Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Now Hotel Titanic

Would you stay at the Titanic hotel? Now you can check into a resort modelled on the 'unsinkable ship' (complete with lifeboats)

  • The Titanic Beach Lara, in Turkey, has recreated the look of the doomed cruise liner, which sank in 1912
  • Guests can stroll on the deck and re-enact the famous 'king of the world' scene from the James Cameron film
  • The themed resort has 550 rooms, three swimming pools, a toy shop and even a florist for five-star treatment
By Becky Pemberton For Mailonline
Published: 12:55 GMT, 29 July 2015 | Updated: 13:56 GMT, 29 July 2015
There's a glamorous resort in Turkey with 550 rooms, three swimming pools and even a florist, but despite this, some people might be put off - because it's based on the doomed ship Titanic.
The Turkish firm that built the hotel wanted to recreate the glamour and vastness of the impressive ship, which tragically sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after colliding with an iceberg during her maiden voyage.
Guests are able to stroll on replica decks at the all-inclusive Titanic Beach Lara, and re-enact the 'king of the world' scene by the railings from the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
There's a glamorous resort in Turkey with 550 rooms, three swimming pools and even a florist, but despite this, some people might be put off - because it's based on the doomed ship Titanic 
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There's a glamorous resort in Turkey with 550 rooms, three swimming pools and even a florist, but despite this, some people might be put off - because it's based on the doomed ship Titanic 
Turkish baths, three outdoor swimming pools  and even a toy shop and florist are available to those staying at the resort
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Turkish baths, three outdoor swimming pools  and even a toy shop and florist are available to those staying at the resort
The hotel's bedrooms feature porthole style windows so that the feel of being on a ship is never lost
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The hotel's bedrooms feature porthole style windows so that the feel of being on a ship is never lost
Have a meal on deck and look out to the Turkish coast at night in the five-star luxury escape
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Have a meal on deck and look out to the Turkish coast at night in the five-star luxury escape
The hotel was created to exude the luxury and comfort that the RMS Titanic did. It's pictured here setting sail from Southampton on 10 April 1912 
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The hotel was created to exude the luxury and comfort that the RMS Titanic did. It's pictured here setting sail from Southampton on 10 April 1912 
Set against the backdrop of the south-west Turkish coast, this luxurious hotel features replica decks and even lifeboats in a nod to the famous cruise liner
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Set against the backdrop of the south-west Turkish coast, this luxurious hotel features replica decks and even lifeboats in a nod to the famous cruise liner
Lifeboats can also be seen in the unique five-star themed resort, but thankfully are unlikely to be required as the hotel is land-based.
Other perks guest can enjoy include Turkish baths, a toy shop - and ocean views over the south-west Turkish coast.
Tarik Egemen, marketing manager of the hotel, said: 'We were inspired by the legendary cruise ship Titanic.
'As we all know it was the most elegant, luxurious and comfortable cruise ship of its era.
'Like the ship, we combine luxury and comfort with cheerful and sincere service in the amazing atmosphere of Antalya.
'The advantage of a theme hotel is the attractive and catchy architecture, and the decorative objects matching the main theme. 
The five-star luxury hotel boasts three outdoor pools and one indoor one (pictured) so guests can relax in style during their stay 
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The five-star luxury hotel boasts three outdoor pools and one indoor one (pictured) so guests can relax in style during their stay 
The five-star hotel aims to emulate the luxury of the doomed White Star Line ship. This picture shows the vast exterior of the main building
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The five-star hotel aims to emulate the luxury of the doomed White Star Line ship. This picture shows the vast exterior of the main building
The interior of the Turkish hotel is grand, like the large ship it is based on, which measured 882 feet in length
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The interior of the Turkish hotel is grand, like the large ship it is based on, which measured 882 feet in length
'Our country has many natural and historical beauties we know that people who like travelling always seek something different.
'We would like to meet this expectation by presenting a special concept including entertainment, show and comfort.'
The 551-room hotel is not the only one of its kind. There are existing Titanic hotels in the chain in Berlin, Istanbul and one coming soon to Bodrum, although these have not adopted the ship design. 
