Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) User Reviews (106)

Excellent Example of a Sadly Lost Film-making Style

[Danusha_Goska · 8/10 · 9 January 2005]

"Birdman of Alcatraz" depicts a fictionalized version of the life of Robert Stroud, a real prisoner who served a life sentence in various American prisons, including Alcatraz.

As other viewers have commented, the film fictionalizes the life of the real Robert Stroud, who was a murderer and who has been accused of being a pedophile, as well.

This fictionalization should not interfere with an intelligent viewer's enjoyment of a fine film.

Too, this fictionalization doesn't change the key features of Stroud's case -- a bad man, a man who is shown on screen to be a real murderer, was condemned to death by the state. That much is true from Stroud's real life story, and that much is shown in the film.

Stroud was a difficult person who did not treat other people decently. That much was true of the real Stroud and that is shown in the film.

Stroud's mother pled for his life and President Woodrow Wilson commuted his sentence to life. A warden, aware of how difficult Stroud was to control, declared that Stroud be kept in segregation. That much is true in Stroud's real life story, and that is depicted in the film.

Finally, Stroud became noteworthy for his research and writing on canaries, after he found an injured bird in the recreation yard. That much was true in Stroud's life, and that is shown in the film.

Those who argue that the film is not as accurate as it could be have a point, but the film does follow the facts outlined above.

The film is quiet, and black and white, and yet riveting.

It is an example of a kind of film-making that is sadly lost today. The film attempts a serious discussion of serious issues: the value of a man, the death penalty, the role of prisons, their wardens and guards, the possibility of human connection, even under conditions of relative isolation. Stroud makes some human contact with his guard, and with a fellow inmate he communicates with via tapping.

The film is riveting because its entire cast has a kind of star power that is hard to find today. Even given his quiet, surly performance in this black and white film, you can't take your eyes off of Burt Lancaster. The supporting cast is equally excellent.

This film is a must for anyone interested in cinematic treatments of prisons, of the death penalty, of questions of human worth, even the worth of persons who display their lack of worth in, almost, their every act, and, the kind of films of the late fifties and early sixties that provided intelligent discussions of social issues.

It's also a great movie if you just want to be entertained.

Good & Bad News About The "Birdman"

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 24 September 2005]

GOOD NEWS: This is a riveting film start-to-finish, which is hard to do considering it runs over two hours. Burt Lancaster, one of the better actors, perhaps, of all time, gives a tremendous and very memorable performance. It's a cliché but this IS one story you will not forget!

Director John Frrankenheimer also is one of the best ever. Check out his resume, if you question that last statement. He has some masterful camera shots in here. In addition to the talents of the director and main actor, you have Karl Malden,Thelma Ritter, Telly Savalas and Edmond O'Brien - no slouches they - in solid supporting roles. The DVD also helps highlight the wonderful black-and-white photography.

Most prison stories are bleak and depressing. This one is not. Oh, it has some melodrama and a few tough scenes which include prison violence, but generally it is a fascinating character study....and, even for those of you who are not bird lovers, full of interesting information about our feathered friends. How they trained the birds to do some things in here also is amazing.

BAD NEWS: What a disappointment to do some research about the real "birdman," Robert Stroud. It turns out, as other reviewers have noted, the man was a sleaze-bag. No sense going into details since some of them are simply revolting. For those who simply want to remember this as a great movie and a great performance by Lancaster, do yourself a favor and leave it at that. In this case, ignorance IS bliss!

Who cares about truth! Birdman Of Alcatraz 1962 is fabulous.

[hitchcockthelegend · 9/10 · 4 March 2008]

This is a loose telling story of Robert Franklin Stroud (Burt Lancaster) who became known as The Birdman Of Alcatraz.

Have to say I have avoided this film for years purely because of its leading man, but before you Burt Lancaster fans jump on me let me say here and now that I'm now very much a convert these days. A dear on line friend of mine convinced me to check out some of his work last year after they found out I wasn't all that impressed with him, so after watching Atlantic City and his supreme film noirs, I was quickly back in line. This one landed from the rental folk strangely after me enjoying Lancaster in The Unforgiven only last week.

A strange thing with prison films is that few of them actually capture the oppressive feel of incarceration, so when I see one that does, then I'm very over the moon. Director John Frankenheimer manages to put the viewer in with Stroud because the pace is perfect, it's meant to be slow, prison time is slow time, the film is always close and intimate to give you the feel of being there. This film, much like two other greats from the genre in Papillon & Escape From Alcatraz, needs its lead actor to be restrained yet brood with menace, and Lancaster delivers from the top draw here. How unfortunate for him that he should turn in a fantastic turn in the same year that Atticus & Lawrence were dazzling cinema goers. The film never veers into over sentimental slumber because there is much more going on with Stroud, be it his Mother, business acumen, or the political fall out of this murderous man's time in prison.

Watching such macho men like Lancaster & Savalas grow fond of our feathered friends is priceless and brings about scenes that are both touching and poignant at the same time. Whatever the distortion of the facts as regards Robert Stroud's penal life, one thing we do know is that he made an official impact and it makes for one hell of a story. Added bonus here is that you've got Frankenheimer directing deftly in his black & white style, aided considerably by the smart cinematography from Burnett Guffey. And of course from a memorable performance from Big Bad Burt.

