In the latest episode of History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman, viewers will explore the extraordinary life of René Belbenoit, a French-born American author who gained fame for his memoir, Dry Guillotine. The memoir detailed his time spent in the notorious Devil’s Island penal colony in French Guiana and his daring escape attempts.
Born Jules René Lucien Belbenoit, he had a challenging childhood, being abandoned by his mother at a young age. His father, often away due to work, sent him to live with his grandparents until their sudden passing when Belbenoit was twelve. He then moved to Paris to live with an uncle who owned a popular nightclub.
Belbenoit’s life took a turn when he was captured and sentenced to hard labor at the infamous penal colony in French Guiana. Determined to escape, he made multiple harrowing attempts over several years until he finally gained his freedom. His story captured the public’s imagination and became the basis for several Hollywood films.
The episode also looks into Belbenoit’s life after his escape. In 1937, he hid on a ship bound for Los Angeles. The following year, his memoir, Dry Guillotine, was published in the United States and became an instant bestseller. However, his newfound success attracted unwanted attention, and he was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities, eventually leading to his deportation in 1941.
Belbenoit’s journey continued as he travelled to Mexico and later attempted to re-enter the U.S., only to be arrested again and sentenced to prison. After his release, he found work in the film industry, using his experiences to advise on movies such as Passage to Marseille. He eventually settled in Lucerne Valley, California, where he founded René’s Ranch Store.
History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman: Escaping Devil’s Island airs on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. on History.
