"Argo" Real Story: Canadian Caper & The "Canadian Six" - The Untold Truth
Could a Hollywood thriller truly capture the essence of a daring real-life escape? The story of the "Canadian Caper," a covert operation that rescued six American diplomats from revolutionary Iran, proves that sometimes, reality is stranger, and more compelling, than fiction.
In the tumultuous backdrop of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the U.S. embassy in Tehran was overrun, igniting a crisis that would grip the world. Amidst the chaos, six American diplomats managed to evade capture, seeking refuge within the Canadian embassy. What unfolded next was a remarkable collaboration between the CIA and Canadian officials, a plan so audacious it bordered on the unbelievable: a fake movie production designed to smuggle the Americans out of the country.
Central to this extraordinary tale are Mark and Cora Lijek, one of the two young married couples who formed part of the group known as the "Canadian Six." Cora, though not a foreign service official, was crucial to the operation due to her Farsi language skills. Her husband, Mark, played a key role in the covert plan, ultimately helping to coordinate the daring escape. The Lijeks, along with the Staffords (Joseph and Kathleen) and Anders and Schatz, were given Canadian passports, a humanitarian gesture that would become their lifeline.
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The film "Argo," directed by and starring Ben Affleck, brought this incredible story to the big screen, offering a dramatized account of the events. However, the true narrative, as revealed through interviews, documentaries, and firsthand accounts, offers a deeper understanding of the courage, resourcefulness, and collaborative spirit that defined the "Canadian Caper." The documentary highlights the efforts made to get the six Americans home from Iran.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Lijek |
| Date of Birth | 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Spouse | Cora Lijek (married since 1975) |
| Career | Transportation Coordinator (during the escape), later in a career in writing |
| Role in "Canadian Caper" | Key participant in the escape, part of the group of six Americans who sought refuge in the Canadian embassy. |
| Fictional Portrayal | The character of Mark Lijek is featured in the movie "Argo," which dramatizes the escape. |
| Documentary Appearances | Appears in documentaries about the rescue, including interviews about his experience. |
| Reference Website | Wikipedia - Canadian Caper |
The events of 1979 in Tehran were a crucible, forging unlikely alliances and testing the limits of human resilience. For the six Americans, the decision to seek refuge was a matter of survival. The Canadian government, led by Ambassador Ken Taylor, provided sanctuary, while the CIA, under the leadership of Tony Mendez, masterminded a plan to extract them from the hostile environment.
The "movie" that was developed as a cover story was a science fiction film called "Argo," ostensibly a project being scouted in Iran. The premise allowed the Americans to pose as a Canadian film crew, complete with passports and documentation. Mark Lijek, like the others, had to assume a new identity and role, navigating the dangers of the city while preparing for the moment of escape.
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The film, though a dramatization, accurately portrays the tension and uncertainty that the group faced. The real Bob Anders, Mark Lijek, Cora Lijek and Lee Schatz, were interviewed for documentaries, and their accounts paint a vivid picture of their fear, but also of their determination to return home. Their story underscores the efforts made to get the six Americans home from Iran.
The narrative of the Canadian Caper is not just about espionage; its a story about camaraderie and the power of international cooperation. The Canadians, risking their own safety, offered shelter and assistance. The CIA, despite operating in a high-stakes environment, devised an ingenious plan. These elements combined to create a success that has become legendary.
The details of the escape are riveting. The group, including the Lijeks, were instructed to go to the British embassy, but after discovering it was blocked by protestors, they retreated to Anders apartment. From there, they hid, waiting for the signal. Cora Lijek, utilizing her language skills, was a key support. She had been married to Mark Lijek since 1975. The five were eventually joined by Lee Schatz, who had taken refuge with the Swedes. The moment the group made their way to the airport, posing as a film crew, was the culmination of months of planning and a moment of nail-biting tension. Their escape required meticulous execution and, as the participants will freely admit, a good dose of luck.
The successful extraction of the six Americans was a significant diplomatic victory during a volatile period. The story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who put themselves in harm's way to help others, and its a tribute to the extraordinary actions of everyday people who played a vital role in this incredible operation.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 1979-1980 |
| Location | Tehran, Iran |
| Participants | Mark and Cora Lijek, Joseph and Kathleen Stafford, Bob Anders, Lee Schatz, Canadian Embassy Staff, CIA Agents |
| Key Events | U.S. Embassy overrun, six Americans seek refuge, creation of fake movie "Argo," escape from Iran. |
| Outcome | Successful rescue of the six Americans. |
| Significance | Demonstrates international cooperation, resourcefulness, and courage in a time of crisis. |
The tale of the Canadian Caper serves as an example of how international cooperation can resolve international crises. The real-life experiences of those involved, including the Lijeks, the Staffords, Anders, and Schatz, have been shared through interviews, documentaries, and the film "Argo."
Mark and Cora Lijek's story reflects the many small choices, and the unexpected turns, that shape an event of this magnitude. She would later become Teresa Harris, the writer. Mark was the transportation coordinator. Kathy Stafford was the set designer. Joe Stafford was an associate producer. Through their talks and recollections, we learn more about the bravery of the Canadian diplomats who assisted the Americans and aided their escape. In many ways, the Canadian Caper is a testament to humanity's ability to find strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The real Bob Anders, Mark Lijek, Cora Lijek and Lee Schatz are interviewed, in addition to a handful of others who were involved. And through these interviews, the documentary highlights the efforts made to get the six Americans home from Iran.
The story continues to fascinate, proving that true stories often surpass fiction. The events of the Canadian Caper show the power of human connection and cooperation in the face of adversity, ensuring its place as a significant chapter in both diplomatic and cinematic history.
Cora Lijek. 4 October 2012, Beverly Hills, California. 'Argo' Los
Cora Lijek
Cora lijek hi res stock photography and images Alamy