I was so impressed I ordered it for my own collection. 9/10

Brilliant film...Lancaster's finest performance...

[Doylenf · 13 July 2002]

BURT LANCASTER seldom had a role that he connected with more than his portrait of an embittered man who must spend his life in prison after murdering a prison guard. His muted performance of this stoic man is under close scrutiny by the camera as he gradually redeems himself through a chance encounter with a fallen sparrow.

Everyone in the cast is superb--Karl Malden as a hard-nosed warden, Telly Savalas as a fellow prisoner, Betty Field as the widow who becomes close to Stroud through a mutual interest, and particularly Thelma Ritter as an over possessive mother. The refusal of a prison guard to permit Lancaster to see his mother is the catalyst that sends Stroud into solitary when the guard is fatally stabbed.

The scene where Stroud breaks down and actually apologizes to a prison guard (Neville Brand) is one of the most powerful moments in the film with Brand speaking up to the defiant prisoner who treats the guards with contempt.

All of the scenes showing Stroud taking care of his birds are startlingly realistic. Through brilliant black and white photography and a compelling script--and under the superior direction of John Frankenheimer--the film will move you to tears on more than one occasion and provides a vast range of emotions for the viewer. Burt Lancaster's finest achievement as an actor.

Interesting to note that only Burt Lancaster and Thelma Ritter were nominated for Oscars. Karl Malden and Neville Brand also deserved Oscar nominations--as did the film.

Excellent uplifting film in utterly depressing surroundings

[innis57 · 9/10 · 21 April 2005]

Always like Burt Lancaster's acting/entertainment ability, and he doesn't disappoint in "Birdman". I found this movie, whatever it's historical faults notwithstanding, to be an uplifting experience due to the characters ability to rise above the incredibly depressing circumstances of his existence. And, a sad commentary on societies inability to rehabilitate as in "To restore to good health or useful life, as through therapy and education.", those who stray from the straight and narrow. When men are treated with respect, or as animals, they usually respond in kind. Karl Malden's warden character summarized societies treatment of inmates. Whether using carrots or sticks, the end goal was conformity and submission, with true rehabilitation an incidental byproduct should it occur at all. There is little wasted footage in this film, the "quiet" periods mentioned in earlier comments, add to the realism. Think about it, here's a man who spent nearly 50 years of his life in solitary confinement, to do true justice, a silent film would have been more appropriate! Stroud was spared the death penalty by President Wilson, due to his mothers pleading on his behalf. I can't imagine the occupier of the White House today doing anything but smirk at such a request. Not a political statement, just a point of fact. Another point, this film was made while Stroud was still in prison, which he never viewed, and which failed to earn him his release before his death in 1963. Lancaster also played a convict in "Brute Force", one of his earliest films, and a good one.

Not true, but compelling

[markcarlson2222 · 8/10 · 23 July 2007]

I've always loved this film. It's moving, emotional, stirring, and poetic. It's even capable of generating great empathy with a man who we'd all prefer not to marry our daughters. Stroud, portrayed by Lancaster, is slowly pulled from a life of solitude, misery, hatred and violence by his love of birds. He becomes someone we can identify with, to care about, to wish he was free.

But...and I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Hollywood doesn't always get it right. Yeah, really. The movie is fiction from start to finish. Tom Gaddis' book was wonderful I actually bought a copy at the Alcatraz gift shop years ago and read it eagerly. I believed I had the true story of Stroud. And believed it for years. Until I read 'Birdman: The Many Faces of Robert Stroud' by Jolene Babyak. What a change. When I confirmed the book's accounts from other sources. I was stunned that we'd been so duped by the book and movie.

So there's a lot more to Stroud than Lancaster's gentle giant. He was a vicious psychopath who had killed twice, and wanted to kill more. He wasn't in solitary because of some misprint in his execution order. He was kept in solitary because he was too dangerous to keep with the regular prison population. He was also a savage homosexual rapist who wrote child pornography and had absolutely no regrets about it. When he was up for parole, he openly stated he wanted to get out before he was too old, because 'there were some people who needed killing.' His birdwork, too, was a fabrication. it's been proved now that most of Stroud's writings were plagiarized from other bird books, and even his remedies were nearly as dangerous as they were healing. He got lucky on some, that's all. No reputable bird breeder uses his remedies today. Stroud was alive when the movie was made. He'd smuggled bits and pieces of his 'autobiography,' heavily slanted in his favor, to Tom Gaddis, his own little gullible ghostwriter. And then it hit the big screen. The story generated piles of mail pleading for Stroud's release. He must have smiled at that, if he knew. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons knew what it was doing keeping Stroud in captivity. He was dangerous and would have probably killed even as an old man. He died the day before JFK was shot. I have an old San Jose Mercury News, from November 23, 1963 which on the fhird page has a small article entitled: "Autopsy Performed on Birdman Stroud.' His death in Springfield would have been front-page news but for the JFK Assassination. Actually, a tiny blurb is all he deserved. Have I seen the movie since I read the truth? Sure, but now I watch it for the acting, the cinematography, the drama, not the fiction. It is a great movie, and even Academy Award material. Frankenheimer's direction is superb, with a wonderful score and high accuracy in what life in prison was like in the early half of the last century. Lancaster, Malden, Brand, even a young Telly Savalas did a masterful job. The only thing I'd add is I wonder what the producers who decided to tell this story in such a favorable light, including the writers would have thought if Stroud had been paroled, and then started killing again. I wonder.

