Birdman Of Alcatraz
How does bitter convict Robert Stroud cope with a lifetime of solitary confinement? The answer, in a sense, comes from above -- in the form of a feeble sparrow he finds in the isolation yard. Stroud brings this newfound companion to his cell, nurses it to health and, from that point on, there's no turning back. Despite having only a third grade education, and no hope of parole, Stroud becomes a renowned ornithologist -- and achieves a greater sense of freedom and purpose behind prison walls than many in the outside world will ever know.
The "finest prison picture ever made" (Variety), this inspirational and compelling classic stars Burt Lancaster in an Oscar-nominated performance as Stroud -- the convict who, in his power to heal birds, finds the power to heal himself.
Member Reviews
A Fascinating If Overly Sympathetic Portrayal Of Robert Stroud - revsdd
A fascinating (if not entirely accurate) portrayal of Robert Stroud, a man with a Grade 3 education and incarcerated from the age of 19, who became a self-taught expert on the pathology of birds, especially canaries, which he kept in his cell at Leavenworth. All I knew about Stroud before seeing this was that he was known as "the birdman of Alcatraz" and so it came as a surprise to discover that he never kept birds at Alcatraz - he was forced to leave them behind when he was transferred there from Leavenworth.
Burt Lancaster's performance as Stroud was generally quiet and subdued (too subdued and quiet, actually, since Stroud, from what I've read, was neither a nice nor quiet man) focusing largely on his various relationships. Two actors are worth noting in particular: Karl Malden as the fictional warden Harvey Shoemaker, and Telly Savalas as Stroud's fellow prisoner Feto. Stroud's relationships with his mother and wife were complicated. Devoted to his mother, who intervened regularly with authorities (including President Woodrow Wilson) on his behalf, he finally had a falling out with her over his decision to marry a woman who he met after she became acquainted with his work on birds. Shoemaker was also an interesting character, and I was never really sure what to make of him - a good, reformist warden or just a guy with a grudge against Stroud who devoted himself to keeping Stroud locked up.
If some of the material about Stroud personally is inaccurate, the basic details of his life and crimes are presented fairly accurately. The movie, made in 1962, based on a book written a few years earlier, leaves us with no knowledge of Stroud's ultimate fate, because he was still alive and in prison when it was made. In fact, he died in prison in 1963.
Some parts of this movie drag a bit, but it's for the most part a fascinating watch, keeping in mind that Lancaster's portrayal of Stroud is an overly sympathetic look at a very violent man.Biography of a Killer who was also a Remarkable Man - Gregg
A film based on the true story of Robert Stroud, a twice convicted murderer who developed a lifelong interest in birds while in prison that led to some remarkable achievements. Starting with an injured bird he found in the prison yard Stroud would develop an extensive knowledge of birds that led him to both breed them for sale and also to author two books on bird diseases. The film unfolds as a series of lengthy flashbacks telling Stroud’s story from early in his incarceration, documenting both his struggles with prison authorities including his murder of a guard and his subsequent studies of birds. Despite the title most of the story takes place at Leavenworth prison in Kansas, late in the story Stroud is transferred to Alcatraz where he is no longer permitted to keep his birds, it was while at Alcatraz though that the book upon which the movie is based was published..
Both the film and the DVD transfer look quite good, the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography – Black and White. The film was also nominated for Best Actor – Burt Lancaster, Best Supporting Actor – Telly Savalas and Best Supporting Actress – Thelma Ritter. In addition to these fine performances the film also features Karl Malden , Edmund O’Brien and Neville Brand in an atypical role who are all quite good.
It has been argued by some observers that the film and the book upon which it was based present a romanticized portrait of a remorseless killer and this may be true. It is also true that he was also a remarkable man with only a 3rd Grade education who studied a number of scientific fields through books alone which led to his incredible achievements.
The film was directed by John Frankenheimer who was at the top of his career at the time the film was made. The film also features a very good if not remarkable score from Elmer Bernstein who would receive over a dozen Oscar nominations during his career.A Bird's Best friend - movie_goer
This Is how a movie on alcatraz should be filmed. even though it black and white, filmed beyond my years. Its like marinated meat older the better.
He's the bird man a ruthless murderer who kills those who cross him, and end up confined in the worst place of the prison the hole. For years he's never seen much light and when given the previlage, the only thing he could see was the sky. until one day a bird falls from a tree. He sneaks it in and desides They'd become cell mates.
Soon after learning 1/2 A dozen languages and reading thousand of books on Birds he became a famous Bird healer. and was rewarded all the birds he'd like. until things went wrong and he clashed with the wardon and guards, in a second everything he prided himself on was gone.
this movie is fascinating. And so is the bird man some claim he was a cold manipulative killer others say he had the heart of gold and killed for passion and pain. you deside.
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A Fascinating If Overly Sympathetic Portrayal Of Robert Stroud - revsdd
A fascinating (if not entirely accurate) portrayal of Robert Stroud, a man with a Grade 3 education and incarcerated from the age of 19, who became a self-taught expert on the pathology of birds, especially canaries, which he kept in his cell at Leavenworth. ...Biography of a Killer who was also a Remarkable Man - Gregg
A film based on the true story of Robert Stroud, a twice convicted murderer who developed a lifelong interest in birds while in prison that led to some remarkable achievements. Starting with an injured bird he found in the prison yard Stroud would develop ...A Bird's Best friend - movie_goer
This Is how a movie on alcatraz should be filmed. even though it black and white, filmed beyond my years. Its like marinated meat older the better.
He's the bird man a ruthless murderer who kills those who cross him, and end up confined in the worst place ...