The hotel features lifeboats on the side which hang near the three outdoor swimming pools
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The hotel features lifeboats on the side which hang near the three outdoor swimming pools
Although the Titanic ship could carry a maximum of 3,547 passengers, the hotel has 1,200 beds spread over 551 rooms
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Although the Titanic ship could carry a maximum of 3,547 passengers, the hotel has 1,200 beds spread over 551 rooms
Cosy interior: One of the bedrooms from the Titanic Lara Beach, which is located on the south-west Turkish coast
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Cosy interior: One of the bedrooms from the Titanic Lara Beach, which is located on the south-west Turkish coast
Guests at the hotel enjoy a huge range of facilities and the warm Mediterranean close by 
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Guests at the hotel enjoy a huge range of facilities and the warm Mediterranean close by 
The 551-room hotel is not the only one of its kind. It's part of a chain that includes properties in Berlin and Istanbul, with one coming soon to Bodrum
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The 551-room hotel is not the only one of its kind. It's part of a chain that includes properties in Berlin and Istanbul, with one coming soon to Bodrum
The hotel features entertainment for guests if they do not wish to venture out for a sunny stroll to the boutiques of Lara Beach
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The hotel features entertainment for guests if they do not wish to venture out for a sunny stroll to the boutiques of Lara Beach

THE HISTORY BEHIND RMS TITANIC, WHICH MADE ITS FATEFUL MAIDEN VOYAGE IN 1912

The grand Titanic leaving Southampton on her ill-fated maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, carrying 2,223 passengers and crew
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The grand Titanic leaving Southampton on her ill-fated maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, carrying 2,223 passengers and crew
The tragic story of the RMS Titanic was turned into an Oscar-winning film in 1997 starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
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The tragic story of the RMS Titanic was turned into an Oscar-winning film in 1997 starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after colliding with an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, UK to New York City, US.
More than 1,500 people died when the ship sank carrying 2,224 passengers and crew under the command of Edward Smith.
Some of the wealthiest people in the world were onboard the ship, including property tycoon John Jacob Astor IV, great grandson of John Jacob Astor, founder of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Millionaire Benjamin Guggenheim, heir to his family's mining business, also perished, along with Isidor Straus, the German-born co-owner of Mancy's department store.
The ship was the largest afloat at the time and was designed in such a way that it was meant to be 'unsinkable'.
It had an on-board gym, libraries, pool as well as several restaurants and luxury first class cabins.
There were not enough lifeboats on board for all the passengers due to out-of-date maritime safety regulations.
After leaving Southampton on 10 April 1912, Titanic called at Cherbourg in France and Queenstown in Ireland before heading to New York.
On 14 April 1912, four days into the crossing she hit an iceberg at 11:40pm ship's time.
James Moody was on night watch when the collision happened, and took the call from the watchman, asking him 'what do you see?', the man responded: 'Iceberg, dead ahead.'
By 2.20am, with hundreds of people still on board, the ship plunged beneath the waves, taking many, including Moody, with it.
Despite repeated distress calls being sent out, and flares launched from the decks, the first ship arrived nearly two hours later, pulling 710 people from the water.
It was not until 73 years later that the wreck of the ship was discovered on the ocean floor.
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Friday, July 24, 2015

Helpless Chimpanzees against Merciless Mankind

Revealed: The heartbreaking battle to save 66 chimpanzees and baby 'abandoned' by medical firm on African islands after they finished experimenting on them

  • The New York Blood Center set up virus-testing laboratory in Liberia in 1974 and began trapping wild chimpanzees
  • Scientists infected them with diseases like hepatitis and 'river blindness' to help develop vaccines for the illnesses
  • It left the the facility in 2005 and cut the funding in March this year, despite 'promising to care for the chimps for life'
  • Chimps deserted on six small islands which have little natural food and are surrounded by undrinkable salt-water 
  • Animal protection charity now need £20,000-worth of donations every month to feed and care for the animals daily
  • New York Blood Center said it left after 'unproductive discussions' with Liberian government, during which time it incurred 'millions in costs'
By Jay Akbar For Mailonline
Published: 11:56 GMT, 24 July 2015 | Updated: 12:44 GMT, 24 July 2015
Animal charities have made a desperate appeal to save 66 chimpanzees who were captured from the wild by humans for medical experiments, infected with deadly diseases like hepatitis, then 'abandoned' deep in the jungles of Liberia.
The chimps who live on six islets in the country's south were experimented on at a controversial virus testing laboratory set up by the New York Blood Center (NYBC) in 1974.
It stopped the research in 2005, leaving them on six small islets wholly reliant on human support. The project's director at the time had promised the organisation would continue to provide 'lifetime care' for the animals, who have become dependent on humans for food and shelter. But the company now disputes this.
In one heartbreaking video that shows the bond between human and animal, the chimps hug the volunteers who are currently their only lifeline as they arrive by boat to the island to feed them. 

