Birdman of Alcatraz(1962)
“Inside the rock called Alcatraz they tried to chain a volcano they called 'The Bird Man'!”
Overview
After killing a prison guard, convict Robert Stroud faces life imprisonment in solitary confinement. Driven nearly mad by loneliness and despair, Stroud's life gains new meaning when he happens upon a helpless baby sparrow in the exercise yard and nurses it back to health. Despite having only a third grade education, Stroud goes on to become a renowned ornithologist and achieves a greater sense of freedom and purpose behind bars than most people find in the outside world.
Director
John Frankenheimer
Studio
Norma Productions
Budget
$3M
Revenue
$3M
Cast
Burt Lancaster
as Robert Stroud
Karl Malden
as Harvey Shoemaker
Thelma Ritter
as Elizabeth Stroud
Neville Brand
as Bull Ransom
Betty Field
as Stella Johnson
Telly Savalas
as Feto Gomez
Edmond O'Brien
as Tom Gaddis
Hugh Marlowe
as Roy Comstock
Whit Bissell
as Dr. Ellis
Crahan Denton
as Kramer
James Westerfield
as Jess Younger
Robert Bailey
as Reporter on Dock (uncredited)
Where to Watch
fuboTV
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Movie Facts
Release Year
1962
Runtime
2h 27m
Language
English
Rating
7.5 / 10
Budget
$3M
Box Office
$3M
Production Companies
Norma Productions • United Artists
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Birdman of Alcatraz?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for Birdman of Alcatraz (1962).
What is Birdman of Alcatraz about?▼
After killing a prison guard, convict Robert Stroud faces life imprisonment in solitary confinement. Driven nearly mad by loneliness and despair, Stroud's life gains new meaning when he happens upon a helpless baby sparrow in the exercise yard and nurses it back to health. Despite having only a third grade education, Stroud goes on to become a renowned ornithologist and achieves a greater sense of freedom and purpose behind bars than most people find in the outside world.
Who directed Birdman of Alcatraz?▼
Birdman of Alcatraz was directed by John Frankenheimer and released in 1962. It is a drama, crime, history film.
How long is Birdman of Alcatraz?▼
Birdman of Alcatraz has a runtime of 2 hours and 27 minutes (147 minutes total).
Who stars in Birdman of Alcatraz?▼
The cast of Birdman of Alcatraz includes Burt Lancaster as Robert Stroud, Karl Malden as Harvey Shoemaker, Thelma Ritter as Elizabeth Stroud, Neville Brand as Bull Ransom, Betty Field as Stella Johnson and more.
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