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Plot

In this film based on a true story, Burt Lancaster plays Robert Stroud, a withdrawn prison inmate who cures a sick bird that flies into his cell and eventually becomes a world-renowned ornithologist -- all while serving a life sentence. An overbearing warden (Karl Malden) eventually transfers Stroud to the notoriously brutal prison on Alcatraz, but he is able to continue his research, abort a riot, start a romance, and eventually get his story out through a determined reporter (Edmond O'Brien). Directed with his usual solid craftsmanship by John Frankenheimer, Birdman Of Alcatraz tells a quietly moving tale for which Lancaster, Telly Savalas (as one of Stroud's fellow inmates), and Thelma Ritter (as Stroud's mother) all received Oscar nominations.
MPAA Rating:
Not Yet Rated
Genre(s):
Drama
Run Time:
143min.
Theatrical Release Date:
03/26/2000
DVD Release Date:
03/06/2001
Distributor(s):
No Studio
Director(s):
John Frankenheimer
Starring:
Burt Lancaster , Karl Malden , Thelma Ritter , Neville Brand , Telly Savalas
Themes:
Prison Life,Fighting the System,Redemption
Tone:
Confrontational,Forceful,Atmospheric,Poignant,Earnest
Keywords:
achievement,atrocity,birds,convict,human-rights,love,prison,reform [improve],romance,warden
Language:
English