How 3 Men Escaped the 'Unescapable' Prison

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Thoughty2 (Arran) is a British YouTuber and gatekeeper of useless facts. Thoughty2 creates mind-blowing factual videos about science, tech, history, opinion and just about everything else.
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Writing: Bevan Rees
Editing: Alex Brown
Script Development: Steven Rix

[CraicDealer]

I personally have always gone with the boat theory. Morris was a genius, the idea he meticulously planned the breakout of Alcatraz without a plan to get to land besides hoping they could just hopefully survive the currents seems extremely unlikely

[mensen]

I have visited Alcatraz in person, I have read the story in many articles and I have seen the Clint Eastwood movie 3 times, yet I still clicked on this video because this story is so fascinating and it never ceases to amaze me. Truly genius, especially for criminals. Thanks for the great video!

[bobdylan]

The escape stories always make you want to root for the people escaping. Must be something psychological. empathizing with the universal fear of being trapped and confined by people with way more power than you, who have a distain for you.

[ryanbauer]

8:31 "At first glance it's easy to see how these articles didn't raise alarm bells."

Yes, nobody expected them to be able to read Russian.

[TheREALJosephTurner]

I believe they made it, and I believe the letter was genuine. Think about it- if the authorities hadn't claimed that the letter had no merit, then they would be admitting that their inescapable prison WAS escapable, but more importantly, they would be admitting that these three people have successfully evaded them for decades. Considering the age of the remaining escapee, they probably thought it was worth more to save face than to save an elderly fugitive near death.

[bryangleason]

Couldn't tap fast enough, finally!

[clarissa]

Wow those guys were brilliant. Imagine what they could have accomplished if they hadn’t turned to a life of crime.

[DrethNET]

I will never cease to be amazed by Thoughty2's dedication to create his own animations as well as stock footage. Simply incredible.

[AuntyNick.]

The war on drugs had the same efeect as the war on alcohol (known as prohibition 1920 -1933) It created a fantastic opportunity for organised crime to throw a party.

[HornetKingOfficial]

Great video, Brother! Always loved this story!

[Dorbellprod]

"Morris solved the inflation problem"
Damn i wish

[Chio_OB]

I've heard this story told many times but never as well, also I did not know about the photo and facial recognition of said photo. Although by no means should these men be admired overall, you just have to respect the planning and cajones of this escape, successful or nor. Well told Arran, I'm going to buy at least one of your books as a thank you for all your wonderful YT vids.

[davea]

Years ago my dad gave me a joke sweatshirt that said "Alcatraz Swim Team" on it. I sometimes wore it. Lol. 🤪

[lucindaalbrecht]

I personally believe they made it and spent the remainder of their life undercover. 

My reasoning:

- They were an extremely intelligent and experienced group, meaning that their planning was equally so. 
- If they couldn't wait another few days so all four of them escape, their planning must have been super precise and detailed.
- We know they had help from a large portion of the jail, who knows how much else others could have offered to help them.
- If they were living undercover, it would make sense for them to have appeared discreetly at events like family funerals.

and I do believe the letter was legit. My reasoning:

- It would be at the right time that everyone else including family and friends to have already passed. Having lost everyone, already 83, and diagnosed with cancer, doesn't leave much reason to continue living.
- If he knew he was going to die, why not get his name out and finally tell everyone of his 'impossible' achievement.
- Since jhon anglin had been living undercover, it makes it very hard to get a job (let alone a high paying job). This means that he was unlikely able to pay for cancer treatment. Jails, however, provide medical treatment, so it would make sense for him to turn himself in, in return for healthcare.

also, it would have been easy for the government to classify the letter as fake since it would put their prisons and police in bad light. No government will willingly take the risk and make themselves appear 'to have failed their citizens'.

[michaelnewton]

2:40 I was slightly proud when i understood the reference to the Japanese soup fellow

[randomvintagefilm]

Nothing is 100% escape proof except your own grave. There is no way a genius like Morris would have thought he had enough time to swim those freezing waters to shore before the alarm bells went off. He knew the previous attempts had all drowned. He studied the currents. All they had to do was swim to that boat.

[jasona]

looking into the eyes of these three men, you just knew they weren't gonna lose that night.

they look absolutely determined to survive and be free at any cost.

[cynicalclockworks]

I like believing they escaped. Its a lot more fun to think they conquered the impossible, and spent the rest of their long lives with a completely deserved air of smugness.

[sugandham]

The whole document of the Alcatraz case is a must watch.
P.S. Morris was a genius.

[anaoop]

It’s honestly beautiful what people can do with enough determination. Too bad they were criminals, they had the potential for something much greater than a prison escape.