DCSIMG
 
 

Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)

Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
In this film based on a true story, Burt Lancaster plays Robert Stroud, a withdrawn prison inmate who cures a sick bird that flies into his cell and eventually becomes a world-renowned ornithologist -- all while serving a life sentence. An overbearing warden (Karl Malden) eventually transfers Stroud to the notoriously brutal prison on Alcatraz, but he is able to continue his research, abort a riot, start a romance, and eventually get his story out through a determined reporter (Edmond O'Brien). Directed with his usual solid craftsmanship by John Frankenheimer, Birdman Of Alcatraz tells a quietly moving tale for which Lancaster, Telly Savalas (as one of Stroud's fellow inmates), and Thelma Ritter (as Stroud's mother) all received Oscar nominations. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, (more)
Director(s):
John Frankenheimer
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Birdman of Alcatraz

In this film based on a true story, Burt Lancaster plays Robert Stroud, a withdrawn prison inmate who cures a sick bird that flies into his cell and eventually becomes a world-renowned ornithologist -- all while serving a life sentence. An overbearing warden (Karl Malden) eventually transfers Stroud to the notoriously brutal prison on Alcatraz, but he is able to continue his research, abort a riot, start a romance, and eventually get his story out through a determined reporter (Edmond O'Brien). Directed with his usual solid craftsmanship by John Frankenheimer, Birdman Of Alcatraz tells a quietly moving tale for which Lancaster, Telly Savalas (as one of Stroud's fellow inmates), and Thelma Ritter (as Stroud's mother) all received Oscar nominations. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
149 mins

Complete Cast of Birdman of Alcatraz


Director(s):
John Frankenheimer
Writer(s):
Guy Troper
Producer(s):
Guy Troper, Harold Hecht, Stuart Millar
Birdman of Alcatraz Awards:
  • 1962 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Foreign Actor
  • 1962 - Venice International Film Festival - Volpi Cup for Best Actor
Looking for special editions of Birdman of Alcatraz?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (5)
     
    Scott W.

    This movie is based on a true story. Robert Stroud was a murderer, with only a 3rd grade education. He reformed himself while serving a life term in a isolated cell. He researched diseases that afflict birds, developed cures, and became a world authority on the subject. He published articles and even a book on the subject. The story is very inspiring since he must overcome many obstacles, lack of supplies, being inventive and defend his work. Eventually his work on avian research is forced to terminate, when he is sent to Alcatraz. The last part of the movie is shot on location inside the old prison in San Francisco bay. Stroud played an instrumental role in ending the stand off with U.S. Marines in the "Battle of Alcatraz". If you ever plan to visit Alcatraz, this movie is a must see before your trip.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Kurt O.

    A long but very good movie. Definitely worth seeing. Even my 14 year old enjoyed it, which is a real endorsement

    Yes   |   No

     
    Ron C.

    A fascinating story of the transformation of a hotheaded young murderer into a distinguished ornithologist over the course of many years in prison. A singular prison movie that develops character and plot rather than relying on action violence...though there is some of that as well; furthermore, a good object lesson on the lifelong consequences that can result from one moment of rage.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 5 Reviews

    Shopping Cart

    Your cart is empty.
    Any items you add will
    appear here until checkout.
     

    Rating Systems

     

    Blockbuster

    Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

    Email Exclusives

    BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
    © 2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

    Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2013 Rovi Corporation.