Birdman of Alcatraz
US (1962): Drama
In this film based on a true story, Burt Lancaster plays Robert Stroud, a withdrawn prison inmate who cures a sick bird that flies into his cell and eventually becomes a world-renowned ornithologist -- all while serving a life sentence. An overbearing warden (Karl Malden) eventually transfers Stroud to the notoriously brutal prison on Alcatraz, but he is able to continue his research, abort a riot, start a romance, and eventually get his story out through a determined reporter (Edmond O'Brien). Directed with his usual solid craftsmanship by John Frankenheimer, the film tells a quietly moving tale for which Lancaster, Telly Savalas (as one of Stroud's fellow inmates), and Thelma Ritter (as Stroud's mother) all received Oscar nominations. (Norma/U-A) (Don Kaye, All Movie Guide)
4 nominations
· Actor 1962: Burt Lancaster
· Supporting Actor 1962: Telly Savalas
· Supporting Actress 1962: Thelma Ritter
· Cinematography (Black and White) 1962: Burnett Guffey