Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

John Frankenheimer

Writers:

Thomas E. Gaddis (book)
Guy Trosper (screenplay)

Release Date:

3 July 1962 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

now the world will know the story of the most defiant man alive!

Plot:

A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.

Plot Keywords:

Bird | Prison | Murderer | Convict | Solitary Confinement

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Sat. July 11

12:15 AM

TCM

Cast

Burt Lancaster	...	Robert Franklin Stroud
Karl Malden	...	Harvey Shoemaker
Thelma Ritter	...	Elizabeth Stroud
Neville Brand	...	Bull Ransom
Betty Field	...	Stella Johnson
Telly Savalas	...	Feto Gomez
Edmond O'Brien	...	Thomas E. 'Tom' Gaddis
Hugh Marlowe	...	Roy Comstock
Whit Bissell	...	Dr. Ellis
Crahan Denton	...	Kramer
James Westerfield	...	Jess Younger

Runtime:

147 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Norway:16 (1962) | West Germany:16 (f) | France:U | Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, California, USA

Company:

Norma Productions

Trivia:

Robert Stroud was actually imprisoned in cell #42 located in the D Block. According to Frank Heaney, a former prison guard (1948-51), Stroud was anything but the sympathetic character as portrayed by Burt Lancaster. He was an extremely difficult and demented inmate who, though highly intelligent, was a vicious killer and a psychopath.

Goofs:

Factual errors: The "Battle of Alcatraz" is incorrect in almost every detail, starting with Bernie Coy's name, and shooting the guard pointblank with the rifle.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Tour guide: ...during which you will see all of the man-made and natural beauties, the most spectacular bay in the world. You'll pass beneath the famous Golden Gate Bridge, considered by most authorities to be one of the most striking structures ever erected by man...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Moonlighting: Money Talks... Maddie Walks (#2.3)" (1985)

9 out of 10

Fatally underrated, brilliantly acted, strikingly photographed and excellently directed prison drama about con Burt Lancaster and his passion for birds and his mother Thelma Ritter. Flawless performances and a moving script make this a classic and one of Lancaster greatest on-screen appearances. To be rediscovered.