Escape's "Diary of a Madman" tells the story of German soldiers who decide to cross the Sahara Desert to follow their dream of becoming kings.
The episode opens in November of 1942, as the German army is retreating westward from advancing British forces in North Africa. Many of these soldiers flee southward into the desert, never to be heard of again...
The story then picks up with a group of ten German soldiers traveling into the Sahara under the leadership of General Hans Brach. They have agreed to take the risk of crossing the desert because Brach has convinced them that if they reach the "Empire of the Niger," they will become kings. Their plan is to travel along a string of oasis until they reach the Niger region. Then, they will seize control of the area from the French.
When a German plane, sent out to shoot military deserters, bombs their truck and leaves them with no supplies, they have to make a decision. If they turn back, they will all face a German firing squad. If they continue into the Sahara, they may be captured by Arabs or British soldiers, but they may also make it to freedom...
"Diary of a Madman" was written by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. Ben Wright starred. Also appearing were Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Paul Richards, Edgar Barrier, and Barney Phillips. This episode aired on January 25, 1953.
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