (1985)

Rainy Day Friends

6.5

Jack

1985

 

The Stunt Man (1980)

The Stunt Man

6.9

Chuck Barton

1980

 

David Carradine in Kung Fu (1972)

Kung Fu

7.6

TV Series

Henchman Guarding CaineSecond GuardFirst Tough

1972–1975

3 episodes

 

James Caan, Sammy Davis Jr., Stefanie Powers, Aldo Ray, and Barbara Werle in Gone with the West (1974)

Gone with the West

3.0

Mimmo's Men (as Chares Bail)

1974

 

Alan Arkin and James Caan in Freebie and the Bean (1974)

Freebie and the Bean

6.6

Cadillac Salesman (as Chuck Bail)

1974

 

Teresa Graves in Get Christie Love! (1974)

Get Christie Love!

6.5

TV Series

Louie (as Chuck Bail)

1974

1 episode

 

Bobby Parker and Company

TV Movie

Burglary suspect (as Chuck Bail)

1974

 

The House of Seven Corpses (1973)

The House of Seven Corpses

4.3

Jonathon Anthony BealTheodore Beal

1973

 

Bonanza (1959)

Bonanza

7.3

TV Series

KaleRancherIke Kels ...

1969–1971

4 episodes

 

The Last Movie (1971)

The Last Movie

6.1

1971

 

Werewolves on Wheels (1971)

Werewolves on Wheels

4.3

Pickup Truck Driver (uncredited)

1971

 

Angels' Wild Women (1971)

Angels' Wild Women

3.8

Rapist #2 (uncredited)

1971

 

The Devil's 8 (1969)

The Devil's 8

5.1

Barroom Brawler (uncredited)

1969

 

Leif Erickson, Linda Cristal, Henry Darrow, Cameron Mitchell, and Mark Slade in The High Chaparral (1967)

The High Chaparral

7.6

TV Series

SoldierBen BurrisCurly Bill Brocias

1967–1969

3 episodes

 

Fess Parker in Daniel Boone (1964)

Daniel Boone

7.3

TV Series

LuteyRiver PirateLuke ...

1967–1969

5 episodes

 

John Wayne and David Janssen in The Green Berets (1968)

The Green Berets

5.6

Sgt. Lark (uncredited)

1968

 

The Savage Seven (1968)

The Savage Seven

5.4

Taggert (as Chuck Bail)

1968

 

Laredo (1965)

Laredo

7.6

TV Series

Gang MemberDuke

1965–1967

2 episodes

 

James Drury, Doug McClure, and John McIntire in The Virginian (1962)

The Virginian

7.6

TV Series

Hardy's RiderBurney's Henchman

1966–1967

2 episodes

 

Barbara Hershey, Michael Anderson Jr., Tammy Locke, Keith Schultz, and Kevin Schultz in The Monroes (1966)

The Monroes

7.8

TV Series

Dirk (uncredited)

1967

1 episode

 

Lee Majors, Barbara Stanwyck, Linda Evans, Peter Breck, and Richard Long in The Big Valley (1965)

The Big Valley

7.6

TV Series

BrawlerBrownMel ...

1965–1966

8 episodes

 

Adam West and Burt Ward in Batman (1966)

Batman

7.5

TV Series

Henchman (uncredited)

1966

2 episodes

 

Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and The Monkees in The Monkees (1965)

The Monkees

7.5

TV Series

Jenkins (as Chuck Bail)

1966

1 episode

 

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

7.7

TV Series

THRUSH Cowboy in Hospital (uncredited)

1966

1 episode

 

Anne Francis and John Ericson in Honey West (1965)

Honey West

7.5

TV Series

Ship Crewman (uncredited)

1965

1 episode

 

Raymond Burr in Perry Mason (1957)

Perry Mason

8.3

TV Series

Baker's Henchman (uncredited)

1964

1 episode

 

Gunsmoke (1955)

Gunsmoke

8.1

TV Series

CowboyTownsmanWithers

1961–1964

3 episodes

 

David Janssen in The Fugitive (1963)

The Fugitive

8.1

TV Series

Bar Fighter (uncredited)

1964

1 episode

 

Robert Harland and Stephen McNally in Target: The Corruptors (1961)

Target: The Corruptors

7.5

TV Series

Jeski (as Chuck Bail)

1961

1 episode

 

Steve McQueen in Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958)

Wanted: Dead or Alive

8.0

TV Series

WallyLarry

1960–1961

2 episodes

 

The Texan (1958)

The Texan

7.6

TV Series

First BanditHapPrisoner ...

