"In the sequence where I am burned at the stake, everything was so casual and hazardous that the bottom of my dress caught fire, and the grips became hysterical as they tried to pull me off the stake"

In this vivid quote, Barbara Steele, a well-known actress known for her work in scary movies during the 1960s, recounts a perilous event that took place throughout the shooting of a scene. The context of this quote is set against the background of a film shoot, particularly one including a significant sequence where Steele's character is burned at the stake. This type of scene is emblematic of the gothic scary genre in which Steele often carried out, identified by extreme, fear-inducing setups.

The language Steele uses-- specifically "casual and dangerous"-- recommends a rather disconcerting nonchalance on set regarding safety protocols, which appears to have actually been rather particular of the age's film productions, where unique results were frequently practical and security standards less extensive compared to today's requirements. This absence of safety measure caused a tangible danger, culminating in a hazardous real-life mishap: the bottom of Steele's gown igniting. Her usage of "casual" underscores an apparently relaxed or less than professional attitude toward the potentially risky circumstance, while "harmful" highlights the intrinsic dangers carried out.

The situation heightens as the grips, team members responsible for ensuring the security and functionality of set devices, are referred to as becoming "hysterical". Their hysteria paints an image of the instant mayhem and panic that ensued with the unexpected ignition of Steele's attire. This response speaks volumes about the unexpected shift from acting within a controlled environment to facing a genuine emergency situation. The grips' frenzied efforts to pull Steele off the stake highlight both their issue for her safety and the gravity of the occurrence.

In general, the quote captures the blend of historic industry practices, the unpredictable nature of physical results in filmmaking, and the human aspect of spontaneity and vulnerability in the middle of the illusion of movie theater. It works as a reflection on the progressing requirements of security on film sets and the genuine risks stars often faced in pursuit of cinematic storytelling.