CLASSIC: Patriots, Prisoners and Plants: The World of Political Body Doubles
Summary
Hosts Ben and Noel explore the history of political body doubles, detailing how MI5 used actor Ewen Cameron to deceive Nazis during WWII. They discuss Joseph Stalin’s decoys, including Felix Dadev, and Saddam Hussein’s lookalikes, who underwent plastic surgery to protect the dictator. The episode also touches on alleged doubles for figures like Osama bin Laden and Fidel Castro, distinguishing these high-stakes impersonators from mere doppelgangers.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The concept of body doubles and doppelgangers
WWII Deception: General Montgomery's body double, Clifton James
Transition and ad breaks
Joseph Stalin's political decoys and Felix Dv's story
Ad breaks and sponsor reads
Saddam Hussein's lookalikes and the torture of his doubles
Other alleged doubles: Bin Laden, Castro, and Churchill
Listener mail, pop culture references, and outro
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