Birdman of Alcatraz Movie (1962) "Burt Lancaster's" Finest Film

Historical and biographical/ornithologist film tale of notorious lonely prison inmate "Killer" Birdman Robert Stroud. This truly remarkable Black & White film of 1962 is probably the best of actor Burt Lancaster (November 2, 1913 - October 20, 1994) performances. Although, this historical film was nominated for several academy awards at the time.

This beautiful and loving 1962 movie did not receive any final awards for "some strange reason?" Burt Lancaster played the part as hateful, uncaring, violent and murderous criminal Robert Stroud.

Whom was arrested and convicted serving life in prison until the day he died film portrayed in Alcatraz killing two people, and under certain circumstances, also accused of killing one of the prison guards at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Where "Birdman Robert Stroud" spent most of his time in prison, contrary to the movie title called "Birdman of Alcatraz" Professional actor and genius "Burt Lancaster" played his best part ever in this suspense/drama/visual effect film (at the time) including Karl Malden as Harvey Shoemaker as the warden of Leavenworth Prison in the early 1940's.

Simply stating to Stroud? Because of your violent crimes and hatred for human life. You will have too spend the rest of your eternal life in solitary confinement, meaning that you will have NO contact with other prison inmates. The only contact you will have will be with the prison guards, and the "voices you hear from the other prison cell-mates."

Robert Strouds' loneliness portrayed by famous actor Burt Lancaster had a bruited hatred for human life continued until he finally found a tiny little sparrow bird in the prison walkway one day trying to survive in this everyday world. Although, it was raining at the time. Hateful and murderer criminal minded Robert Stroud picked up this small bird and nourished it back to health in his small prison cell because of his "loneliness".

"It's truly amazing what loneliness will do to any human being?" This killer of two human beings ironically found peace and contentment in life within this tiny little bird? Stated at one time as having as many as 300 birds in his cell or often-times prison inmates call a "cage". (Over the years, Robert Stroud raised nearly 300 canaries in his cell and wrote two books, Diseases of Canaries and Stroud's Digest on the Diseases of Birds).

Which sparrows spend most of their life ironically in "cages as pets" anyway, as Robert Stroud had always stated during his life and books. The prison guards did not seem to mind, because they thought this was a way of rehabilitation for prison inmates? And the fact that it seem to make them "happy and contented".

Although, the prison system changed dramatically at this time in history because of poor living conditions. The film never portrayed the "filth" that Robert Stroud lived in during his majority time served while in Leavenworth Prison. His cell was reported as always dirty and personal hygiene was also reported to be gruesome at all times, because of raising his birds.

The most important part of this film or movie portrayed is Burt Lancaster's dramatic role as an actor? The close facial features regarding his seemingly weird, but yet a hateful smile that had all movie viewers were wondering if this guy is like this in real life? Burt Lancaster's voice alone in the film would make a viewer "tremble". This is called acting at it's best.

Killer and Murderer Robert Stroud eventually died on November 21, 1963, at the Springfield Center at the age of 73, after 54 years of incarceration, of which 42 were in segregation or "loneliness" without any human contact. However, his books are still read and used amongst ornithologist (bird) scientist today in history.

Thanks for reading,

Phillip Chambley.