Weird U.S.: Real Tales of the Bizarre, Volume 3

Hosts Mark Sceurman and Mark Moran, founders of a Weird N.J., a magazine about oddities in American history and society, lead viewers through two fascinating tours about strange subjects in this double-episode compilation from the History Channel-aired series Weird U.S. "Rebels and Traitors" focuses on individuals who at one time or another challenged the American government and/or law enforcement, including Blackbeard (yes, the pirate), Smedley Butler (a U.S. Army general who, evidence suggests, attempted a coup d'etat during the Roosevelt years, with backing from several multimillionaires), and Joshua Abraham Norton (a 19th-century San Franciscan who lost his fortune, went mad, and declared himself emperor of the United States and protector of Mexico). The second episode, “Crimes and Punishment,” looks at America's enduring interest in outlaws such as Bonnie and Clyde, and tells the strangely engaging story of Willie Sutton, a career bank robber who broke out of three maximum-security prisons. Sure to appeal to history buffs and Americana aficionados, this is recommended. [Note: also newly available are Weird U.S, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.] Aud: P. (T. Keogh)