Birdman of Alcatraz

The story

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.

Cast & crew

Burt LancasterRobert Stroud

Karl MaldenHarvey Shoemaker

Thelma RitterElizabeth Stroud

Neville BrandBull Ransom

Betty FieldStella Johnson

Telly SavalasFeto Gomez

Edmond O'BrienTom Gaddis

Hugh MarloweRoy Comstock

Whit BissellDr. Ellis

Crahan DentonKramer

James WesterfieldJess Younger

Robert BaileyReporter on Dock (uncredited)