Hungry: The chimpanzees (pictured) were infected with diseases like hepatitis and 'river blindness' in a bid to find vaccines
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Hungry: The chimpanzees (pictured) were infected with diseases like hepatitis and 'river blindness' in a bid to find vaccines
Starving: The chimps became completely reliant on humans for food and when the Blood Center left the islands, which have very little natural food and surrounded by undrinkable salt-water, they began to starve
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Starving: The chimps became completely reliant on humans for food and when the Blood Center left the islands, which have very little natural food and surrounded by undrinkable salt-water, they began to starve
'Abandoned': The New York Blood Center experimented on 66 chimpanzees at a virus-testing centre in Liberia
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'Abandoned': The New York Blood Center experimented on 66 chimpanzees at a virus-testing centre in Liberia
Trapped: New York Blood Center captured these chimpanzees (pictured) from the wild and held them at its Vilab testing facility on six different islets in southern Liberia - around 20 miles from the capital Monrovia
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Trapped: New York Blood Center captured these chimpanzees (pictured) from the wild and held them at its Vilab testing facility on six different islets in southern Liberia - around 20 miles from the capital Monrovia
Caged: While at the Vilab facility (pictured in 1987) set up by the New York Blood Center, the chimpanzees were held in cages
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Caged: While at the Vilab facility (pictured in 1987) set up by the New York Blood Center, the chimpanzees were held in cages
Controversial:  A virologist who worked at Vilab (pictured) said they chose to experiment on chimps because they are the only other species 'susceptible to hepatitis'
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Controversial:  A virologist who worked at Vilab (pictured) said they chose to experiment on chimps because they are the only other species 'susceptible to hepatitis'
Emotional: In a heart-breaking video released by Humane Society of the United States, who are now looking after the chimps, the animals hug volunteers who come and feed them daily
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Emotional: In a heart-breaking video released by Humane Society of the United States, who are now looking after the chimps, the animals hug volunteers who come and feed them daily
Bond: The video reveals how dependent the chimpanzees, who were captured as infants, have become on humans
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Bond: The video reveals how dependent the chimpanzees, who were captured as infants, have become on humans
But researchers pulled funding in March, leaving the future of the 66 chimps, plus a baby born just this week, in doubt after it had been in a protracted row with the government.
They are now being cared for by animal protection charity Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) who need £20,000-worth of public donations every month to feed and care for them. 
Over three decades ago, the New York Blood Center entered into an agreement with the Liberian government to set up the Vilab project deep in the jungle, around and 40 miles from the capital Monrovia.
The chimpanzees were held in cages on the islands known collectively as 'Monkey Island', that have little natural food and are surrounded by undrinkable salt-water.
NYBC, which supplies blood to around 200 hospitals across the United States, began trapping these wild chimpanzees and infecting them with diseases like hepatitis and 'river blindness' so they could develop vaccines. It was around this time that the United States banned the import of wild chimpanzees into the country.
Humane Society claims the organisation, which rakes in 'hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue every year', bought chimpanzees from Liberians who kept them as pets.
Documents obtained by MailOnline show a pet chimpanzee called Brutus was sold to the Blood Center in 1981 for $100. One year later, the centre bought a two-year-old female chimp called Anita for $85.
Volunteers from HSUS feed them daily for the time being. One of them, John Abayomi Zeonyuway, is greeted by a chorus of screeching chimps every time he approaches one of the islands. They leap around wildly as John throws bananas, pawpaws and other fresh fruit at their feet.
'This is their way of saying that the food is here,' he explained as he did a quick head count, 'I can't see Samanta. Bullet is here - he's already eating. 
'The chimps are part of me... They need help, they need attention. We cannot afford to lose these animals to hunger and sickness.' 