1958–1960

5 episodes

 

Bat Masterson (1958)

Bat Masterson

7.3

TV Series

Tod Mason (as Chuck Bail)

1960

1 episode

 

The Jayhawkers! (1959)

The Jayhawkers!

6.3

Jayhawker

1959

 

Playhouse 90 (1956)

Playhouse 90

8.3

TV Series

Cavalry sergeant

1958–1959

2 episodes

 

Zane Grey Theatre (1956)

Zane Grey Theatre

7.5

TV Series

Townsman (uncredited)

1958

1 episode

 

The Rough Riders (1958)

The Rough Riders

7.9

TV Series

Deserter (as Chuck Bail)

1958

1 episode

 

Stunts

Conan: The Adventurer (1997)

Conan: The Adventurer

5.1

TV Series

action and effects director (as Chuck Bail)

1997

1 episode

 

The Stunt Man (1980)

The Stunt Man

6.9

stunts (uncredited)

1980

 

Alan Arkin and James Caan in Freebie and the Bean (1974)

Freebie and the Bean

6.6

stunt coordinator (as Chuck Bail)

1974

 

Shelley Winters and Tamara Dobson in Cleopatra Jones (1973)

Cleopatra Jones

5.9

stunts (uncredited)

1973

 

The Last Movie (1971)

The Last Movie

6.1

stunt coordinator

1971

 

Werewolves on Wheels (1971)

Werewolves on Wheels

4.3

stunt coordinator (as Chuck Bail)

1971

 

Getting Straight (1970)

Getting Straight

6.3

stunt coordinator (as Chuck Bail)

1970

 

The Cycle Savages (1969)

The Cycle Savages

4.8

stunt coordinator

1969

 

The Devil's 8 (1969)

The Devil's 8

5.1

stunt coordinator (as Chuck Bails)

1969

 

The Scavengers (1969)

The Scavengers

5.0

stunt coordinator (as Chuck Bail)

1969

 

John Wayne and David Janssen in The Green Berets (1968)

The Green Berets

5.6

stunts (uncredited)

1968

 

Jack Nicholson, Adam Roarke, and Sabrina Scharf in Hells Angels on Wheels (1967)

Hells Angels on Wheels

5.2

stunts (uncredited)

1967

 

Adam West and Burt Ward in Batman (1966)

Batman

7.5

TV Series

stunt double: Ken Scottfight double: Jock Gaynorstunt double: Victor Lundin (uncredited, uncredited, uncredited)

1966–1967

3 episodes

 

Barbara Hershey, Michael Anderson Jr., Tammy Locke, Keith Schultz, and Kevin Schultz in The Monroes (1966)

The Monroes

7.8

TV Series

horse riding double: Ben Johnson (uncredited)

1967

1 episode

 

F Troop (1965)

F Troop

7.4

TV Series

stunt double: James Daris (uncredited)

1966

1 episode

 

Lee Majors, Barbara Stanwyck, Linda Evans, Peter Breck, and Richard Long in The Big Valley (1965)

The Big Valley

7.6

TV Series

stunt double: Peter Breck (uncredited)

1965–1966

3 episodes

 

Tom Tryon in The Glory Guys (1965)

The Glory Guys

6.1

stunt double Tom Tryonstunts (uncredited, uncredited)

1965

 

Burt Lancaster and Lee Remick in The Hallelujah Trail (1965)

The Hallelujah Trail

6.4

stunt double: Jim Hutton (uncredited)

1965

 

Dan Duryea, Elsa Cárdenas, Jean Hale, and Tony Young in Taggart (1964)

Taggart

5.8

stunts (uncredited)

1964

 

Gunsmoke (1955)

Gunsmoke

8.1

TV Series

stunt double: Jay Laninstunt double: Richard Devonstunt double: Michael Forest (uncredited, uncredited, uncredited, uncredited, uncredited) ...

