'The Battle of Alcatraz': Release date, plot, trailer and all you need to know about the Reelz special
Alcatraz Island was at one point believed to be the location of the most secure prison in the United States. The maximum-security federal prison was once the country's most fortified and most guarded prison until it was shut down in 1963 after Attorney General Robert F Kennedy ordered Alcatraz closed, citing the high expense of its maintenance.
In fact, Alcatraz was so secure that many believe it is unlikely that any survived or went on to live happy lives as escapees after, but that did not stop people from trying. One of the most famous escape attempt stories from Alcatraz is the Battle of Alcatraz which took place from May 2 to 4 in 1946 and was the result of an unsuccessful escape attempt at the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary by armed convicts. It was the bloodiest and most violent prison breakout in Alcatraz history that included fatalities, explosives and a notorious prisoner-turned-hero, as told by guards and inmates who survived the chaos.
A new Reelz special, 'The Battle of Alcatraz', will be about the five fearsome prisoners who mounted a brutal attempt at escaping the infamous island prison that was so brazen it inspired movies from Burt Lancaster's 'The Birdman of Alcatraz' to Nicolas Cage's 'The Rock'. Read on to know more details about the special.
Release date
'The Battle of Alcatraz' will premiere on Reelz on Saturday, October 24 at 9/8c.
Plot
In a life and death chess match for freedom, five desperate and notorious inmates risked their lives to escape the most secure prison in the world using stolen guns, hostages, and an iron will to break out. Portrayed in the movies 'Brute Force' and 'Six Against the Rock' it's the most violent and widespread breakout in the history of Alcatraz. Over three days of torment, torture, and chaos eleven guards and inmates are injured while two guards and three inmates are killed.
To quell the insurrection the US military was brought in laying siege to the prison bombarding the cell house with grenades and mortar shells killing some inmates while forcing others back to their cells. 'The Battle of Alcatraz' takes viewers inside the harsh prison walls during the 1946 uprising with first-hand accounts from former inmates and prison guards who witnessed the carnage and who shed light on a surprising turn of events when a convicted murderer steps in to help in an unbelievable way.
Producers
'The Battle of Alcatraz' is produced by Hoff Productions.
Trailer
There is no trailer for 'The Battle of Alcatraz' yet but keep watching this space for future updates!
If you liked this, you'll love these:
'The Great Escape from Alcatraz Prison'
'Deadly Shootouts: The Battle of Alcatraz'
'Alcatraz: Escape to the Wiregrass'
'Alcatraz Prison Escape: Deathbed Confession'
'Alcatraz Escape: The Lost Evidence'