Shocking: Before volunteers like John began feeding the animals daily, they were only being fed once every other day, 'even when they were under the Blood Centre's care,' HSUS told MailOnline
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Shocking: Before volunteers like John began feeding the animals daily, they were only being fed once every other day, 'even when they were under the Blood Centre's care,' HSUS told MailOnline
Help: Humane Society of the United States needs around £20,000-worth of donations every month to provide daily food and care for the chimps
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Help: Humane Society of the United States needs around £20,000-worth of donations every month to provide daily food and care for the chimps
Opportunistic: On its decision to set up a laboratory in Liberia, the vice president of HSUS told MailOnline: 'I'm sure it was because they could take advantage of a country that was disadvantaged'
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Opportunistic: On its decision to set up a laboratory in Liberia, the vice president of HSUS told MailOnline: 'I'm sure it was because they could take advantage of a country that was disadvantaged'
Market: Documents obtained by MailOnline show how the Blood Center purchased a pet chimpanzee called Brutus in 1981 for $100 and a two-year-old female called Anita for $85 one year later
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Market: Documents obtained by MailOnline show how the Blood Center purchased a pet chimpanzee called Brutus in 1981 for $100 and a two-year-old female called Anita for $85 one year later
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Market: Documents obtained by MailOnline show how the Blood Center purchased a pet chimpanzee called Brutus in 1981 for $100 and a two-year-old female called Anita for $85 one year later
Aid: Humane Society began a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000 for the chimps, which would be enough to take care of them for five months
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Aid: Humane Society began a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000 for the chimps, which would be enough to take care of them for five months
Vital: John Abayomi Zeonyuway (pictured), a volunteer who helps care for the chimps, is greeted by a chorus of screeching chimps every time he approaches one of the islands
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Vital: John Abayomi Zeonyuway (pictured), a volunteer who helps care for the chimps, is greeted by a chorus of screeching chimps every time he approaches one of the islands
Dinner time: The chimpanzees screech and leap around wildly as John arrives with bananas, pawpaws and other fresh fruit (pictured)
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Dinner time: The chimpanzees screech and leap around wildly as John arrives with bananas, pawpaws and other fresh fruit (pictured)
Important: Before volunteers like John arrived on the island, the chimpanzees 'were only getting fed once every other day', HSUS told MailOnline
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Important: Before volunteers like John arrived on the island, the chimpanzees 'were only getting fed once every other day', HSUS told MailOnline
Closure: In November 2005, the New York Blood Center announce that all research at the Vilab facility (pictured in 1987) 'has been terminated' and the it would be turned into a 'full-time sanctuary'
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Closure: In November 2005, the New York Blood Center announce that all research at the Vilab facility (pictured in 1987) 'has been terminated' and the it would be turned into a 'full-time sanctuary'
Left behind: But in March this year, the Center pulled all funding for the chimpanzees (pictured in 1987) which it had experimented on for over 60 years
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Left behind: But in March this year, the Center pulled all funding for the chimpanzees (pictured in 1987) which it had experimented on for over 60 years
But before volunteers like John arrived on the island, the chimpanzees 'were only getting fed once every other day, even when they were under the Blood Centre's care,' Kathleen Conlee, vice president of HSUS told MailOnline.
'They can't be returned to the wild since they have been exposed to various diseases and are also completely reliant on people because they were captured when they were infants.
'Many of the water systems on the islands weren't working… So they were getting hand-delivered cups delivered every other day. We firmly believe this problem wouldn't exist if the New York Blood Centre never stepped foot in Liberia.'
A virologist who worked on the island, said they chose chimpanzees because they are the only other species 'susceptible to hepatitis' and they were kept on the islands because they cannot swim. 
Preston Marx told the documentary-makers of The Real Planet of the Apes: 'You need naive animals who haven't been used in experiments.'  
A number of the animals died during the country's brutal civil war between 1999 and 2003, which claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and left thousands homeless.
'One has to question what they were doing there in the first place,' said vice president of HSUS.
Her organisation launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000, which would provide funds to look after the chimps for five months. Within a single month, over $130,000 has already been raised.
In November 2005 - after 29 years in Liberia - the New York Blood Center announce that 'all research has been terminated'.
Feeding: The hungry animals (pictured) screech and leap around wildly when aid workers approach their islands with food
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Feeding: The hungry animals (pictured) screech and leap around wildly when aid workers approach their islands with food
Business: Humane Society claims the New York Blood Center even bought chimpanzees (pictured) from Liberians who kept them as pets
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Business: Humane Society claims the New York Blood Center even bought chimpanzees (pictured) from Liberians who kept them as pets
Tragedy: John Abayomi Zeonyuway says: 'They [the chimps] need help, they need attention... We cannot afford to lose these animals to hunger and sickness'
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Tragedy: John Abayomi Zeonyuway says: 'They [the chimps] need help, they need attention... We cannot afford to lose these animals to hunger and sickness'
Dependent: The chimps (pictured) 'can't be returned to the wild since they have been exposed to various diseases and are also completely reliant on people', HSUS told MailOnline
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Dependent: The chimps (pictured) 'can't be returned to the wild since they have been exposed to various diseases and are also completely reliant on people', HSUS told MailOnline
Survived: A number of the chimpanzees (pictured) died during the country's brutal civil war between 1999 and 2003 and those who survived are now completely reliant on humans for food and care
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Survived: A number of the chimpanzees (pictured) died during the country's brutal civil war between 1999 and 2003 and those who survived are now completely reliant on humans for food and care
Helpless: NYBC claims that it never had 'any obligation to care for the chimps, contractual or otherwise'
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Helpless: NYBC claims that it never had 'any obligation to care for the chimps, contractual or otherwise'
Alfred Prince, the Vilab's director at the time, said: 'Liberia is now peaceful. 15,000 UN peacekeepers are in residence and free elections were held in October this year.
