Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

Alcatraz is the most secure prison of its time. It is believed that no one can ever escape from it, until three daring men make a possible successful attempt at escaping from the most infamous prisons in the world.

Director:

Don Siegel (as Donald Siegel)

Writers:

J. Campbell Bruce (book), Richard Tuggle (screenplay)

Stars:

Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts Blossom

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Clint Eastwood	...	Frank Morris
Patrick McGoohan	...	Warden
Roberts Blossom	...	Doc
Jack Thibeau	...	Clarence Anglin
Fred Ward	...	John Anglin
Paul Benjamin	...	English
Larry Hankin	...	Charley Butts
Bruce M. Fischer	...	Wolf
Frank Ronzio	...	Litmus
Fred Stuthman	...	Johnson
David Cryer	...	Wagner
Madison Arnold	...	Zimmerman
Blair Burrows	...	Fight Guard
Bob Balhatchet	...	Medical Technical Assistant
Matthew Locricchio	...	Exam Guard (as Matthew J. Locricchio)

Storyline

The true story of three inmates who attempt a daring escape from the infamous prison, Alcatraz Island. Although no-one had managed to escape before, bank robber Frank Morris masterminded this elaborately detailed and, as far as anyone knows, ultimately successful, escape. In 29 years, this seemingly impenetrable federal penitentiary, which housed Al Capone and "Birdman" Robert Stroud, was only broken once by three inmates never heard of again.

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Plot Keywords:

escape | alcatraz | prison | inmate | island | 

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Taglines:

No one has ever escaped from Alcatraz... And no one ever will!

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 June 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Flucht von Alcatraz

Filming Locations:

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$36,500,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Malpaso Company, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Paramount Pictures studio had to spend quite a large amount of money in maintenance, re-fitting and refurbishment costs on the prison. This totalled around US $500,000 (half a million dollars). A great deal of expense and work was required to restore the prison to its 1963 state. Fifteen miles of cable were required to reconnect the island to the city's electricity, much of the wiring having corroded. Many of the improvements were kept intact after the film. For the shoot, water-soluble, removable and peelable paint and other temporary camouflages was put over paintings and graffiti painted there by Native American Indians. They had once occupied the island as a political process and the material was of a heritage nature. After filming, the paint had to be carefully removed so the markings could be visually recovered.

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Goofs

Frank Morris' bed is on the right side of the cell in some scenes, and on the left in others.

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Quotes

Wolf: I'm Wolf. Where did they transfer you from?
Frank Morris: Atlanta.
Wolf: Nice town, Atlanta.
Frank Morris: I never saw it.

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: JANUARY 18, 1960 SAN FRANCISCO

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Connections

Referenced in Bros Before Hos (2013)

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Soundtracks

D Block Blues
by Gilbert Thomas Jr.

User Reviews

Interesting and underrated.

Some people complain that this movie is "boring." It's true it is very quiet and low-key, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. It has a distinct realistic feel to it, and it manages to be extremely suspenseful without using over-the-top action or an overblown soundtrack. There were several moments that actually had me on the edge of my seat.

Fans of Eastwood and McGoohan, who both give fantastic performances, should love this. Fans of prison movies should love this. Fans of suspense movies in general should love this. It is a top-notch movie with good performances all around, and I'd highly recommend it.

10/10 stars. Pure, solid entertainment.