Alcatraz: America’s Most Infamous Prison

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Further Reading:
Escape from Alcatraz by J. Campbell Bruce, Ten Speed Press 1963, revised 2005

[@pamelamays4186]

I'm getting used to you hosting this channel. You're doing a fine job

[@thelyle1399]

Fine as in fine wine, or fine as in the food was fine, nothin special. Please define the fine.

[@kristinehansen.]

I am not

[@GENXJOPLIN]

As a lifelong Simon fan, I love this guy!

[@ProbablyNotLegit]

I gotta say, the transition was jarring, but this guy has really come into his own now - I like him.

[@kristinehansen.]

I was never here for the facts. I was here for factboy Simon and his long rants

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:45 - Chapter 1 - Early history 3:35 - Chapter 2 - Hellcatraz 6:10 - Chapter 3 - Embrace the madness 9:40 - Mid roll ads 12:20 - Chapter 4 - Making a break for it 15:05 - Chapter 5 - Rogue's gallery 18:10 - Chapter 6 - The last mile 20:45 - Chapter 7 - The rock today 22:35 - Conclusion

[@jimcappa6815]

RIP, Bonely! I did enjoy how the script became more organic after poor Bonely got killed.

[@pamelamays4186]

So, essentially Alcatraz was a time out for naughty prisoners from other prisons.

[@onejediboi]

You forgot to mention the time when 4 guys tried escaping in a makeshift aeroplane while fighting zombies

[@bigbird0993]

😂😂😂 Also I see you on tbags channel hi

[@beagleissleeping5359]

Saying a prison is escape proof is like putting a label on something saying, "Poison. Do not ingest." You know someone's going to try anyway just to prove you're wrong

[@aceundead4750]

Hang the fuck on. Was there really never a video about Alcatraz on this channel before this? With all the videos where Alcatraz made an appearance on this channel and it's sister channels this is when the prison actually gets it's own dedicated video? Holy shit that's a lot of videos and a long time before this finally happened. Good job Karl

[@DFSJR1203]

My wife and I made a trip to see Alcatraz back in 1994. We enjoyed the tour listening to the recordings explaining each part. It was the highlight of our San Francisco trip.

[@spritetyson4396]

Me and my wife just went today! We loved it!

[@resileaf9501]

Great stuff as usual. :D Love your personal commentary on the subjects you talk about. Concerning the Covid isolation question, I was fortunate that living with my family, I didn't suffer too much from it. Did *really* miss my grandparents though. Being apart from them for a long time was the worst part of it by far.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Great video as always karl! Please do Agincourt sometime!

[@briandoss9232]

Yeah the whole "let's punish prisoners in the worst legal ways we can think of" edict has never really jived with the public

[@ProbablyNotLegit]

Probably why the US government denied waterboarding people 😅

[@secretmilo]

Karl you're the perfect choice to host this channel now that Simon's gone. I hope you stay

[@mokdumoknonsharrall1868]

Hi Karl Smallwood. Your presentation style has been getting...more refined over the last few weeks. I guess as you get more comfortable with presenting? In general, I think i like the format where the stories are well researched and written from a neutral position, and then presented by a friendly and confident individual, such as yourself and Simon. I generally prefer limited editorial from the presenters, but certain situations may make it appropriate.

[@ProbablyNotLegit]

Right?? I really think Karl has come into his own, and I'm happy with him presenting - we knew there was gonna be a limit to Simon's productivity, and I guess 12(?) channels is the limit lol

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@user-eh6th9wj5k]

Great job Karl!

[@maryrowe3981]

Nice briefing on Alcatraz, thanks!

[@keryeeastin4022]

Hello Karl! What's shaken?

[@thelyle1399]

Teabagging a mug means something else in the States.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content karl! You always do an amazing job! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mrbigfish6951]

I dont know whats worse you posting at this time or me gettin out of bed to get my geo fix

[@WendyLouPollock]

Karl, your video would have been even much more enjoyable if you had explained the back story behind the skeleton.

