Ep 20. Alcatraz: Surviving The Rock

Alcatraz: Surviving The Rock is an episode from the National Geographic Documentaries season 2012. This fascinating documentary explores the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, also known as "The Rock," and the prisoners who survived the harsh conditions and tried to escape its walls.

Through interviews with former inmates, guards, and experts in the field, viewers will gain insight into what life was like on the island prison. They will learn about the strict rules and regulations that prisoners had to follow, including a strict daily routine of work, exercise, and meals. They will also hear firsthand accounts of the brutality that many inmates faced at the hands of the guards.

The documentary delves into the many escape attempts made by inmates over the years, including the famous 1962 escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. Viewers will learn about the cunning methods used by the escapees to outsmart the guards, as well as the intricate planning and preparation that went into each attempt.

Alcatraz: Surviving The Rock also explores the psychological toll that life in prison took on the inmates. Many of them suffered from mental illness or became institutionalized after spending years in solitary confinement. The documentary uses archival footage and interviews with experts to examine the long-lasting effects of incarceration on the human psyche.

Throughout the episode, viewers will be treated to stunning views of Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay. They will learn about the island's history as a military fortress, the Native American occupation that took place in the 1960s, and the eventual transformation of the prison into a national park.

Overall, Alcatraz: Surviving The Rock is an engaging and informative look at one of America's most notorious prisons. It offers a glimpse into a dark chapter in U.S. history and sheds light on the human spirit's resilience in the face of extreme adversity.