Ep 3. The Alcatraz Escape

In the third episode of Secrets of the Dead season 15, titled "The Alcatraz Escape," viewers are taken on an engaging journey into one of the most daring prison breaks in American history. Alcatraz, located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, was a federal prison that was deemed escape-proof in the 1930s, housing some of the most notorious criminals of all time such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.

The episode opens with the story of the escape in 1962, where three convicts - Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin - managed to break out of their cells and disappear into the night. The show explores the mystery surrounding the escape and examines several different theories about how they managed to pull it off.

To begin with, experts discuss the physical challenges of the escape and how the convicts had to navigate dangerous waters infested with sharks and powerful currents. Viewers learn about the painstaking preparations that were made beforehand, including the creation of lifelike dummy heads of the convicts that were left in their beds to buy the trio time.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that there were several factors that worked in the convicts' favour, including the fact that they had access to tools and weapons that should have been impossible to obtain. There are interviews with relatives of the Anglin brothers, as well as FBI agents who were involved in the manhunt for the escapees, all of which present different theories about what really happened on that fateful night.

One theory suggests that Morris and the Anglins managed to sneak out of their cells and into the service corridors of the prison, where they used stolen tools to cut through the wall and create an escape route. Another theory suggests that they used a raft made from raincoats to paddle to freedom, but this is called into question by experts who point out that such a feat would be incredibly difficult to pull off.

Through interviews with former inmates of Alcatraz, the episode also sheds light on what life was like inside the prison and the psychological toll it took on prisoners. It explores the history of Alcatraz, how it was used to house dangerous criminals, and the debates around whether the harsh conditions were effective in preventing recidivism.

Ultimately, the episode is a fascinating exploration of one of the most infamous prison escapes of all time, drawing on interviews with experts, former inmates, and members of law enforcement. It presents a detailed picture of the challenges that faced Morris and the Anglins, as well as the political and social context of the time. The Alcatraz Escape is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that is sure to captivate viewers.