Alcatraz Collection
Incorrigible men against unforgiving nature and the ugliest fortress mankind could build. An ominous-looking island that's home to men so hardened they wouldn't behave at standard prisons—little wonder Alcatraz has captured the imagination of Americans for nearly a century. Alcatraz was used as a Federal Penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, housing famous criminals such as Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Stroud, "The Birdman of Alcatraz." Its years of operation almost directly coincided with the golden age of radio, and many old time radio stories were based on the prison. This 9-episode collection (running 4 hours 28 minutes) brings together radio programs that dramatized life on "the Rock" and the incorrigible men confined there. From the silent cell houses to treacherous tidal currents, these episodes capture the grim reality and legendary reputation of America's most feared prison.
Collection Highlights
- Includes the Gang Busters episode "Case of Alcatraz Prison Riot" (broadcast May 11, 1946), which dramatized real events that had occurred only nine days earlier—a remarkably fast turnaround from news to radio drama.
- Features "Bad Man" from Calling All Cars, starring Gale Gordon, alongside episodes of Chase and Sanborn Hour, March of Time, and two gripping Pat Novak detective stories: "Father Lahey [Escape From Prison]" (April 2, 1949) and "Only Way To Make Friends Is To Die" (June 18, 1949).
- Traces the cultural fascination with Alcatraz through multiple genres—detective tales, docudrama, and variety shows—showing how quickly the penitentiary's mythos spread through radio airwaves.
Track Listing
Show all 18 tracks (4 hours, 28 min)
- Calling All Cars 371123 209 Bad Man
- Chase And Sanborn Hour 370606 05 Constance Bennett
- Gang Busters 460511 0433 Case Of Alcatraz Prison Riot
- Gangbusters - John K Giles.
- L F 1959 Alcatraz
- March Of Time 380210 Washerwoman Wins Golf Crown
- Pat Novak 490402 008 Father Lahey [Escape From Prison]
- Pat Novak 490618 019 Only Way To Make Friends Is To Die
- Stand By For Crime 05 Queenie O'Rourke Murder
- Calling All Cars 371123 209 Bad Man
- Chase And Sanborn Hour 370606 05 Constance Bennett
- Gang Busters 460511 0433 Case Of Alcatraz Prison Riot
- Gangbusters - John K Giles.
- L F 1959 Alcatraz
- March Of Time 380210 Washerwoman Wins Golf Crown
- Pat Novak 490402 008 Father Lahey [Escape From Prison]
- Pat Novak 490618 019 Only Way To Make Friends Is To Die
- Stand By For Crime 05 Queenie O'Rourke Murder