[@ProbablyNotLegit]

Tbh I'm very much warming to Karl, he's a great presenter and seems fun

[@Koyotito20]

I see your a man of fine taste and culture. The Rock is a great movie. Just goofy action movie fun.

[@York22]

Please stay as permanent host! Your doing a great job

[@haydenthun3787]

Great video

[@russelllomando8460]

2 GREAT movies - lots of fun. good reporting.

[@spam_slayed1481]

Karl, I think you've nailed it. Simon who?

[@myssie-theanimedevourer5835]

🤔 this guy is getting use to this. Very enjoyable video presentation. 😁

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

Other film's are: Resident Evil: Death Island (2023), The Book of Eli (2010), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Murder in the First (1995), The Enforcer (1976), Point Blank (1967), Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) and J.J. Abrams' 2012 television series Alcatraz.

[@Idahoguy10157]

It took extra bad behavior for a federal inmate to be sent to Alcatraz. An inmate had to be disruptive to the point where they wouldn’t be managed at other prisons. A warden had to request to send an inmate to Alcatrz

[@debbiemoore2747]

Remember seeing it when I visited San Francisco as a teenager and was fascinated that they built a prison out there.

[@snmworks1037]

Karl, you are doing great as interim host!

[@888johnmac]

well , i think Karl has passed the audition & should get the gig .. like his idea of dressing more formally for Bio & Geo-graphics

[@888johnmac]

oh and my Covid / lockdown distraction .. i took up lockpicking ( but don't worry i'm no good at it ) .. lol

[@LikeTheBuffalo]

RIP Bonely's right leg

[@jamiekirkland2474]

Love your hosting and love your taste in Nick Cage movies! What is your opinion on Faceoff with John Travolta?

[@dingleberryhandpump802]

It was a yellow Ferrari F355 spider, not a Lambo.

[@mikehawke2374]

Second time now Karl; It was a FERRARI.

[@ArchangelXCI]

FYI for the where is Simon people. He now has a new geography channel called Places.

[@zaco-km3su]

I'm pretty sure you can make videos about all the capitals of the states of the US....or continue to make them in case you already started. After that to make videos of other large American cities. After that you can continue to make videos on the capitals of other countries. For other federal states like Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil you can make videos on the capitals of the states or territories that are part of the federation. Bigger cities around the world. Former cities would be nice also. I'm thinking of Nineveh.

[@jeffgultch934]

Sounds like it's time for another cup of coffee. I know I need 2 cups to wake me With that said, you did a remarkable video!

[@bunyipdragon9499]

I wonder if there's a home for disabled skeletons - my Mr Bones lost his right forearm about 4 yrs ago. I know your pain Karl 😢💜

[@pedro426]

As much as I like Simon it’s kinda refreshing to see someone else on one of his million channels😂

[@UCm0i6w5lBlRthCtZEoj99tg]

It crazy that they were able to shoot this episode on scene at the rock

[@figure_0491]

I'm naturally quite introverted, and live with my 2 partners. The Pandemic wasn't actually that bad for me. I didn't pick up any new hobbies/idiosyncrasies, but got more time to focus on my tabletop game miniature painting. It was actually kind of nice.

[@katrinastorm5907]

"Alcatraz means pelican" - Henry Zebrowski If you know you know

[@antoniosolano2480]

This small piece of land in the middle of the San Francisco Bay has witnessed a truly amazing history over the past few centuries. Its geographical location, about 2 kilometers from the coast, in the middle of the bay, almost always in mist or fog, is already remarkable. Alcatraz Island can be seen from the city of San Francisco on clear days. It is mentioned for the first time in 1775, in a document by the Spanish discoverer Juan Manuel de Ayala who called it the "island of the gannets", since gannets was a name used to designate pelicans. Therefore, it is not surprising to find a large Spanish flag as soon as you enter the interior of the most famous prison in history, in a prominent place and with a small legend to remind visitors of the times in which this piece of land also It was Spain.