1962–1964

5 episodes

 

The Ballad of a Gunfighter (1964)

The Ballad of a Gunfighter

4.8

stuntman (as Chuck Bails)

1964

 

Buddy Ebsen, Max Baer Jr., Donna Douglas, and Irene Ryan in The Beverly Hillbillies (1962)

The Beverly Hillbillies

7.3

TV Series

stunt double: Max Baer, Jr.

1962–1971

 

Paul Newman and Geraldine Page in Sweet Bird of Youth (1962)

Sweet Bird of Youth

7.1

stunts (uncredited)

1962

 

Thriller (1960)

Thriller

8.2

TV Series

stunt double: Richard Kiel (uncredited)

1961

1 episode

 

Steve McQueen in Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958)

Wanted: Dead or Alive

8.0

TV Series

stunt double: Richard Anderson (uncredited)

1961

1 episode

 

Bat Masterson (1958)

Bat Masterson

7.3

TV Series

saddle fall (uncredited)

1960

1 episode

 

The Jayhawkers! (1959)

The Jayhawkers!

6.3

stunts (uncredited)

1959

 

The Texan (1958)

The Texan

7.6

TV Series

stunt double: John Vivyanstunts (uncredited, uncredited)

1958–1959

3 episodes

 

The Rough Riders (1958)

The Rough Riders

7.9

TV Series

stunts

1958–1959

 

Michael Ansara and John Lupton in Broken Arrow (1956)

Broken Arrow

7.5

TV Series

stunts

1958

1 episode

 

Writer

Tom Lister Jr. and Marc Singer in Street Corner Justice (1996)

Street Corner Justice

4.8

storyscreenplay (as Chuck Bail, as Chuck Bail)

1996

 

Raul Julia, Norman Burton, Susan Flannery, Harvey Jason, Steven Keats, Joanne Nail, Tricia O'Neil, Nicholas Pryor, Lázaro Pérez, Michael Sarrazin, Walter R. Smith, Wally Taylor, and Linda Vaughn in The Gumball Rally (1976)

The Gumball Rally

6.2

story (as Chuck Bail)

1976

 

Producer

Tom Lister Jr. and Marc Singer in Street Corner Justice (1996)

Street Corner Justice

4.8

executive producerproducer

1996

 

Raul Julia, Norman Burton, Susan Flannery, Harvey Jason, Steven Keats, Joanne Nail, Tricia O'Neil, Nicholas Pryor, Lázaro Pérez, Michael Sarrazin, Walter R. Smith, Wally Taylor, and Linda Vaughn in The Gumball Rally (1976)

The Gumball Rally

6.2

producer (as Chuck Bail)

1976

 

Second Unit or Assistant Director

The Beastmaster (1982)

The Beastmaster

6.2

second unit director (uncredited)

1982

 

The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981)

The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper

5.6

second unit director (uncredited)

1981

 

Greased Lightning (1977)

Greased Lightning

6.4

second unit director (uncredited)

1977

 

Special Effects

Conan: The Adventurer (1997)

Conan: The Adventurer

5.1

TV Series

action and effects director (as Chuck Bail)

1998

1 episode

 

The Cycle Savages (1969)

The Cycle Savages

4.8

special effects

1969

 

Camera and Electrical Department

Conan: The Adventurer (1997)

Conan: The Adventurer

5.1

TV Series

action and effects director (as Chuck Bail)

1997

2 episodes

 

Thanks

The Oscars (2021)

The Oscars

3.7

TV Special

in memoriam

2021

 

Frame Switch (2016)

Frame Switch

6.4

thanks

2016

 

Behind the Action: Stuntmen in the Movies

8.1

TV Movie

special thanks (as Chuck Bail)

2002

 

Self

Rush: The Director's Cut

Self

Filming

 

Gary Kent in Danger God (2018)

Danger God

7.0

Self

2018

 

Rainy Day Friends: Then and Now (2011)

Rainy Day Friends: Then and Now

Short

Self - Interviewee

2011

 

The Sinister Saga of Making 'the Stunt Man' (2000)

The Sinister Saga of Making 'the Stunt Man'

6.2

Video

Self

2000

 

American Bandstand (1952)

American Bandstand

7.5

TV Series

Self

1968

1 episode