KQEDKQED

This Little-Known Escape From Alcatraz Almost Closed the Prison in 1939

View descriptionShare

The Do List

KQED's Arts Team brings you their picks of the best things to do, see, and hear around the Bay.
260 clip(s)
Loading playlist

On Jan. 13, 1939, five prisoners managed to saw through the bars of their individual cells in D block, get to the island’s western shoreline, and fashion a raft out of discarded lumber. Ultimately, two escapees were shot (one fatally) by guards, one fell from a cliff edge (and survived) and the final two were peacefully captured wearing only their skivvies.

  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Download

In 1 playlist(s)

KQED

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial m 
Recent clips
Browse 43,803 clip(s)