'We have 80 chimps, all of which live in social groups. We presently have six islands of 10 to 30 acres in a nearby river suitable for housing released groups.
'The Blood Center is looking for a dedicated primatologist who would welcome the opportunity... The director would, however, need a sponsoring institution or foundation to assume long-term responsibility and fiscal oversight.'
But in a December 2005 article in for the American Society of Primatologists entitled 'leadership sought for chimpanzee sanctuary in Liberia', Dr Prince wrote: 'NYBC recognizes its responsibility to provide an endowment to fund the Sanctuary for the lifetime care of the chimpanzees.'  
However, Victoria O’Neill, a spokeswoman for the blood center, told the New York Times that this was Dr Prince's opinion that was 'not authorised or approved' by the blood center. She added that the center 'did not ever establish any endowment for animal care, chimpanzees included.' 
She added the center 'never had any obligation for care for the chimps, contractual or otherwise' and withdrew support after 'a long period of unproductive discussions with the Liberian government about their responsibilities in this regard, during which time we incurred millions of dollars of costs'.
She added that there was ongoing 'arbitration' with the Liberian government. 
MailOnline contacted the New York Blood Center for a comment but it has not responded. 
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Maria Sharapova splits with fellow tennis star boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov

Break point: Maria Sharapova splits with fellow tennis star boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov after two years

  • Dimitrov confirmed the news on Friday as he wished his ex 'happiness'
  • News follows explosive semi-final battle between Sharapova and Dimitrov's ex-lover Serena Williams
  • Sharapova and Dimitrov started dating in early 2013 and went public in May
  • Both will concentrate on their individual tennis careers 
By Becky Freeth for MailOnline
Published: 11:41 GMT, 24 July 2015 | Updated: 12:40 GMT, 24 July 2015
Maria Sharapova has split with fellow tennis star boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov after a two-year relationship.
Bulgarian Grigor, 24, confirmed the news on Friday, explaining that the couple had simply 'split paths' and that he wished his Russian ex 'happiness and success'.
The news comes just two weeks after five-times grand slam champion Maria, 28, was defeated by Grigor's fiery ex-lover Serena Williams - another tennis ace - at Wimbledon.
Scroll down for video 
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Break point: Maria Sharapova has split with fellow tennis star boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov, pictured here in July last year, after a two-year relationship.
'Our paths split,' 24-year-old Grigor, currently number 16 in the ATP rankings, told Bulgarian media on Friday.
'We experienced wonderful moments together. I wish her much happiness and success in life and in tennis.'
'Now I'm concentrated entirely on the game and I'm sure the results will soon be seen... This is the summer of the new beginning for me.'
Finished: Tennis power couple Maria and Grigor, pictured here in March, are now putting their careers first
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Finished: Tennis power couple Maria and Grigor, pictured here in March, are now putting their careers first
Moving on: The duo confirmed that they were a couple in May 2013, and the duo are said to have been dating since early that year
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Moving on: The duo confirmed that they were a couple in May 2013, and the duo are said to have been dating since early that year
The tennis power couple - who now share homes in Florida and California - announced that they were an item in May 2013, and the duo are said to have been dating since early that year.
She consistently raised speculation that they were engaged to be married in 2015 when she wore a ring on her fourth finger and gushed endlessly about the romance.
She said of the bond in May: 'It's nice to have someone who really understands and respects [what I do] and knows the drill.'
'There are so many little variants in an athlete's career that are not always easy to explain to the outside world. So it is nice that they are aware of it and know it.' 
It's not Grigor's first relationship within the tennis world nevertheless. 
Back on the market: Maria will be newly-single as she concentrates on her work for a while
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Back on the market: Maria will be newly-single as she concentrates on her work for a while
Tensions between the hot tennis duo no doubt came to a boiling point when Sharapova came face to face with Williams - whom Grigor dated in early 2012 - in the grass court competition in early July.
Serena, who went on to win this year's competition, and Maria share an 11-year rivalry on the court and it extended beyond when he dumped Serena and quickly moved on with Sharapova. 
Maria's dating history is also similarly sporty because she previously enjoyed an early romance with tennis lothario Andy Roddick.  
