129: The Gentleman Jewel Thief
Summary
Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling explore the true crime story of Arthur Barry, a sophisticated 1920s jewel thief who infiltrated New York high society to rob the ultra-rich. The episode details his background, his method of scouting mansions at parties, and his eventual arrest after a $100,000 heist. It also covers his dramatic prison escape, which involved orchestrating a violent riot at Auburn Prison to save his wife from cancer.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the episode
The 1920s party and the mysterious guest
Snacking and the real identity of Arthur Barry
Arthur's criminal childhood and early arrests
Arthur's service in World War I
Becoming a professional jewel thief
Major heists and the list of victims
Arthur's marriage to Anna and high life
Sponsor breaks for Indeed and Vela
Recap of the story so far
Arthur's loyal friend James Monaghan
The Livermore burglary and arrest
Confession and transfer to Sing Sing
Prison life and the plan to escape
The 1929 Auburn prison riot
Arthur's escape and new life in Newark
The Lindbergh kidnapping connection
Recapture, Anna's death, and final years
Listener emails and closing remarks
Promotion for Dead to Me podcast
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