The Alcatraz prison operated from August 11, 1934, to March 21, 1963. Currently, it is a public museum. However, something transpired here in 1962, which is still a subject of discussion and debate in today’s day and age.
Situated in the middle of San Francisco Bay, the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was often considered America’s most secure prison. Alcatraz had modern buildings and facilities, and prison operators believed that it was escape-proof. Furthermore, since it was surrounded by cold waters and strong currents of San Francisco Bay, it was hard to imagine any prisoners attempting an escape. However, according to the FBI website, 36 men attempted 14 different separate escapes. Almost all of them got caught or couldn’t survive.
However, in June 1962, three men named John Anglin, Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris reportedly succeeded in escaping the Alcatraz prison.
In 1979, a film titled “Escape from Alcatraz” showcased how the aforementioned inmates escaped from this highly secure prison.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the synopsis of Escape from Alcatraz reads, “Frank Morris, a hardened con with a history of prison breaks, is sent to serve the rest of his life sentence at Alcatraz — America’s most infamously brutal and inescapable maximum security prison. Morris quickly realizes the prison’s dehumanizing effects and clashes with its cruel warden. Fed up with life at Alcatraz, Morris and two convict brothers meticulously plan the unthinkable: an escape from the island.”
Escape from Alcatraz starred Clint Eastwood as Frank Morris, Fred Ward as John Anglin, and Jack Thibeau as Clarence Anglin.
How did Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin escape Alcatraz Prison?
Frank Morris arrived at Alcatraz in 1960. He was convicted of bank robbery, burglary, trying to escape other prisons, and several other crimes. John Anglin arrived a few months later and finally, in 1961, John’s brother, Clarence arrived. The trio knew each other from their time in a different prison.
The authorities placed these three convicts in cells located next to each other. Soon after, they started planning their escape, and Morris took the lead. Morris was well-known for his intelligence and quick thinking.
On June 12, 1962, the three convicts placed papier-mâché heads (that resembled them) on their beds. After that, they used a ventilation shaft and an unused utility corridor to break out of the main prison building. They then used an improvised inflatable raft to get out of the island. What happened to the three prisoners remains a mystery to this day.
Another inmate, named Allen West, was also supposed to escape with the trio. However, his attempt failed. West was born in New York City on March 25, 1929. He died on December 21, 1978.
Frank Morris was born on September 1, 1926, in Washington DC. After becoming an orphan at the age of 11, he turned to crime. His inmate number was AZ1441. John and Clarence Anglin were born on May 2, 1930, and May 11, 1931, respectively. After robbing the Bank of Columbia in Columbia, Alabama, they received 35-year sentences. John’s inmate number was AZ1476, while Clarence’s was AZ1485.