She then had a two-year liaison with basketball player Sasha Vujacic, to whom she became engaged, before they split up, citing the pressures of their respective schedules. 
Following that, she shared a very public relationship with Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine - now married to Behati Prinsloo - who reportedly said that she was a huge disappointment as a lover.
Cute twosome: Maria and Grigor have stayed largely out of the spotlight with their affairs
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Cute twosome: Maria and Grigor have stayed largely out of the spotlight with their affairs
After her defeat, Maria jetted off in search of sun just one week after the British grass court championships, choosing the company of close girlfriends instead of her long-term beau. 
Maria shared a string of pictures from Montenegro, having earned her jetset break from a long run of competitions. 
Meanwhile, it's been a summer of splits for Grigor, who also parted with his coach Roger Rasheed as he falls to meet his potential as a potential grand slam champion. 
Grigor, who climbed to number eight in the world last year after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, put in what was described as a 'lacklustre' performance in this year's championship. 

Jetting off: Blonde beauty Maria jetted off for a holiday with friends not long after last month's Wimbledon championships
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Jetting off: Blonde beauty Maria jetted off for a holiday with friends not long after last month's Wimbledon championships
Getting away: In the days after the tennis tournament, Maria jetted off to Montenegro
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Getting away: In the days after the tennis tournament, Maria jetted off to Montenegro
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Thursday, July 23, 2015

Ohio State Reformatory

'You can still hear the whispers of inmates' insane ghosts': Inside the haunted remains of prison used to film Shawshank Redemption where 200 inmates died and a superintendent, his wife and daughter were murdered in escape bid

  • Ohio State Reformatory has featured in movies like Tango and Cash, Air Force One and the Shawshank Redemption 
  • More than 150,000 prisoners have passed through its gates and at least 200 have died while serving sentences there
  • Prison's superintendent, his wife and 20-year-old daughter were abducted and murdered in a cornfield near the jail
  • At least four former inmates have been killed in Ohio State's electric chair and conditions were deemed a 'disgrace'  
By Jay Akbar For Mailonline
Published: 09:29 GMT, 23 July 2015 | Updated: 10:20 GMT, 23 July 2015
Thousands of movie fans embark on the 'Hollywood Tour' at Ohio State Reformatory every year, but behind the glitzy facade lies a very dark history.
It has featured in the Harrison Ford action flick Air Force One, 'Tango and Cash' starring James Caan and most famously, The Shawshank Redemption which earned seven Oscar nominations. 
But long before it became a world-famous movie set, it was considered on of America's most brutal prisons. Of the thousands of inmates to pass through its gates between 1886 and 1990, when it was shut down, more than 200 died there.
Its decaying halls and run-down rooms are empty now but tourists claim they hear whispers of ghosts from its barren cells.
Scroll down for video 
Decaying: The notorious Ohio State Reformatory, shut down in 1990, has become a terrifying tourist attraction for thousands ever year
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Decaying: The notorious Ohio State Reformatory, shut down in 1990, has become a terrifying tourist attraction for thousands ever year
Haunted: Tourists say they hear whispers from its empty, rusting cell blocks which once housed dangerous prisoners from all over the country
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Haunted: Tourists say they hear whispers from its empty, rusting cell blocks which once housed dangerous prisoners from all over the country
Mysterious: More than 200 of the inmates who were housed inside the cells (pictured) of Ohio State Reformatory died inside the prison
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Mysterious: More than 200 of the inmates who were housed inside the cells (pictured) of Ohio State Reformatory died inside the prison
Movie set: The same halls featured in the hit 1995 movie The Shawshank Redemption (pictured), which earned seven Oscar nominations
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Movie set: The same halls featured in the hit 1995 movie The Shawshank Redemption (pictured), which earned seven Oscar nominations
Tourist attraction: Thousands of tourists visit Ohio State Penitentiary in Mansfield to take the 'Hollywood Tour' every year
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Tourist attraction: Thousands of tourists visit Ohio State Penitentiary in Mansfield to take the 'Hollywood Tour' every year
Iconic: The building and foreground has been renovated since it featured in The Shawshank Redemption (pictured), a famous film about a man wrongfully imprisoned
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Iconic: The building and foreground has been renovated since it featured in The Shawshank Redemption (pictured), a famous film about a man wrongfully imprisoned
In an old graveyard just outside the prison walls are rows of 215 numbered markers - one for each of the prisoners who died inside Ohio State Reformatory. Most of them were victims of diseases like influenza and tuberculosis but some faced more violent ends. 
Prison guards would take the worst-behaved inmates deep beneath the prison grounds, in a place notoriously referred to as 'the hole', to punish them. It was there, in solitary confinement, that so many men went insane, the prison's website claims.
