American History Tellers Daring Prison Escapes | Fleeing the Rock | 2
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Sep 10, 2025 In the heart of the San Francisco Bay lies Alcatraz, a prison known as an unbreakable fortress. Frank Lee Morris and three accomplices devised an intricate escape plan in 1962, marked by desperation and clever tactics. The tension mounts as they navigate fears and the threat of discovery, culminating in perilous moments before their audacious bid for freedom. The aftermath leaves behind unanswered questions about the fate of the escapees, adding to the legend of this daring escape.
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Frank Morris's Early Life And Criminal Pattern
- Frank Lee Morris grew up in unstable foster care and repeatedly escaped juvenile detention before ending up in Alcatraz for bank robbery.
- His lifelong pattern of escapes and crimes set the stage for him to mastermind the 1962 breakout attempt.
Fortress Meets Human Fallibility
- Alcatraz combined geographic isolation with modern security to craft an image of being truly inescapable.
- Despite this reputation, small operational gaps and human factors undermined that image over time.
How A Tip From A Brush Shop Sparked The Plan
- Morris learned of an unguarded ventilator shaft from a fellow inmate while working in the brush shop and immediately began scheming.
- He then tested that idea by scraping the wall near his cell vent with a nail file to widen access toward the utility corridor.