For the film, I give it an 8/10. For a work of fiction, a 10/10.

Finding a Purpose of Life

[claudio_carvalho · 9/10 · 1 October 2012]

In 1912, the notorious and violent prisoner Robert Franklin Stroud (Burt Lancaster) is transferred to the Leavenworth Prison convicted for murdering a man. When a guard cancels the visit of his mother Elizabeth Stroud (Thelma Ritter) due to a violation of the internal rules, he stabs and kills the guard and goes to trial three times. He is sentenced to be executed by the gallows, but his mother appeals to President Woodrow Wilson that commutes his sentence to life imprisonment. However, the warden Harvey Shoemaker (Karl Malden) decides to keep Stroud in the solitary for the rest of his life.

One day, Stroud finds a sparrow that has fallen from the nest on the yard and he raises the bird until it is strong enough to fly. Stroud finds a motivation for his life raising and caring birds and becomes an expert in birds. He marries Stella Johnson (Betty Field) and together they run a business, providing medicine developed by Stroud. But a few years after, Stroud is transferred to Alcatraz and has to leave his birds behind.

"Birdman of Alcatraz" is an impressive film based on a true story of a prisoner that finds a purpose of life raising and caring birds and becoming a recognized ornithologist by himself. Burt Lancaster has a top-notch performance in the role of Robert Franklin Stroud and the footages with birds are impressive. However, it seems that Stroud did not have the glamour of the character performed by Burt Lancaster and was actually a psychopath. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "O Homem de Alcatraz" ("The Man of Alcatraz")

Uplifting & Inspiring Movie Magic! Lancaster is the Birdman!

[lawrence_elliott · 9/10 · 10 December 2007]

What a beautiful film portrayal. Though this movie is slow-paced it is worth the effort to get involved viewing it. Lancaster and Malden are perfect antagonists on screen. The tenderness and gentleness shown to the birds by the inmates in the prison contrasts not only the harsh prison environment accompanied by the violent existence of everyday life but also the inner characters' of the prisoners' themselves whose tough exteriors mask the gentle love that surfaces when the birds are introduced into Robert Stroud's cell. Telly Savalas is in his element when this coarse and tough brute is elevated to tender emotions he thought did not exist in himself anymore after spending most of his life behind prison walls. This film has had a direct impact on my life as Robert Stroud's book on Bird diseases and their treatments have cured my own flock from ailments from time to time and I am so grateful for his brilliant common sense approach to disease and medicine. This is a brilliant film that I thoroughly enjoy each time I watch it. John Frankenheimer - where are you when we need you?

Lancaster is great, but it's too glorified a portrayal

[gbill-74877 · 6/10 · 10 June 2021]

The physical transformation that Burt Lancaster goes through over the course of this movie is impressive, and he's as engaging as always. I didn't like the character's mental transformation all that much though, because it's such a glorified view of Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. I'm all for the film's messages of rehabilitation and treating prisoners with respect, but think that should have been accompanied by the truth, that Stroud was violent, aggressive, and dangerous. Also, for 143 minutes, I would have loved to have seen the things that shaped him, e.g. His abusive father, who took him out of school in the 3rd grade, and his becoming a hobo on freight trains at 13. I would have loved to have seen more of his victims, e.g. The prostitutes he pimped out, his first murder, or the family of the guard he killed at Leavenworth. I would have loved to seen the sinister side that other inmates talked about, even while he was doing wonderful things studying all those birds. As it is, the film became tiring to me in its second half, as much as I liked seeing Lancaster throw himself into this part.

the first duty of life is to live

[dbdumonteil · 9/10 · 16 September 2006]

If you feel a deep interest in John Frankenheimer and set up a DVD collection, you need three indispensable works from this versatile filmmaker dating from his decade glory: the sixties. They are "the Mandchurian Candidate" (1962) the template for the political film based on suspicion and conspiracy. "Seconds" (1966), the film in which Frankenheimer's obsessions and camera work reached an incredible peak. It could also be the granddaddy of the meandering "Abre Los Ojos" (1997) made by Alejandro Amenabar. And at last this "Birdman of Alcatraz". It was the film that put its creator on the map back in the sixties and it's arguably the first treasure in his filmography.

Robert Stroud is a very impulsive man and this serious drawback led him to commit several murders. After having been sentenced to life imprisonment and jailed in harsh conditions, he rescues a small sparrow from the storm and raises it until he can fly. From this watershed event, his life is going to take another grand dimension. A boundless passion for ornithology makes him famous all over the world. But during his prison sentence, he's transfered to the Alcatraz prison and this change stops him from going on in his research and his knowledge related to birds.

