Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
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.
Released: Jul 04, 1962
Runtime: 147 minutes
Stars: Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, Neville Brand, Betty Field, Telly Savalas
Crew: Guy Trosper (Screenplay), Fernando Carrere (Art Direction), Robert J. Schiffer (Makeup Artist), John Frankenheimer (Director), Thomas E. Gaddis (Novel), Harold Hecht (Executive Producer)