The Prisoner of Shark Island

America’s National Parks Podcast

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

When John Wilkes Booth shot and killed President Abraham Lincoln, he broke his left leg in the process, leaping to the stage at Ford's Theater. He and his getaway man on the door of Dr. Samuel Mudd at four in the morning for assistance. Mudd set, splinted, and bandaged the broken leg. The two stayed with Mudd for about 12 hours as the doctor's handyman made a pair of crutches.

Within days Dr. Mudd was arrested and charged with conspiracy and with harboring Booth and Harold during their escape.

Today, we’re revisiting the story of Dr. Samuel Mudd, one of the earliest stories we told on the show. In 1936, a film was made loosely based on Mudd's story called THE PRISONER OF SHARK ISLAND, and two years later, it was adapted into a radio drama starring Gary Cooper as part of the Lux Radio Theater. On this episode, we're playing that program for you.

Hosted By Jason Epperson

Want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Reach out to us at [e-mail].