Some inmates committed suicide by setting themselves on fire, others hanged themselves after enduring windowless solitary confinement. Some died in 'accidents' or attempted prison escapes, some were murdered in fights and some were supposedly killed by prison staff after being 'tortured for their bad behavior'.
The Union Army used the site in Mansfield to train over 4,000 soldiers during the American Civil War but in 1876, state officials decided to transform it into an institution where young, first-time offenders could be reformed. 
The violence began when the juvenile detention centre turned into a federal prison which began to house dangerous criminals from all over the country.
According to Forgotten Ohio, the darkest day in the prison's history came on July 21, 1948. Two inmates broke out and abducted the superintendent John Niebel, his wife and 20-year-old daughter from the farm they lived on just outside the prison grounds and murdered them in a cornfield.
The killers - Robert Daniels and John West - were caught two days later. West was killed in the shoot-out that ensued and Daniels was put to death in the electric chair at the very prison he escaped from. 
Bloody: On July 21, 1948, two inmates broke out and abducted the superintendent John Niebel (centre), his wife (right) and 20-year-old daughter (left) and murdered them
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Bloody: On July 21, 1948, two inmates broke out and abducted the superintendent John Niebel (centre), his wife (right) and 20-year-old daughter (left) and murdered them
Death: The killers - Robert Daniels and John West - were caught two days later and put to death in Ohio State's electric chair (photo shows a different man sitting in the chair in 1901)
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Death: The killers - Robert Daniels and John West - were caught two days later and put to death in Ohio State's electric chair (photo shows a different man sitting in the chair in 1901)
Violence: Prison guards would carry out the worst beatings deep beneath the prison grounds, far away from the prying eyes of the overcrowded cells (pictured)
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Violence: Prison guards would carry out the worst beatings deep beneath the prison grounds, far away from the prying eyes of the overcrowded cells (pictured)
Memento: Cracked cases of old Diana Ross vinyl CDs, ripped magazines and books have been gathering dust in one of the rooms
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Memento: Cracked cases of old Diana Ross vinyl CDs, ripped magazines and books have been gathering dust in one of the rooms
No escape: Despite the heavy metal doors (pictured) keeping the prisoners locked inside the jail, there were at least two violent jail breaks in which guards were either injured or killed
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No escape: Despite the heavy metal doors (pictured) keeping the prisoners locked inside the jail, there were at least two violent jail breaks in which guards were either injured or killed
Entrance: A sign reading 'circulation' hangs over a long, wooden desk (pictured) - presumably where guards would rotate their shifts
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Entrance: A sign reading 'circulation' hangs over a long, wooden desk (pictured) - presumably where guards would rotate their shifts
Haunting: Tourists still claim they hear faint conversations and footsteps inside the barren cells of Ohio State Reformatory
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Haunting: Tourists still claim they hear faint conversations and footsteps inside the barren cells
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Haunting: Tourists still claim they hear faint conversations and footsteps inside the barren cells of Ohio State Reformatory
Escape: It may have been used as a movie set for iconic Hollywood films, but its lasting legacy is one of murder and violence
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Escape: It may have been used as a movie set for iconic Hollywood films, but its lasting legacy is one of murder and violence
Worship: On the popular tour of the abandoned prison, tourists visit the Catholic Chapel (pictured) above the Central Guard Room
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Worship: On the popular tour of the abandoned prison, tourists visit the Catholic Chapel (pictured) above the Central Guard Room
Trapped: Just outside the boundaries of Ohio State Reformatory lie 215 numbered markers - one for each of the prisoners who died inside
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Trapped: Just outside the boundaries of Ohio State Reformatory lie 215 numbered markers - one for each of the prisoners who died inside
Harsh: Even in The Shawshank Redemption movie (pictured), the prison was an oppressive place where the prisoners were worked to the bone by a dictatorial superintendant
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Harsh: Even in The Shawshank Redemption movie (pictured), the prison was an oppressive place where the prisoners were worked to the bone by a dictatorial superintendant
Stars: Ohio State Reformatory featured in the Harrison Ford action flick Air Force One as well as the multi-Oscar-nominated Shawshank Redemption (pictured) starring Morgan Freeman (left) and Tim Robbins (right)
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Stars: Ohio State Reformatory featured in the Harrison Ford action flick Air Force One as well as the multi-Oscar-nominated Shawshank Redemption (pictured) starring Morgan Freeman (left) and Tim Robbins (right)
Two prison guards have also been murdered at the notorious prison. In November 1926, an inmate who was on parole returned and shot a 72-year-old guard just outside the gates in an unsuccessful ploy to help a friend escape. The shooter Philip Orleck was arrested two months and also died in Ohio State's electric chair.
