MovieChat Forums > Escape from Alcatraz (1979) Discussion > So we know that the Anglin brothers surv...

So we know that the Anglin brothers survived, what do you think happened

posted 8 years ago by joel-craike
7 replies | jump to latest

to Frank Morris?? I believe he also made it just like the Anglin brothers. Morris would of went his own way. I wonder if any of the 3 could still be alive today it's very possible but they would be 85-90 years old..

[–] creatorof2002 8 years ago

I am wondering this, if they changed their identities and made new lives for themselves and were living a quiet simple life somewhere and got caught now as 90 or so year olds would they be put back in prison? What would be the point?

[–] chet19 8 years ago

We do NOT know anyone survived, but very very possible.

I want to know how they got off Angel Island. That is in the middle of the sea, just like Alcatraz. No one reported a boat stolen from that island.

[–] creatorof2002 8 years ago

I cannot figure out why they went to Angel Island in the first place, why not just get to the mainland and steal a car and drive as far as possible? I saw on a National Geographic documentary about the escape that 3 men carjacked someone in Marin the day after the escape and the victim called the cops but they never found the poor guy's car. He never got a good look at their faces but it was 3 men. Not proof its the escapees since carjackers are usually men (somewhere I am sure a woman jacked a car) and criminals tend to work in small groups so it could be a coincidence.

Some people theorize it was the convicts.

[–] joel-craike 8 years ago

I saw that documentary where it was stated that 3 men did steal a car a day or so after the escape and if that did really happen then I believe that it was possibly the 3 convicts who escaped from Alcatraz who stole that guy's car in the Marin Headlands or wherever it was, just my opinion.

[–] ben-thayer 7 years ago

We do NOT know anyone survived, but very very possible.

In the most recent documentary about the escape attempt, some very pertinent information was presented that makes an *extremely* strong case that they did indeed make it. The family - who have been highly reticent in cooperating with authorities - actually were cooperating at the time of the show.

First, a couple links:

http://abc30.com/news/new-leads-in-alcatraz-escapees-manhunt/1351556/

Oddly enough the most detailed description of the documentary I could find is on a completely unreliable site: The Daily Mail. However that article was simply recounting the details presented in the documentary. It has screenshots of the forensic facial recognition, as well as the new details concerning the escape using electrical cord. Sorry about using that reference, but the article is quite comprehensive in relation to the documentary. I'll give the DM a pass for this one instance...but just this once.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3270269/The-picture-proves-two-inmates-DID-escape-Alcatraz-Notorious-escapees-didn-t-drown-body-surfed-passenger-ferry-freedom-started-farm-Brazil-claims-family.html

- They did not attempt to row across the bay or to Angel Island, they paddled *around* Alcatraz to a predetermined location near the boat launch and remained hidden.

- They also stole a 120ft length of extension cord which would be critical. This cord was attached secretly to the rudder of a boat that was at the launch...a boat they knew would start back across the bay after midnight.

- In this manner they were towed out into the bay, where they cut loose, and were subsequently picked up by another boat that was waiting for them. Eyewitness accounts stated that another boat was on the water that evening with no lights, and that a searchlight came on and began searching the bay after the boat from Alcatraz passed.

The most telling piece of evidence was a photo of two men standing next to a giant anthill (or rock?) in Brazil. In the documentary, a forensic investigator examined the photo using facial recognition software, comparing specifically John Anglin's features...his high forehead and forehead ridge, eyes, ears, etc. His examination appeared to be a dead-on match. After completing it he was asked what he would do, and his answer was "call out the posse."

Historically the theory was that Frank Morris was the leader and everything they did was his idea, as Morris had a high IQ. The Anglin family however have gone on record to say that John and Clarence were extremely resourceful, and were "both McGivers, they could make anything out of nothing".

If they did indeed use this method, it sure seems to give credence to the story that they were successful.

[–] 7 years ago

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[–] noirish73 7 years ago

Many thanks for the links, ben-thayer! Fascinating stuff. I've been obsessed with Alcatraz and this escape for years--especially after having living in S.F. and often seeing The Rock out in the Bay, seemingly so close to Fisherman's Wharf!