Ep 2. Kidnapped Filmmaker and More

In season 12 episode 2 of Mysteries at the Museum, entitled "Kidnapped Filmmaker and More," viewers are taken on a journey through some of the most bizarre, intriguing, and downright puzzling artifacts in the world. From a Hollywood movie set to a forgotten military facility, this episode covers a range of historical events and unsolved mysteries.

The episode opens with the story of filmmaker Richard O'Brien, who was inexplicably kidnapped from his own movie set in 1929. Despite a massive search effort, O'Brien was never found, and his disappearance remains unsolved to this day. Viewers are given a glimpse of some of the artifacts associated with O'Brien, including a scarred, rusted saw blade that was possibly used to abduct him.

Moving on, the show takes us to Virginia's Fort Monroe, a military base turned museum. Here, we see artifacts related to a mysterious outbreak of yellow fever that struck the fort in the late 19th century, killing countless soldiers and civilians. The museum's collection includes a yellowed, age-stained letter from a nurse who cared for the sick during the outbreak, as well as a chilling portrait of a soldier who succumbed to the disease.

Next up is the story of America's first female detective, Kate Warne. Her exploits in the mid-1800s paved the way for women in law enforcement, yet few details are known about her life. We see artifacts from Warne's time at the Pinkerton Detective Agency, including the trunk she carried with her on assignments and a small, intricate lockpick set.

The episode then takes a detour to the land of Oz, as the show explores the backstory behind L. Frank Baum's beloved book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Viewers are shown a collection of artifacts from Baum's life, including an original manuscript page from the book, a note from Baum's wife urging him to revise his story, and a vintage pair of ruby slippers.

Back in the real world, the show dives into the strange story of D.B. Cooper, the skyjacker who famously disappeared after jumping out of a plane with a ransom in 1971. Viewers are given a glimpse of some of the evidence associated with the case, including a piece of the parachute Cooper used, a map of the flight plan that he wrote on, and a sketch of the elusive Cooper himself.

Finally, the show concludes with a visit to a bizarre museum in Portland, Oregon, that houses a collection of oddities and macabre artifacts. Viewers are shown a variety of strange items, including a stuffed two-headed calf, a preserved human brain, and a curious contraption known as a "plastination machine."

Throughout the episode, host Don Wildman guides viewers through the various stories, providing context and insight into the historical significance of each artifact. From the tragic story of Richard O'Brien to the enigma of D.B. Cooper, Mysteries at the Museum season 12 episode 2 is a fascinating exploration of the strange and mysterious.