Birdman of Alcatraz

Genre: psychological drama
Director: John Frankenheimer
Release: 1962
Studio: Norma Productions, United Artists Films
Rating: -
MBiS score: 8.6/10


Lost and Found


In Alaska circa 1911, young Robert Stroud (Burt Lancaster) makes a tragic mistake when he kills a man who has allegedly beaten a prostitute friend. Found guilty of murder, he is sent to the notorious Leavenworth penitentiary in Kansas where he is accused of not ‘conforming’ by warden Harvey Shoemaker (Karl Malden). Now hardened by his rage, Robert will continue defying one and all… until a walk in the prison yard during a rainstorm gives him a new outlook on life. With Neville Brand (Bull Ransom), Thelma Ritter (Elizabeth Stroud, Robert’s mother), Betty Field (Stella Johnson) and Telly Savalas (Feto Gomez).

It’s easy to comment on BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ since it tells its true story in an orderly fashion and without turning it into a melodrama. Wonderfully played by Burt Lancaster − a winner in Venice for his performance − and a solid cast of veteran thespians, admirably conceived for the screen by John Frankenheimer, Robert’s tale of violence, long struggle and redemption is an original classic bristling with humanity.

‘Moving’ and ‘inspirational’ are adjectives used too frequently in movieland today but, in this case, they are more than appropriate. I should know… a little bird told me.


MBiS

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