[@JoeyLaison]

If you're looking for the "silly little things" to change, since you mentioned your jacket, I find the whote shirt kind of washed your conplexion and looks dingy. I bet you'd look real suave with either a crisp black button up or a deep maroon tshirt. Your voice is very lovely and smooth, I enjoy your narration

[@grandthanatos]

What about the TV show Alcatraz? It wasn't very good, but I don't think I heard a mention, and it deserves one.

[@harpwolfe3471]

Breaking the skeleton omg 😂

[@extrajay4868]

I liked the 'birdman' character from the "Superjail" cartoon tv show. Probably based on the same guy I'm sure.

[@wandahall4435]

Karl ❤❤❤😮😮😮

[@6thwilbury2331]

Came down here to see if anyone else is commenting on Karl's pronunciation of Leavenworth.

[@TimmyDfromtheD]

Simon- you really let yourself go

[@HahnJames]

Interim? They're still using that word for your current hosting position? I prefer the word, "permanent." This was a great brief history of Alcatraz chocked full of lots of great info. I did like the movie, "The Rock" quite a bit, too!

[@awkc63]

I miss Simon.

[@originalchristianvogt]

Karl Smallwood "Competitive Teabagger"

[@darthgormagander9643]

00:53 The worst prison in the WORLD? We are talking 30s and 40s here... the era of the GULAG system in the SSSR and the Concentration Camps in Nazi Germany...

[@Steven-qi4gm]

Cool video, i was just there last week. If I could make a suggestion it would be to speak slower, sounds like you are in a rush and a non native English speaker may struggle understand.

[@michaelschuette1743]

Keep karl pls

[@thelittlehooer]

8:33 Over Covid I got really into KZbin informational videos like Geographics ans Fact Fiend, as well as motorcycle/tractor/engine restoration videos. Still like crack to me. Also, I've turned off Sponsorblock on this channel because the sponsor segments are funny. This is how you do them! Edited to add: FFS Karl! you know better to mention cars in a video! That was a Ferrari 355 in The Rock. And Connery was definitely Bond in that movie, no question.

[@kevinhernandez2594]

RIP in pieces Bonely

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Would have loved to have the name small wood in school

[@jobymahon2871]

When I got sent to Ironwood I got into a fight and was sent to the hole for 30 days and the hole is solitary there I made it 19 days before I had a total mental break and spent the best 6 months of my 7 year sentence in the medical yard

[@jobymahon2871]

When you talk to people and all they do is stare at you is so devastating after a few days

[@anthawks9374]

Hell yeah..thank you ..😊

[@360arh]

I actually prefer you as host tbh

[@tahlulabang]

I had two great uncles on my mom's side of the family that were in Alcatraz for making counterfeit money

[@MikeyMcManus]

Sort out your eye line for the teleprompter, it’s very of putting.

[@tonysolino3131]

Great video and presentation style. It is refined but please don't get too refined.

[@likebot.]

That would be hilarious if your green screen was a green screen. "Machine Gun Kelly, no not that one..." then proceeds to explain it _was_ that one??? huh? I don't get the joke.

[@itsjustafad]

There’s a rapper that shares the name.

[@pjeaton58]

Simon started without a beard - how long before you grow one ???? 🧔‍♂

[@murrayscott9546]

I'd give my right hand to be ambidextrous.

[@mjwbulich]

Two things The shark thing is a myth. No has been killed by a shark in the bay since the 1800s. Attacks are beyond rare. I'm a Bay Area native and have done the Escape from Alcatraz Swim twice. It's not too cold and it's not to far. I'm no athlete and was able to make the swim in just over an hour. I witnessed a 65 year old woman make the swim in 40 minutes without a wetsuit. As long as you know what the tides are doing so you can predict the currents any reasonably fit person could make the swim

[@MrBrick1981]

Karl, we'd like you to stay now. I look forward to when you stop saying"interim host* You don't want to have to get used to a whole new person

[@murrayscott9546]

Devil's Island wassa kinda a bi of Paradise ! It was the Jungle that made you Sorry..

