Ep 21. Metal Winners, the Big Con and Operation Babylift

Located in the halls of some of the world's most famous museums are some of history's greatest secrets. Each episode of this informative series offers a fascinating glimpse into artifacts that have mystified, troubled, or confounded experts and museum-goers for generations. Season 12, Episode 21 titled "Metal Winners, the Big Con and Operation Babylift" explores three artifacts that have each played a significant role in historical events that shaped the world as we know it.

The episode begins with the story of the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino's infamous "Big Con." Many scandals have rocked the world of professional gambling throughout the years, but arguably none quite so dramatic and elaborate as the one orchestrated by Bill Brennan, who in 1992 achieved the impossible and walked out of the casino with $500,000 in chips. Discover how Brennan used his insider knowledge and a white-hot poker game to fleece the casino before disappearing without a trace.

Next, the show shifts gears to the tale of a piece of metal that once decorated one of the most significant landmarks in the world. The Eiffel Tower wasn't always the beacon of beauty that we know and love today. When it was first being constructed in the late 1800s, it was reviled by many as an eyesore. Learn how this sculpture-like piece of metal was representative of an era of extreme cultural shift and how it became a symbol of both defiance and national pride.

Finally, the episode concludes with the story of the largest mass evacuation of children in US history: Operation Babylift. In the closing days of the Vietnam War, President Ford ordered the military to airlift over 2,000 orphaned children out of war-torn Vietnam and deliver them to adopting families in the United States. See how one American doctor's act of kindness and compassion for the children led to Operation Babylift becoming an international sensation.

Throughout the episode, viewers will hear from knowledgeable experts who provide insight and in-depth analysis into each of the featured artifacts. With fantastic cinematography, engaging interviews, and a fascinating introduction to each of these mystery-filled treasures, "Metal Winners, the Big Con and Operation Babylift" is an episode that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. It's a must-see for anyone interested in unraveling the mysteries of the past and discovering fascinating stories and secrets that have been hidden in plain sight.