The adaptation of a book relating the life of the real Robert Stroud was a project close to Frankenheimer's heart and while discovering this very long film (about two hours and a half), one recognizes his hallmark in the directing with mind-boggling angles and striking camera movements. The director also plays a lot with the lighting and the scenery of the prison and notably Stroud's cell. Some shots showcase Burt Lancaster behind the bars with their shadows reflected on his face. A neat metaphor to make the audience understand that he can't escape from the scenery that surrounds him but also from the ruthless laws of justice.

The scenario also spans what made Frankenheimer a kingpin in American cinema. His set of themes revolve around the alienation of the individual in the modern world, his inability to adapt to it and the rules, constraints of society which dwarf him. At the outset, Stroud is an outcast and can't conform to the rules and laws which govern the USA. But the discovery of this wounded sparrow will make him reconcile with life. His thirst for knowledge, his willful persona for developing and deepening his knowledge in ornithology are so potent that one virtually forgets the restrained, cramped space he lives in. His cell is fraught with birds singing, cages galore test tubes for his experiences and learning books. Frankenheimer achieves the feat to make this paradox endure and so to move the audience: to film a nearly fulfilled life in a tiny space and to turn a nearly bestial human being in a respectable man. That's the victory of the individual on a repressive system.

So unlike the two Frankenheimer pieces of work I quoted in my first paragraph which spread ed an unchanging pessimistic whiff, especially "Seconds", "Birdman of Alcatraz" is bestowed with an upbeat, optimistic feel. And I won't come back on Burt Lancaster's imposing, subdued performance which has so much been rightly lauded. One word about Robert Stroud's mother: she may be a distant cousin of Raymond Shaw's in "the Mandchurian Candidate" for she is against the marriage of her son.

Whenever this film is evoked, the controversy about the real Robert Stroud comes back. They always tell he wasn't this brainy, sensitive man described in Frankenheimer's film but it doesn't stop you from watching one of the most momentous films in the filmmaker's canon and probably his most harrowing one.

NB: the real Robert Stroud was never allowed to watch the film.

A true-life drama with awesome performance by Burt Lancaster as a surly prisoner who educated himself in the science of birds

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 3 November 2013]

Thought-provoking studio of a prisoner , Robert Stroud , who during many years in prison became a world-renowned bird authority . At one point, the real Robert Stroud had over 400 birds in his cell . Burt Lancaster plays Stroud , in one of his best acting as the convict murderer and according to the biography of Robert Stroud , he killed the prison guard because he was denied a visit from his brother, not his mother as portrayed in the film. However , Robert Stroud really should be known as the "Birdman of Leavenworth," since it was there that he kept his birds and did his research , he was not actually allowed any birds during his time at Alcatraz. Due to this popular movie, the real Robert Stroud became one of the most famous inmates of the federal prison at Alcatraz, second only to mob boss 'Al Capone . The real Stroud was an extremely difficult and demented inmate who, though highly intelligent, was a vicious killer and a psychopath , spending 53 years in prison. Robert Stroud died the day before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy; therefore news of his death was not well publicized.

This is a pensive examen of an inmate and contains emotion , imaginative sidelights , interesting dialog ; though overlong and sometimes static . Very good acting by Burt Lancaster as a surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation who redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert .Well produced by the same Lancaster and United Artists . In fact , Burt Lancaster was forced by United Artists to make four films for $150,000 a picture in the 1960s: The young savages , The Alcatraz Birdman , The train and The Hallelujah trail rather than his normal fee of $750,000, because of cost overruns at his production company, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, for which he was personally responsible . Extraordinary support cast gives magnificent performance such as Karl Malden as Harvey Shoemaker , Thelma Ritter as Elizabeth Stroud , Neville Brand as Bull Ransom , Telly Savalas as Feto Gomez , Edmond O'Brien as Thomas Gaddis , Hugh Marlowe as Albert Comstock , Whit Bissell as Dr. Ellis and Betty Field as Robert Stroud's wife and business partner, whom he married while in jail, she was actually called Della Mae Jones . Atmospheric cinematography by Burnet Guffey , one of the main cameraman of Noir Film along with cinematographer John Alton , the latter was fired two weeks into production and replaced by Guffey . Evocative as well as sensitive musical score by Elmer Bernstein .

The motion picture was stunningly directed by John Frankenheimer , though Charles Crichton was fired several weeks into production to be replaced . At the beginning Frankenheimer worked for TV and turned to the cinema industry with The Young Stranger (1957) . Disappointed his with first feature film experience he came back to his successful television career directing a total of 152 live television shows in the 50s . He took another opportunity to change to the big screen , collaborating with Burt Lancaster in The Young Savages (1961) and Birdman of Alcatraz (62) ending up becoming a successful director well-known by his skills with actors and expressing on movies his views on important social deeds and philosophical events and film-making some classics as ¨The Manchurian candidate¨, ¨Seven days of May¨ and ¨The Train¨ and , in addition , ¨Grand Prix¨ also with great car races . Later on , he went on directing nice films such as ¨I Walk the line¨, ¨The gypsy moths¨, ¨Black Sunday¨ ,¨French Connection 2¨, ¨Ronin¨, among others . Rating : Better than average and well worth seeing . The flick will appeal to Burt Lancaster fans .

