Did anyone happen to see the documentary on the History Channel about the Anglin brothers' escape from Alcatraz? Basically, their family produced compelling evidence to show that they actually did escape and made their way to Brazil. The best evidence was a picture supposedly taken on their farm in Brazil in 1975. It was forensically tested and, while the science could not prove it was them 100%, in the opinion of the examiner, it was them. Then they went into the techniques he used in comparing the new picture to mug shots and other known pics of them prior to the escape. Really cool show if you're into the story of the only successful escape from 'The Rock'.
I remember the movie Escape From Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood. Was the movie based on the real escape?
Yes, Alcatraz was supposed to be escape proof. Prior to this, there had been 13 attempts and all failed. The last attempt was the only successful escape, but most experts think they drowned because of the distance to land and the temp of the water. There was also a very strong current that may have pulled them out to sea. The documentary on the History Channel provided an alternate theory and evidence suggesting that they did actually survive.
I always wanted to believe they made it, but I wasn't sure. The Anglin brothers only crime was robbing a bank - with a toy gun. The only reason they were even sent to Alcatraz was because they escaped every other prison they were sent to. I've seen other documentaries that actually had professional swimmers in wetsuits try to swim from the prison to San Fran, which is only little over a mile, and they've failed. After watching the show and seeing how they were most likely towed instead of having to swim, I absolutely think they made it.
So was the raft thing on the movie only that? Movie addition or did they make one for real? If they had to swim I don't like their chances
They never let the facts get in the way of a good story in the movies. Who knows how much is accurate. But how would they get a raft in a place like Alcatraz unless they were able to build one? Would take tools and nails or screws as well as the wood. And where would they hide it while they were building it?
