85
About
After killing a prison guard, convict Robert Stroud faces life imprisonment in solitary confinement. Driven nearly mad by loneliness and despair, Stroud's life gains new meaning when he happens upon a helpless baby sparrow in the exercise yard and nurses it back to health. Despite having only a third grade education, Stroud goes on to become a renowned ornithologist and achieves a greater sense of freedom and purpose behind bars than most people find in the outside world.
Theatrical
Jul 4, 1962
Box Office
$3.1M
Budget
$2.7M
Return
1.2x
DVD / Blu-ray
Mar 6, 2001
Director
Writer
Producers
Music
Studio
Norma Productions, United Artists
Where to Watch
Region
Apple TV Store
Rent from
HD
$3.99
Apple TV Store
Buy from
HD
$14.99
Amazon Prime Video
Stream included
HD
Included
Amazon Video
Rent from
$3.99
Amazon Video
Buy from
$14.99
See all 17 options →
Prices last updated October 5, 2026. Pricing and availability may vary by region.
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Cast
Full credits →B
Burt Lancaster
Robert Stroud
K
Karl Malden
Harvey Shoemaker
T
Thelma Ritter
Elizabeth Stroud
N
Neville Brand
Bull Ransom
B
Betty Field
Stella Johnson
T
Telly Savalas
Feto Gomez
E
Edmond O'Brien
Tom Gaddis
H
Hugh Marlowe
Roy Comstock
W
Whit Bissell
Dr. Ellis
C
Crahan Denton
Kramer
J
James Westerfield
Jess Younger
R
Robert Bailey
Reporter on Dock (uncredited)
N
Nicky Blair
Inmate (uncredited)
M
Mushy Callahan
Inmate (uncredited)
J
James J. Casino
Inmate (uncredited)
N
Noble 'Kid' Chissell
Inmate (uncredited)
J
John Indrisano
Inmate (uncredited)
P
Pete Kellett
Inmate (uncredited)
D
David McMahon
Inmate (uncredited)
P
Pat Moran
Inmate (uncredited)