One of Lancaster's finest parts

[g-hbe · 8/10 · 12 July 2008]

I've just seen this film on TV, it being several years since I saw it last. What a fine job Burt Lancaster makes of portraying Robert Stroud, a two-times murderer who finds inner peace when he nurses a young sparrow back to health in his prison cell. More birds follow, and in time he becomes an authority on bird pathology and develops several cures for diseases which were thought untreatable.

The quiet dignity that Lancaster gives to the part may or may not have been a genuine part of the real Robert Stroud but it is deeply moving, and the Director's careful treatment of the relationship he has with his long-term warder who grows old alongside him is one part of the film which can bring a lump to the throat.

Of course the film carries the message that not all prisoners should be treated with brutal disdain and could be seen as just another left-wing handwringer from a period when this kind of thing was popular among movie-makers, but it is certainly a top-notch example.

One of Frankenheimer's Finest Films - but the story is sanitized

[smithjet · 7/10 · 28 February 2016]

I watched this again the other day for the first time since my original viewing about 40 years ago.

As it so happens, I toured Alcatraz about 6 months ago and none of the scenes supposedly inside the prison were actually filmed at Alcatraz. This isn't surprising since Alcatraz was still an active prison at the time of filming.

As far as the movie, Lancaster was superb and deserved his Oscar nomination. All of the other actors were also very fine except for Telly Savalas who was rather hammy as Feto Gomez. Lancaster had the mannerisms and gait a man might have who had spent 50 years in prison, nearly all of it in solitary. One of Lancaster's finest roles, if not his finest.

I haven't read the book by Tom Geddis that this film is supposedly based on, but if the film was a faithful adaptation, then Geddis should have been paid as a novelist not as a nonfiction author.

Stroud was not a nice man and did not appear to be rehabilitated or mellow as he aged - even though he became a renowned expert on birds while at Leavenworth. According to the National Park Service sources at Alcatraz, Stroud was a difficult, violent person almost until the end. Only his deteriorating health "mellowed" him, not his bird work.

In the film Stroud (Lancaster) complains to Warden Shoemaker (Karl Malden) that the prison system was "repressive" and robbed men of their individuality. Oh, boo-hoo: murder is even more repressive and permanently robs the victims of their rights to individuality. In real life, Stroud continually demonstrated that he was a menace to others when he was in and out of prison. The film's attempts to soften or lessen the severity of Stroud's crimes and psychopathic personality was one of the things I found most disappointing in this treatment.

There were other fabrications or omissions that detracted from the film for me: Stroud was an ardent homosexual (he often wrote homosexual erotica while in prison) who several times attempted to rape other prisoners. This aspect of his personality was not even remotely hinted at in the film. In addition, Stroud had no role whatsoever in the 1946 so-called "Battle of Alcatraz". This film paints him as someone who tried to make peace and who was instrumental in ending the assault. In fact, the weapons Stroud is shown dropping out the window in the movie were found on the dead inmates when authorities finally restored order.

In summary, this movie is a fine example of a great director at the peak of his powers. The story is compelling and the acting is first rate. However, the plot is largely fictional and the viewer will learn almost nothing about Stroud himself. It is no more enlightening on Stroud than JFK was about the Kennedy assassination, which is why I gave this film a 7 instead of 8. As long as the viewer is aware that it is almost completely sanitized, they are encouraged to view and appreciate this excellent film.

More propaganda than drama

[cricketbat · 5/10 · 29 May 2019]

One of the main problems with Birdman of Alcatraz is that it can't escape its own reality. Largely fictionalized, this movie borders on irresponsible as it props up Robert Stroud as a soft-spoken folk hero, leading the charge against a corrupt system, when most real-life accounts describe him as a violent psychopath who belonged in prison. There's some good acting, but this film is sadly more propaganda than drama.

A fine film from a true star.

[grendelkhan · 27 May 2003]

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.

Ain't What These cages for . . . . . Animals?

[thinker1691 · 9/10 · 17 June 2007]

Tom Gaddis, (Edmond O'Brien) the author of the book upon which this film is based, discovered in researching Robert Stroud, that the intelligent individual portrayed in the film "Birdman of Alcatraz", was not the kindly old man he hugged after more than 50 years in prison. The real story is much more interesting as Bob Stroud was anything except a violent, vicious, thug, who murdered two people and was given a life sentence. Nevertheless, although the movie did not harp on the violent nature of the early convict, it did personify, the evolving prisoner which Gaddis says in his book was treated with nothing but violence in his youth and early incarceration. The film is directed by John Frankenheimer, who is a master of his craft and in this film, gives his audiences a truly memorable story of the legendary prisoner who served his lengthy prison sentence in solitary confinement and yet became a world authority and an expert in Ornithology. His story begins in the 1900's and spans the decades into the 1950's. The black and white role of a lifetime went to Burt Lancaster who portrayed Stroud as Gaddis suggested. During his 50+ years, Stroud met and befriended several lifelong inmates among them, Feto Gomez (Telly Savalas), Warden Harvey Shoemaker (Karl Malden), Bull Ransom (Neville Brand). In his latter days, Stroud became not only a re known authority on birds, but also as a author of other books. Viewing this film we see Lancaster's take on the inmate he hoped would be released after this film aired. Superb acting by everyone. ****

