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Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
3 July 1962 (USA)
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Tagline:
now the world will know the story of the most defiant man alive! more
Plot:
A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 4 Oscars.
Another 5 wins
&
5 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(7 articles)
Karl Malden Passes Away at the Age of 97
(From Rope Of Silicon. 1 July 2009, 5:34 PM, PDT)
7 Strange Ways To Survive The Slammer
(From TotalFilm. 13 March 2009, 5:42 AM, PDT)
(From Rope Of Silicon. 1 July 2009, 5:34 PM, PDT)
7 Strange Ways To Survive The Slammer
(From TotalFilm. 13 March 2009, 5:42 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
A fine film from a true star.
more (55 total)
Cast
(Complete credited 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 |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
147 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1 more
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 |
UK:A (original rating) |
Australia:PG |
Finland:K-16 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:PG
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The real Alcatraz is seen only from exterior views from the boat, or is shown from the shore dockside. All the rest of the views of Alcatraz in the movie were produced on sets located in Los Angeles.
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Goofs:
Errors in geography: Early in the film, in an exterior shot when Elizabeth Stroud is in Washington DC to campaign for her son's death sentence to be commuted, California's mountains can be seen in the background.
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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...
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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...
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Charles Grodin/Paul Simon (#3.4)" (1977)
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (55 total)
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There are many combinations in Hollywood that produce fine work; and, then, there are those that produce tremendous work. Directors and actors can often be at odds, but when they are in sync, something wonderful can come of it. Hitchcock made classics with Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant; Scorcese and Deniro transcend their contemporaries; and Burt Lancaster and John Frankenheimer made great movies together.
I've always liked Burt Lancaster. At first, I had only seen his swashbucklers and his westerns. But, as I discovered his dramas, my respect grew. Lancaster was the perfect leading man. He was tall, good looking, charming, and loaded with charisma. What's more, he had talent. He could turn out a pirate yarn or play a con artist who finds love; a marshall in the most famous gunfight, or a general who abandons his oath; a ghost of a doctor who gets that one at-bat, or a prisoner who becomes an expert on birds. Lancaster is brilliant in this film.
Lancaster was more than a movie star; he was an actor. He never sought the easy route, his life had never been easy. Maybe that's why his movies stand out. Nothing good ever comes easy.
Lancaster presents a brilliant portrayal of Robert Stroud. Whether it is historically accurate or not is beside the point. Lancaster represents the indomitable human spirit; no matter what challenge life throws at him, he rises above. Lancaster is understated in this role, but so powerful. He doesn't need method or make up or any tricks; just his humanity.
So many movies shine due to the presence of Lancaster; but his collaborations with Frankenheimer shine brightest. Frankenheimer is highly underrated, due to his later work; but, there was a period when he was one of the best. The Manchurian Candidate, Seven Days in May, The Train, and Birdman of Alcatraz are clear examples of his talent. Do yourself a favor, when you see a movie in the video store, or on tv, look for the names Frankenheimer and Lancaster. If you find them, watch the movie. You'll be glad you did.