The Incredible Alcatraz Prison Break

Summary

This video explores the mysterious 1962 Alcatraz escape, where three inmates—John and Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris—managed to escape from the infamous island prison. The script dives into the intricacies of their escape plan, the years of investigation, and various theories about whether the Anglin brothers survived. It features anecdotes from family members, such as alleged sightings and a controversial photo from Brazil, along with humorous commentary from the hosts. Despite the FBI closing the case in 1979, the story remains an unsolved mystery, sparking debate on whether the escapees found freedom or met an untimely end.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1962 Alcatraz escape was an extraordinary plan executed by John and Clarence Anglin, Frank Morris, and Allen West, involving intricate planning and resourcefulness.
• 😀 The escapees used everyday items, like stolen raincoats and a vacuum motor, to build a raft and tunnel out of their cells.
• 😀 The escapees' ultimate goal was to escape Alcatraz Island, which was surrounded by treacherous waters and strong currents.
• 😀 The use of dummy heads to fool the guards, along with a clever escape route through the prison's ventilation system, was crucial to the success of their plan.
• 😀 There are mixed theories about whether the escapees survived the cold waters surrounding the island, with some believing they perished, while others argue they made it to safety.
• 😀 Despite extensive searches, no bodies were found in the waters, which fuels ongoing speculation about the fate of the escapees.
• 😀 Family members of the Anglin brothers have claimed sightings of them alive years after the escape, including a controversial photograph taken in Brazil in the 1970s.
• 😀 An expert associated with a History Channel documentary suggested the photograph of two men in Brazil was the Anglin brothers, although the FBI disagreed.
• 😀 Allen West, the inmate left behind, cooperated with the authorities and later served time in multiple prisons but ultimately died in 1978.
• 😀 The FBI officially closed the case on the 1962 escape in 1979, but U.S. Marshals have kept it open, hoping to solve the mystery or confirm the escapees' deaths.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the Alcatraz escape in 1962?

The primary goal was for three inmates—John and Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris—to escape the maximum-security prison of Alcatraz. They worked together to escape by creating detailed plans involving tunnels and makeshift tools.

Why did the escapees use papier-mâché heads during their escape?

The escapees created realistic papier-mâché heads to place on their beds, tricking the guards into thinking they were still in their cells during headcounts, allowing them to have more time to escape unnoticed.

What role did Allen West play in the escape?

Allen West, another inmate, was initially part of the escape plan but was left behind after he failed to escape on time. He later cooperated with authorities and provided information about the escape, helping in their search for the fugitives.

What did David Widner claim about the Anglin brothers' survival?

David Widner, the nephew of the Anglin brothers, claimed that his uncle Robert, before his death, confessed that the brothers had survived the escape and were alive. This claim included reports of mysterious women attending family funerals, which some believed could have been the Anglin brothers in disguise.

What is the significance of the photo taken in Brazil in 1975?

A photo taken in Brazil in 1975 allegedly showed John and Clarence Anglin alive, taken by Fred Brizzi, a childhood friend of the brothers. This photo reignited speculation about the brothers' survival after the escape.

How did the U.S. Marshal's office respond to the claims about the photo?

The U.S. Marshal's office investigated the claims but concluded that the photo did not depict the Anglin brothers. However, they acknowledged that a definitive determination could not be made due to the photo's age, wear, and the subjects wearing sunglasses.

What was the general public’s reaction to the possibility of the Anglin brothers surviving the escape?

Some people, especially members of the Anglin family, believed that the brothers survived and lived their lives undetected for decades, while others, including law enforcement, remained skeptical. The idea of them being free for so long added intrigue to the case.

What does the script suggest about the effectiveness of the prison system in the case of the Anglin brothers?

The script humorously suggests that if the Anglin brothers survived the escape and avoided trouble for over 50 years, it might indicate that the prison system 'worked' in reforming them, given their success in avoiding capture.

Why was the FBI’s investigation into the escape closed in 1979?

The FBI closed the case in 1979 after 15 years of investigation, acknowledging that the mystery of the 1962 Alcatraz escape remains unsolved. They stated that the case would remain open until the fugitives were found or their deaths were confirmed.

What is the current status of the case, according to the FBI?

The case remains open with the U.S. Marshal’s office. The investigation will continue until the fugitives are either arrested, evidence of their deaths is found, or they reach the age of 99 years.