Biography of a Killer who was also a Remarkable Man

[gpeevers · 8/10 · 22 June 2009]

A film based on the true story of Robert Stroud, a twice convicted murderer who developed a lifelong interest in birds while in prison that led to some remarkable achievements. Starting with an injured bird he found in the prison yard Stroud would develop an extensive knowledge of birds that led him to both breed them for sale and also to author two books on bird diseases. The film unfolds as a series of lengthy flashbacks telling Stroud's story from early in his incarceration, documenting both his struggles with prison authorities including his murder of a guard and his subsequent studies of birds. Despite the title most of the story takes place at Leavenworth prison in Kansas, late in the story Stroud is transferred to Alcatraz where he is no longer permitted to keep his birds, it was while at Alcatraz though that the book upon which the movie is based was published..

The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography – Black and White, for Best Actor – Burt Lancaster, Best Supporting Actor – Telly Savalas and Best Supporting Actress – Thelma Ritter. In addition to these fine performances the film also features Karl Malden, Edmund O'Brien and Neville Brand in an atypical role who are all quite good.

It has been argued by some observers that the film and the book upon which it was based present a romanticized portrait of a remorseless killer and this may be true. It is also true that he was also a remarkable man with only a 3rd Grade education who studied a number of scientific fields through books alone which led to his incredible achievements.

The film was directed by John Frankenheimer who was at the top of his career at the time the film was made. The film also features a very good if not remarkable score from Elmer Bernstein who would receive over a dozen Oscar nominations during his career.

Poses some interesting questions about what constitutes rehabilitation

[jjnxn-1 · 8/10 · 28 August 2014]

Sincere drama that poses some interesting questions about what constitutes rehabilitation. Famous story, perhaps more so when the film was made but still in the public consciousness today, of convicted killer Robert Stroud sentenced to life imprisonment in solitary confinement who discovers any affinity for birds and their care.

Simple enough it would seem but the meat of the story comes about when the penal system's rigid code of what it sees as rehabilitation and Stroud's abilities conflict. The powers that be fail to recognize that in his way Stroud, apparently an extremely intelligent man who educated himself in various sciences, has rehabilitated himself by becoming a productive person in the cures he invents that help thousands of animals and their owners. Because it doesn't fit into the establishment's narrow view of how to be properly mainlined his work is stopped, benefiting no one.

It's extremely frustrating to watch and raises several questions. Is Stroud a model citizen? No. Is he fit to mix with the prison population let alone the public at large? Probably not. Is he making a valuable contribution? He most certainly is. Are the men in charge of redeeming him shortsighted and wrong? You bet. Does the film make a strong case for looking at the individual versus the group dynamic? Indeed it does.

Wonderful performances all around. Burt Lancaster is very strong in the lead conveying Stroud violent tendencies as well as his more cerebral side convincingly. Karl Malden also does well as the warden who can't see any other way but his way. Betty Field mixes just the right amounts of sadness and warmth as Burt's initial partner and eventual wife. Then there's Thelma Ritter as Stroud's complicated mother and fiercest champion with whom he had an odd relationship until a breach came between them. The actress was Oscar nominated, as was Burt, for her work and while she is as always solid the role isn't really nomination worthy.

A fine film with an intriguing story. A trifle long but well worth seeking out.

Good, But Too Long

[evanston_dad · 7/10 · 17 August 2018]

Fascinating biopic about Robert Stroud, a man committed to life in prison who became one of the premier experts and authors in the world of bird diseases.

The film has that raggedy visual style common to John Frankenheimer movies, which I like. But the screenplay is straight up inspirational Hollywood stuff about the inherent dignity of human life no matter what the circumstances, not a perspective I particularly share. It's also far too long, losing the thread of Stroud's story a bit along the way. A long segment detailing a famous escape attempt from Alcatraz will satisfy those who like a good prison break movie, but it feels tangential to the main plot and adds a good 20 minutes or so to the movie.

Burt Lancaster was a go-to actor for steely resolve, and he reeks of it in this film. Another welcome presence is Thelma Ritter as Stroud's mother, a sweet old lady who turns out to have a heart of ice. Yikes, am I glad I wasn't born into this family. Lancaster and Ritter were both Oscar nominated, as was Telly Savalas as a fellow inmate and friend to Stroud. But one of my favorite performances came from the unrecognized Betty Field, as the woman who would eventually marry the incarcerated Stroud and turn his mother against him.

Rounding out the film's quartet of Oscar nominations was the black and white cinematography of Burnett Guffey, who had already won for "From Here to Eternity" and would go on to win again for "Bonnie and Clyde."

Aside: With her sixth loss, Thelma Ritter tied Deborah Kerr as the female actor with the most nominations never to have won, a record that stands to this day, though Kerr did win an honorary award in 1993. The all-time loser record goes to poor Peter O'Toole, with eight losses. O'Toole was also thrown an honorary bone in 2002, but lord knows he should have won legitimately any number of times.

