A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.
- Nominated for 4 Oscars
- 4 wins & 12 nominations total
Robert Bailey
- Reporter on Dock
- (uncredited)
Nicky Blair
- Inmate
- (uncredited)
John Burnside
- Captain of Marines
- (uncredited)
Robert Burton
- Sen. Ham Lewis
- (uncredited)
Mushy Callahan
- Inmate
- (uncredited)
James J. Casino
- Inmate
- (uncredited)
James Cavanaugh
- Guard
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBurt Lancaster was so immersed in his role that he wept on some moments, but he asked director John Frankenheimer not to show him cry to the audience.
- GoofsWhile Stroud is at Alcatraz, his cell is depicted with a window. All the cells at Alcatraz were located on inside walls with no openings to the outside.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Robert Stroud: Tom? You know what they used to call Alcatraz in the old days?
Tom Gaddis: What?
Robert Stroud: Bird Island.
Tom Gaddis: [narrating] Robert Stroud's petition for parole has been denied annually for 24 years. Age 72, he is now in his 53rd year of imprisonment.
- Alternate versionsEuropean release is five minutes longer than original US theatrical version.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Film Review: Burt Lancaster (1968)
Featured review
Excellent uplifting film in utterly depressing surroundings
Always like Burt Lancaster's acting/entertainment ability, and he doesn't disappoint in "Birdman". I found this movie, whatever it's historical faults notwithstanding, to be an uplifting experience due to the characters ability to rise above the incredibly depressing circumstances of his existence. And, a sad commentary on societies inability to rehabilitate as in "To restore to good health or useful life, as through therapy and education.", those who stray from the straight and narrow. When men are treated with respect, or as animals, they usually respond in kind. Karl Malden's warden character summarized societies treatment of inmates. Whether using carrots or sticks, the end goal was conformity and submission, with true rehabilitation an incidental byproduct should it occur at all. There is little wasted footage in this film, the "quiet" periods mentioned in earlier comments, add to the realism. Think about it, here's a man who spent nearly 50 years of his life in solitary confinement, to do true justice, a silent film would have been more appropriate! Stroud was spared the death penalty by President Wilson, due to his mothers pleading on his behalf. I can't imagine the occupier of the White House today doing anything but smirk at such a request. Not a political statement, just a point of fact. Another point, this film was made while Stroud was still in prison, which he never viewed, and which failed to earn him his release before his death in 1963. Lancaster also played a convict in "Brute Force", one of his earliest films, and a good one.
helpful•252
- innis57
- Apr 21, 2005
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Pticar iz Alcatraza
- Filming locations
- Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, California, USA(exteriors: long shots)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $2,650,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 27 minutes
- Color
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