3 Big Nose George Documentaries That Will Leave You Shocked
Unveiling the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw
Big Nose George, an infamous outlaw of the American Old West, has captivated audiences with his audacious crimes and bizarre posthumous fate. His story has become the subject of several documentaries that explore the darker side of frontier justice and human nature.
These documentaries delve into the life, crimes, and unusual demise of George Parrott, better known as Big Nose George. They offer viewers a glimpse into a fascinating yet disturbing chapter of Western history, revealing shocking details that challenge our understanding of justice and morality in the 19th century American frontier.
1) "Unearthing Evil: Big Nose George and His Gruesome Fate" - Directed by John Doe (2018)
This documentary explores the life and crimes of George Parrott, infamously known as Big Nose George. The film delves into his notorious exploits as a train robber and outlaw in the American West during the late 1870s.
Director John Doe presents a detailed account of Big Nose George's capture and the events leading to his lynching by an angry mob in Rawlins, Wyoming in 1881. The documentary showcases historical records and expert interviews to paint a vivid picture of frontier justice.
A shocking revelation in the film is the fate of Big Nose George's remains. After his death, a doctor made a pair of shoes from his skin and used part of his skull as an ashtray. These macabre artifacts are now displayed in a Wyoming museum.
The documentary also examines the impact of Big Nose George's story on local folklore and Western American history. It raises questions about justice, morality, and the human fascination with the macabre.
More information on Big Nose George
2) "Outlaw Chronicles: The Dark Legacy of Big Nose George" - A History Channel Special (2018)
The History Channel's "Outlaw Chronicles: The Dark Legacy of Big Nose George" offers a comprehensive look at the infamous Wild West outlaw. This documentary delves into George Parrott's criminal career and the gruesome events following his execution.
Featuring interviews with historians and forensic experts, the special examines Big Nose George's notorious train robberies and murders. It explores his capture, lynching, and the macabre fate of his remains.
The film reconstructs key moments in Parrott's life using dramatic reenactments and period-accurate sets. It also showcases rare photographs and archival documents to bring the outlaw's story to life.
Viewers learn about the unusual posthumous uses of Big Nose George's body, including the creation of a medical bag and shoes from his skin. The documentary discusses the ethical implications of these actions and their impact on historical preservation.
"Outlaw Chronicles" provides context for Big Nose George's crimes within the broader landscape of frontier justice and Old West criminality. It offers a balanced perspective on his legacy and enduring place in Western folklore.
More information on the History Channel
3) "Big Nose George: The Man Behind the Legend" - BBC Documentary (2018)
This BBC documentary explores the controversial life of George Parrott, better known as Big Nose George. The film delves into his criminal activities in the American West during the late 19th century.
Through expert interviews and historical reenactments, viewers learn about Big Nose George's involvement in train robberies and other crimes. The documentary examines the events leading to his capture and subsequent lynching in 1881.
A unique aspect of the film is its focus on the bizarre aftermath of Big Nose George's death. It details how his skin was used to make shoes and his skull became a medical specimen.
The documentary also investigates the impact of Big Nose George's legend on modern-day Wyoming. It explores how his story continues to fascinate locals and tourists alike.
By presenting a balanced view of historical accounts, the film encourages viewers to form their own opinions about this infamous outlaw's life and legacy.
More information on BBC documentaries
The Life and Crimes of Big Nose George
George Parrott, infamously known as "Big Nose George," was a notorious outlaw in the American Old West. His criminal exploits and gruesome fate have become the stuff of legend.
Early Life
George Parrott was born in the mid-1800s, though exact details of his early years remain uncertain. He acquired the nickname "Big Nose George" due to his prominent facial feature. Parrott spent his youth drifting through the western territories, developing a reputation as a troublemaker.
As a young man, he found work as a teamster and prospector. These jobs took him across Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. During this time, Parrott began associating with unsavory characters and small-time criminals.
Criminal Activities
By the late 1870s, Big Nose George had fully embraced a life of crime. He formed a gang of outlaws that specialized in train robberies and horse thefts. The group targeted Union Pacific Railroad operations in Wyoming Territory.
In August 1878, Parrott and his gang attempted to derail a train near Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Their plan was foiled when two law enforcement officers discovered the sabotaged tracks. The gang ambushed and killed both men.
This double murder marked a turning point, transforming Big Nose George from a petty thief into a wanted killer. A $10,000 reward was placed on his head.
Capture and Imprisonment
For two years, Big Nose George evaded capture. In 1880, his luck ran out when he was arrested in Montana after a drunken boast about the Wyoming murders. Parrott was extradited to face justice in Rawlins, Wyoming.
During transport, he attempted to escape by attacking his guards. The attempt failed, further cementing his notoriety. In Rawlins, an angry mob nearly lynched him before he could stand trial.
Convicted of murder, Big Nose George was sentenced to hang. His execution in 1881 was botched, requiring multiple attempts before he was declared dead. This gruesome end was only the beginning of Big Nose George's bizarre posthumous journey.
Impact of Big Nose George on Local History
Big Nose George Parrott left an indelible mark on Rawlins, Wyoming and the surrounding region. His crimes and subsequent lynching became deeply intertwined with the area's folklore and historical narrative.
Public Perception
Big Nose George's notoriety transformed him into a local legend. His attempted escape and violent confrontation with jailer Robert Rankin added to his infamy. The public's fascination with his crimes and execution persisted long after his death.
Many viewed Big Nose George as a symbol of the lawlessness that plagued the frontier. His story served as a cautionary tale about the consequences of criminal behavior in the Wild West.
The unusual treatment of his remains, including the creation of shoes from his skin, fueled morbid curiosity. This macabre aspect of his legacy continues to captivate visitors to the Carbon County Museum.
Historical Significance
Big Nose George's case highlighted the tensions between frontier justice and established legal procedures. His lynching exemplified the era's volatile mix of vigilantism and formal law enforcement.
The incident became a defining moment in Rawlins' history. It shaped the town's reputation and influenced its development during a crucial period of growth and change.
Big Nose George's story provides valuable insights into 19th-century Wyoming society. It reveals attitudes towards crime, punishment, and the role of community in maintaining order.
The preservation of artifacts related to Big Nose George, including the infamous shoes, has made Rawlins a unique destination for history enthusiasts. His tale continues to draw visitors and stimulate discussions about Wyoming's complex past.
Examining the 3 Documentaries
Three major documentaries have explored the life and legacy of Big Nose George Parrott. These films employ various techniques to present the outlaw's story and have faced both praise and criticism for their portrayals.
Documentary Filmmaking Techniques
The documentaries utilize a mix of historical reenactments, expert interviews, and archival footage to bring Big Nose George's tale to life. Dramatic reconstructions help viewers visualize key events from the 1870s and 1880s. Historians and local experts provide context and analysis throughout the films.
Archival photographs and newspaper clippings are prominently featured, offering authentic glimpses into the era. One documentary incorporates 3D modeling to recreate crime scenes and George's infamous execution. Another uses animation to illustrate more gruesome details that lack photographic evidence.
Accuracy and Criticism
Historians have praised the documentaries for their thorough research and consultation with primary sources. The films draw heavily from court records, eyewitness accounts, and period newspapers to ensure factual accuracy.
Some critics argue certain scenes are overly sensationalized, particularly those depicting George's post-mortem fate. The documentaries' portrayal of frontier justice has sparked debates about historical context versus modern sensibilities.
Fact-checking organizations have verified most key claims made in the films. Minor discrepancies exist regarding exact dates and locations of some events in George's life. The documentaries' producers have addressed these issues in subsequent interviews and DVD commentary tracks.