EDIT: Since this review was originally posted, Glenn Close has now gone on to become the most nominated female actor never to have won a competitive Oscar, overtaking both Thelma Ritter and Deborah Kerr when she lost for "The Wife" in 2018.

Grade: A-

You can achieve something big even if your world is too small.

[Reno-Rangan · 9/10 · 21 September 2013]

The name Alcatraz is pretty much known to everyone especially those who watch Hollywood movies and television series. 'Birdman of Alcatraz' is the story of the Robert Stroud which begins in 1912 who is being transferred from an Alaskan prison facility to Leavenworth correction facility with other prisoners. To spend his 12 year term in prison which given him for a murder he committed. The movie won't tell us the story before the sentence but everything after till he leave the Alcatraz.

Stroud is a tough guy who listens to no one and loves his mother a lot. He won't leave who teases his mother when his mother was not allowed to see him he commits an another crime which adds extra more years to his sentence. Now he got to spend his whole life behind the bars. One day he rescues a lost baby bird and soon after he becomes an expert on birds which leads him to find the cure for the bird diseases. When a man becomes at his best there will always be an enemy to oppose it, well here the warden Harvey stand against him with a reason behind. He could not take it what Stroud becoming, so there comes his transfer to another maximum security prison, Alcatraz.

This might be a story of a convict but it was lovable and inspiring about what he does during the sentence. I love animals, of course it includes birds as well. After the 2nd millennium the man came too far from the actual world he used to share with other species. The man invented and discovered many stuffs that helped the human world to run smoothly such as automobiles, cure for the diseases, giant buildings and the fancy lifestyle. But this man, Stroud built a bridge to connect us from animal (bird) kingdom. He studied about birds' behaviour and discovered the cure for the bird diseases during the time science becoming modern.

Well I got some doubts about this story. When Stroud was in Leavenworth facility he had permission to have birds in his cell so he raised hundreds of canaries during his stay. But after he transferred to Alcatraz the permission was denied due to new rules initiation throughout the country in all the prison facilities. So that is what I wonder how the name 'Birdman of Alcatraz' came. Is it because he had birds and studied about it while he was in Leavenworth or because he spent his most of day in Alcatraz which was also called birds island. I don't know much about this man other than this movie. It looked kinda coincident to me, after he got the name 'Brdman' in Leavenworth he flew like a bird to the birds island (Alcatraz).

This movie was nominated for the four academy awards during 1963 Oscar ceremony. There were already fighting for trophies within other top nominees so this movie did not get any. I felt this movie deserved some appreciation but experts say it had few flaws and inaccuracy in the story that mean largely fictional. I really don't know how much it borrowed the original story of Robert Stroud or from a book but I liked this movie a lot. It delivers the message about to do or discover something new or find ourselves our strength. Most of the great biographies I know are not from the real criminals so this story tells us from the different perspective. There are few bad stuffs from Strouds' life to forget and many good stuffs to learn from it. There are many movies about prison theme this movie was a little different to those. You can have it to enjoy or to know the real Robert Stroud, left up to you but I say go for it with a thumbs' up.

8½/10

Another true story.

[Bettlejuice · 6/10 · 19 October 2006]

If a movie is based on a true story does that automatically make it good? It seems that Hollywood has been hoping so for many of their movies. All of these movies are almost the exact same, a hero who faces unfair odds in order to achieve happiness. It's the same idea as almost every other movie but producers are hoping that we will cheer extra hard for these heroes because they were real people. Birdman of Alcatraz wasn't a bad movie but still felt formulaic and predictable.

Birdman of Alcatraz tells the story of Robert Stroud, (played by Burt Lancaster) a prisoner who seems determined to disobey the rules just to be a pain to authority. One day Stroud finds a baby bird outside in the prison courtyard and decides to take care of it. Because he has nothing better to do with his time, he starts to train the bird to do all sorts of tricks. The bird becomes popular with all the other inmates who began to receive birds as well. Amongst these inmates is Feto Gomez, played by Telly Savalaz, the inmate who lives in the neighboring cell to Robert Stroud. However, few inmates are up to the task of caring for birds and most turn to Stroud. Through a process of trial and error Stroud eventually becomes the worlds leading expert in birds. However, eventually, and complete unsurprisingly he has to constantly fight the system in order to be happy.

While Birdman of Alcatraz told a strong story and tried to tell it in the best possible way, there seemed to be no way around the almost painful predictability of it. Viewers will feel so familiar with the story that even as they watch the movie for the first time they will feel that they can quote the lines right along with the actors.

The actors do try their hardest to breathe life into their respective characters. Lancaster's portrayal of Stroud is especially impressive. He is able to cause the audience to feel sorry for his character and cheer for him over the prison guards even though we see Stroud kill a man at the beginning of the movie. Other impressive performances include Karl Malden as Harvey Shoemaker, The warden of the jails that Stroud stays in, and Thelma Ritter who played Robert Stroud's mother Elizabeth Stroud.