And during an attempted prison break in October 1932, 48-year-old Frank Hanger was beaten to death with an iron bar. Prisoners Merrill Chandler and Chester Probaski were found guilty of his murder and executed in 1935.
Ohio State drew condemnation for being overcrowded in 1933. A research group of educators and prison experts described its conditions as a 'disgrace'.
In the 1970s, a nine-member team studying recommended shutting the reformatory down and replacing it with many smaller institutions  which housed no more than 500 inmates each.
The anger towards Ohio State peaked in 1978 when the Counsel for Human Dignity - a combination of civic and church groups - sued the prison on behalf of the 2,200 inmates still housed there. 
They claimed that the prisoner's rights were being violated because they were forced to live in 'brutalising and inhumane conditions'.
The lawsuit was resolved in 1983 and prison officials agreed to improve conditions while preparing to close the cell blocks by December 31, 1986, which was extended by four years.
In Ohio State's last years, its stunning architecture lured Hollywood directors to film portions of two movies. 'Harry and Walter Go to New York' was shot there in 1975 and 'Tango and Cash' in 1989.
Cruel: In the 1970s, a coalition of civic and church groups claimed that prisoner's rights were being violated because they were forced to live in 'brutalising and inhumane conditions' inside Ohio State (pictured)
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Cruel: In the 1970s, a coalition of civic and church groups claimed that prisoner's rights were being violated because they were forced to live in 'brutalising and inhumane conditions' inside Ohio State (pictured)
Chilling: A former inmate has scribbled his prison number, 31925, and a date, September 17, 1935, on the walls of the prison
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Chilling: A former inmate has scribbled his prison number, 31925, and a date, September 17, 1935, on the walls of the prison
Unsanitary: Ohio State drew condemnation for being overcrowded in 1933 when research group of educators and prison experts described its conditions as a 'disgrace'
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Unsanitary: Ohio State drew condemnation for being overcrowded in 1933 when research group of educators and prison experts described its conditions as a 'disgrace'
Killings: On July 21, 1948, two inmates broke out and abducted the superintendent John Niebel, his wife and 20-year-old daughter from the farm they lived on just outside the prison grounds and murdered them
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Killings: On July 21, 1948, two inmates broke out and abducted the superintendent John Niebel, his wife and 20-year-old daughter from the farm they lived on just outside the prison grounds and murdered them
Stunning: These images were captured by urban photographer Cindy Vasko who was 'in awe of the impressive, beautiful castle-like architecture'
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Stunning: These images were captured by urban photographer Cindy Vasko who was 'in awe of the impressive, beautiful castle-like architecture'
Decline: The violence inside Ohio State Reformatory (pictured) began when the juvenile detention centre turned into a federal prison which began to house dangerous criminals from all over the country.
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Decline: The violence inside Ohio State Reformatory (pictured) began when the juvenile detention centre turned into a federal prison which began to house dangerous criminals from all over the country.
Insane: Of over 200 inmates who died in the prison, some committed suicide by setting themselves on fire, others hanged themselves after enduring windowless solitary confinement
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Ancient: 'Like other abandoned prisons, Mansfield does not have a shortage of abundant peeling paint and rust,' photographer Cindy Vasko told MailOnline
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Insane: Of over 200 inmates who died in the prison, some committed suicide by setting themselves on fire, others hanged themselves after enduring windowless solitary confinement
Both films eventually were panned by most critics, but they brought major stars to Mansfield--James Caan, Elliot Gould, Diane Keaton and Michael Caine for 'Harry and Walter,' and Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell for 'Tango and Cash.' 
These haunting images were captured by urban photographer Cindy Vasko who was 'in awe with the impressive, beautiful castle-like architecture' of the prison's exterior after passing through its gates. 
She told MailOnline: 'Upon entering the prison, I was quite taken with the massiveness of the facility... Multi-level floors of cell blocks greet a visitor. The two large cell blocks are the largest I have ever seen - six tiers. 
She was confronted by darkness in almost every corner of the prison but for safety reasons, a few lights were scattered around what she described a 'cold structure'.
She added: 'The one cell block has cells a bit larger than the other so I assume one group of prisoners felt a little luckier than the other due to the added living space.
'Since the movie, Shawshank Redemption, was filmed here, there are markings along the way noting movie significance... Like other abandoned prisons, Mansfield does not have a shortage of abundant peeling paint and rust.' 
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