Escape from Brushy Mountain: The Alcatraz of the South
Getting over the walls was only the beginning.
Hidden in Tennessee’s rugged Cumberland Plateau, Brushy Mountain earned a fearsome reputation as the “Alcatraz of the South.” Its imposing walls and unforgiving surroundings made freedom seem almost impossible.
This short documentary explores the prison’s history, from its coal-mining origins to the notorious 1977 escape of James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Discover how the wilderness beyond the walls became another barrier to escape—and why Brushy Mountain remains an unforgettable chapter in American prison history.
A compact, compelling watch for viewers drawn to true crime, prison history, and real-life escapes.
Release Year: 2022
Runtime: 11 minutes
Rating: PG-13
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