Though Birdman of Alcatraz feels formulaic, it was well liked by critics and audiences alike in 1962, the year it first came out. In fact the movie was nominated for four Oscars, in Best Actor (Burt Lancaster), Best Actress (Elizabeth Stroud) Best Supporting Actor (Telly Savalas), and Best Cinematography in a black and white film. However, it failed to win any of the awards. Nevertheless, Savala's nomination was the most beneficial launching him into super stardom and allowing him to be considered for later roles including his most famous one, the detective Kojak.

An interesting thing that Birdman of Alcatraz did however was have the movie shot in black and white rather than in color. This technique added to the drab feel that the audiences got when looking at a bare cell where Stroud lived. Added to this was an interesting use of camera angles. For instance during a scene where a character is drunk, the camera tilts to give the audience a feeling of drunkenness too. And when Stroud is lying defeated on the floor of his cell, the camera is also low to the ground to give the audience a feeling of defeat and depression that Stroud was feeling at the moment.

While Birdman of Alcatraz is predictable, that does not make it a bad movie. The characters are realistic enough that viewers will be drawn into the story and cheer for the hero. It is also contains very memorable moments of cinematography that, while it they may not make the movie worth owning, they are worth viewing at least once.

The great Burt Lancaster in perhaps his greatest performance!

[hnt_dnl · 10/10 · 28 July 2008]

It's hard to believe, but I think that Burt Lancaster is an underrated actor! I think he was more known for his classic movie star looks and athleticism more so than for his acting prowess. But yet he is one of the more honored actors in film history (four Best Actor nominations, including this film, and a win for ELMER GANTRY in 1960). Strange, but I really think he's not considered among the all time greats, but he should be. He was amazingly versatile: he did films of all genres (Westerns, film noir, historical drama, political thriller, biopic) and he did them all well. He's really one of the most watchable actors in all of film history. And his greatest accomplishment may just be in this film, THE BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ.

Try to find a false note in Lancaster's performance, here! You can't! Lancaster plays convicted murderer Robert Stroud, sentenced to life imprisonment in solitary confinement in the early 20th century. Stroud really did exist. To cope, deal with, and exist, Stroud became a bird expert, perhaps the best in the world. He created his own aviary and learned how to care for and treat all kinds of birds. He wrote books on the subject and was world-renowned and honored for his accomplishments, all the time being in prison. While the film may embellish Stroud's character, that is irrelevant to me, because I find it one of the most inspirational biopics I've ever seen. It may be the best biopic ever! You would think a prison movie would be boring, but BIRDMAN is not even close to that. Why? Character, baby! Character! And Lancaster exudes character! He makes you care for and understand Stroud, at least his version of him. This is a full-blooded performance. No tricks, no gimmicks, no over-the-top antics. It makes me feel good to know that Lancaster received Best Actor nom for this great performance, b/c he plays a REAL person, regardless of the cinematic liberties taken.

I can watch a film like this a lot easier than any of the tedious, Oscar-begging biopics they show nowadays. Why? Again, character! In addition to Lancaster, this film has one of the best casts I've ever seen: Thelma Ritter as Stroud's mom, Neville Brand as his longtime cell block guard, Telly Savalas as his fellow inmate, Betty Field as his nominal wife, and last but not least Karl Malden as Stroud's 2-time warden (once at Leavenworth and last at Alcatraz). All these actors give sterling performances. This is one reason the film holds up so well.

The director John Frankenheimer, who Lancaster worked with a lot, deserves special mention as well. Actors and filmmakers who do biopics nowadays should really take notes of films like BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ. The film is like watching BIOPIC 101. An inspirational, 'true' story, with simplistically brilliant dialogue and true character performances. A real classic!

Good Drama Of A Notorious Prisoner.

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 16 September 2013]

Burt Lancaster plays Robert Stroud, a violent inmate sent to Leavenworth prison in 1912 for murder, but later kills a prison guard when denied a visit from a relative. He is sentenced to death, but due to his mother lobbying president Woodrow Wilson, has his sentence commuted to life, though warden Harvey Shoemaker(played by Karl Malden) gives Stroud a solitary cell for life, as his own punishment. Stroud takes this stoically, but one day, after helping an injured Sparrow in the outside exercise area, takes it in and helps it back to health, then dedicates his life to the care and study of birds, becoming a foremost authority on the subject, until one day many years later when he is transferred to Alcatraz, and must leave his beloved birds behind.

Beautifully directed by John Frankenheimer, engrossing film about Stroud is a bit long, and viewer must keep in mind that Stroud was no saint, but as far as helping birds, and being gentle with nature in a way he could never be with his fellow humans is most interesting, and Lancaster is excellent.

More "fictionalized history" from the Hollywood boys

[ramonhleigh · 2/10 · 2 February 2011]

When I first saw this film I thought that Lancaster had done a very good job. Unfortunately, I then read up on the man the movie had practically immortalized and realized I'd been had. Again. I lost a lot of respect for Lancaster after that. Apparently the only way a story can turn out the way Hollywood wants is to simply manufacture it. Of all the historical films that I've seen whose events I am familiar with, the only one that I can honestly say was accurate was The Longest Day. As for the other reviewers who somehow find deep meaning in what, for all intents and purposes, seems to be some sort of religious or propagandistic morality play, well, I didn't discern any deep thinking floating around the cell block.