[@raffyschaw2622]

What happened to the bald guy?

[@archstanton6102]

He left about 4 months ago

[@wdyahnke]

My note is to lean into your accent. It’s fun =)

[@ianmacdiarmid1249]

Stroud was more than annoying. He murdered a guard.

[@kevinfox500]

Every day I promise myself that I'll learn 3 new things Just ransom information things. My minimum per day. Never knew about the Rock fan theory. Damn soes that ever change the perspective for a viewing. Thbao you for #11, and what's going to be an interesting twist on our soon to ne snowed in getaway weroend, home exition! Up north you gotta adapt, especially especially in late November. eEspecially along the coastal plains of the Great Lakes. Wishing anyone shoppong and the Coasties pn standby a safe and warm night, pne hopefilly pn shpre.

[@elliottthomas8025]

How did you mispronounce the writers name before? Ben is an easy name!

[@6thwilbury2331]

This deserves more love.

[@mikelfunderburk5912]

Solitary sucks

[@jamesmarston8461]

Alcatraz means pelican in Spanish

[@matthewlittleton0221]

Is that a wig?

[@aquos350]

I hope you stay as hot for this Channel as well as the others

[@gunargundarson1626]

Nice! I got the 420th like.

[@jamesmcpherson1590]

I think dapper clothes suit you and the channel well. You are a likeable guy, and you seem to be getting more comfortable in the role, which makes you more likeable still. I have said it before and I will repeat it, I find it terribly unprofessional to be drinking beverages in the middle of used takes. You might think it comes off as personable, but it comes off as amateur. Edit that sh*t out. I also think the "interim" caveat is getting old. Tell the boss to shit or get off the pot. Commit to the new host or find someone else. You deserve better than to be required to imply to the audience in perpetuity that you are only there until someone better is found. It's your job now. Own it.

[@Moness1221]

It's 2023, my guy. How the hell do you get paid to research and write a script and call Native Americans "Indians."

[@whuzzzup]

Did you even look at what the Indians wrote at the wall?

[@Pissedoffdetective]

If only this script hadn't already been read by Simon on this very channel.

[@archstanton6102]

Not correct

[@seriouslee4119]

Pls stop using this host.

[@TheTotallyRealXiJinping]

Wtf where is Simon who is this goober

[@resileaf9501]

You're two months late on the draw there.

[@riverlady982]

​@@resileaf9501 Well can you be so kind as to help us out because I am also confused on where Simon is, please? Besides if I didn't make it late to something I'd never make it to anything.

[@resileaf9501]

@@riverlady982 Geographics, Biographics and Top Tenz were all owned by a person who died a few months ago and his channels were inherited by his daughter, whose grief led her to badly manage these channels for a while and led to Simon deciding to leave them as host. It's explained on a video in the Top Tenz channel.

[@riverlady982]

​@@resileaf9501😮 I swear I always thought Simon owned them but this is just disappointing and sad on so many different levels 😕. Thank you very much for this information I will have to consider what I'm going to do now because I really enjoyed Simon's energy level and his tangents because it was very relatable for me.

[@resileaf9501]

@@riverlady982 As far as I'm concerned, there's more to these channels than just Simon. As much as he was a good presenter, the quality of the material is still there. The learning part is still there. Karl is doing a very good job adding his own mark on the subjects he talks about. (also Simon didnt do tangents on the Bio/Geographics videos, that's reserved for his more freeform videos)

[@cshamm]

I don't want to be or sound ugly, but as much as I wanted to watch this, it's un-watchable. Like I have to turn this off and go see something else.