Birdman of Alcatraz

Plot Summary

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.

Top Cast

Burt Lancaster Robert Stroud

Karl Malden Harvey Shoemaker

Thelma Ritter Elizabeth Stroud

Neville Brand Bull Ransom

Betty Field Stella Johnson