Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)

Director:

John Frankenheimer

Writers:

Guy Trosper (screenplay)
Thomas E. Gaddis (book)

Release Date:

3 July 1962 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

now the world will know the story of the most defiant man alive!

Plot:

A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.

Plot Keywords:

Bird | Prison | Convict | Solitary Confinement | Murderer

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Tue. Dec. 22

1:15 PM

TCM

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
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Robert Bailey	...	Reporter on dock (uncredited)
Nicky Blair	...	Inmate (uncredited)
John Burnside	...	Captain of Marines (uncredited)
Robert Burton	...	Sen. Ham Lewis (uncredited)
Mushy Callahan	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Jimmy Casino	...	Inmate (uncredited)
James Cavanaugh	...	Guard (uncredited)
Lewis Charles	...	Chaplain Wentzel (uncredited)
Noble 'Kid' Chissel	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Nick Dennis	...	Crazed prisoner (uncredited)
Tom Gilson	...	Bit part (uncredited)
Raymond Greenleaf	...	Judge (uncredited)
William Hansen	...	Fred Daw (uncredited)
Wayne Heffley	...	Guard (uncredited)
William Hellinger	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Harry Holcombe	...	Editor (uncredited)
John Indrisano	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Harry Jackson	...	Reporter (uncredited)
Pete Kellett	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Len Lesser	...	Burns (uncredited)
Fred Libby	...	Reporter (uncredited)
Mike Mahoney	...	Bit part (uncredited)
Edward Mallory	...	John Clary (uncredited)
Adrienne Marden	...	Mrs. Woodrow Wilson (uncredited)
Eric Martin	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Michael Masters	...	Guard (uncredited)
Leo V. Matranga	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Kermit Maynard	...	Alcatraz Captain of Guards (uncredited)
Joe McGuinn	...	Bit part (uncredited)
David McMahon	...	Inmate (uncredited)
George Mitchell	...	Father Matthieu (uncredited)
Pat Moran	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Leo Penn	...	Eddie Kassellis (uncredited)
Chris Robinson	...	Logue (uncredited)
Ben Roseman	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Michael Ross	...	Convict Qualen's friend (uncredited)
Myrna Ross	...	Bit part (uncredited)
Art Salter	...	Guard (uncredited)
Ray Spiker	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Irving Steinberg	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Arthur Stewart	...	Guard captain (uncredited)
Frankie Van	...	Inmate (uncredited)
Dale Van Sickel	...	Alcatraz guard (uncredited)
Anton von Stralen	...	Guard (uncredited)
Robert Williams	...	Guard (uncredited)

Directed by
John Frankenheimer

Writing credits
Guy Trosper		(screenplay)
Thomas E. Gaddis		(book)

Produced by
Stuart Millar	....	producer
Guy Trosper	....	producer
Harold Hecht	....	executive producer (uncredited)

Original Music by
Elmer Bernstein

Cinematography by
Burnett Guffey

Film Editing by
Edward Mann

Art Direction by
Fernando Carrere		(as Ferdie Carrere)

Makeup Department
Robert J. Schiffer	....	makeup artist (as Robert Schiffer)

Production Management
Gilbert Kurland	....	executive production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
David Silver	....	assistant director (as Dave Silver)

Sound Department
George Cooper	....	sound
James Nelson	....	special sound effects
Robert A. Reich	....	special sound effects (as Robert Reich)

Camera and Electrical Department
Denis Cameron	....	still photographer (uncredited)
Richard H. Kline	....	camera operator (uncredited)
Harry Sundby	....	electrician (uncredited)

Other crew
Harold Hecht	....	presenter
Linda Boissinot-Verger	....	(press attache: reissue France 2001 ) (uncredited)
Thomas E. Gaddis	....	technical advisor (uncredited)
A.W. Kennard	....	bird handler (uncredited)
Vincent Paul-Boncour	....	press attache: reissue France 2001 (uncredited)

Production Companies

• Norma Productions

Distributors

• United Artists (1962) (USA) (theatrical) (released through)
• American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (1964) (USA) (TV)
• Carlotta Films (2001) (France) (theatrical) (re-release)
• United Artists (1962) (West Germany) (theatrical)
• United Artists (1962) (France) (theatrical) (as Les Artistes Associés )
• MGM Home Entertainment (2008) (Germany) (DVD)
• MGM Home Entertainment (2002) (Spain) (DVD)
• MGM Home Entertainment (2003) (France) (DVD)
• MGM Home Entertainment (2008) (Italy) (DVD)
• MGM Home Entertainment (2007) (USA) (DVD)
• MGM/UA Home Entertainment (19??) (USA) (DVD)

Other Companies

• Ultra Film Synchron  German dubbing

Runtime:

147 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

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:

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, California, USA

Company:

Norma Productions

Trivia:

Charles Crichton was fired several weeks into production to be replaced by John Frankenheimer.

Goofs:

Factual errors: The "Battle of Alcatraz" is incorrect in almost every detail, starting with Bernie Coy's name, and shooting the guard pointblank with the rifle.

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...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Laserblast (#8.6)" (1996)

A fine film from a true star.

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.