"On August 26, 1980, a huge metal box was delivered to Harvey's Wagon Wheel casino, disguised as an IBM photocopier. An X-ray confirmed that the complex explosive inside contained 1,000lb of dynamite."
"The fear was that this metal box of mystery had the potential to flatten a portion of the city. It was absolutely frightening."
"The late John Birges Sr., a one-time millionaire crippled by gambling debts, decided to extort the casino with a homemade bomb, coercing his sons into becoming his accomplices."
"The documentary series 'This Is a Bomb' unpicks a messy tale of exploitation and extortion, showcasing interviews with local historians and FBI agents."
On August 26, 1980, a disguised metal box containing 1,000lb of dynamite was delivered to Harvey's Wagon Wheel casino, accompanied by a ransom note demanding $3 million. The plot, orchestrated by John Birges Sr., involved coercing his teenage sons into participating in a dangerous scheme. The documentary series 'This Is a Bomb' explores this chilling story through interviews, archival footage, and 80s reconstructions, revealing the complexities of family dynamics and the potential for mass harm. The narrative balances dark themes with quirky documentary conventions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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