Review of Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) by Gregg P — 17 Sep 2009

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 Stroudâ??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..

Both the film and the DVD transfer look quite good, the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography â?? Black and White. The film was also nominated for Best Actor â?? Burt Lancaster, Best Supporting Actor â?? Telly Savalas and Best Supporting Actress â?? Thelma Ritter. In addition to these fine performances the film also features Karl Malden , Edmund Oâ??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.