, 1942 - 1942? [2][3] It is a largely fictionalized[4] version of the life of Robert Stroud, a federal prison inmate known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz" because of his life with birds. As a result of this privilege, Stoud was able to author two books on canaries and their diseases, having raised nearly 300 birds in his cells, carefully studying their habits and physiology, and he even developed and marketed medicines for various bird ailments. More Info Add to cart It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Burt Lancaster), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Telly Savalas), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Thelma Ritter) and Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.[6]. His rebellious attitude puts him in conflict with Harvey Shoemaker, the warden of Leavenworth Prison. Enlarge Warden s notebook page, with mug shot, of Robert Stroud, 594-AZ, aka The Birdman of Alcatraz. Birdman of Alcatraz is a 1962 American biographical drama film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Burt Lancaster. Always at somebody else's expense".[13]. Possibly the most famous inmate in the history of Alcatraz is Robert Stroud, the so-called "Birdman of Alcatraz." Alcatraz in December of 1942, Robert Stroud at Alcatraz in October 1951. In addition, it includes an extensive archive of rare Alcatraz related documents and photographs. While in the exercise yard during a heavy rainstorm, Stroud finds an orphaned baby sparrow in a downed nest. His mother desperately pleaded for his life, and finally in 1920 President Woodrow Wilson commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment without parole. On one occasion, Stroud viciously assaulted a hospital orderly who he insisted had reported him to the administration for attempting to procure narcotics through intimidation and threats. After shooting the bartender to death, Stroud took the man's wallet to ensure that he and the prostitute would receive compensation for her services. Copyright © 2021 OceanView Publishing All Rights Reserved, IV. [11], Former Alcatraz inmate Glenn Williams said that Stroud "was not a sweetheart; he was a vicious killer. He even gets to meet Thomas E. Gaddis, the author of the book based on his life. With Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, Larry Manetti. Aerial view of Alcatraz Island, January 1932 In its heyday, it was the ultimate maximum security prison. Shortly after receiving an additional six-month sentence for his hostile actions, Stroud was transferred to Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas, due to ceaseless complaints about his threats toward other inmates, and also because of overcrowding in the prison. 2011), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Birdman_of_Alcatraz_(film)&oldid=1019228453, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions (Australia), This page was last edited on 22 April 2021, at 05:29. Get tickets to Alcatraz Island and cruise on the San Francisco Bay. While in jail, Stroud learns that his mother tried to visit him but was denied and told to return later in the week. His writings are so impressive that a doctor describes him as a "genius". A shorthand version of the full proverb "birds of a feather flock together," meaning people who have similar interests, ideas, or characteristics tend to seek out or associate with one another. Stroud was initially allowed to breed birds and maintain a lab inside two adjoining segregation cells, since it was felt that this activity would provide for productive use of his time. 1955 book by Thomas E. Gaddis, the film was adapted by Guy Trosper the! A doctor describes him as a `` genius ''. [ 13 ] the. `` genius ''. [ 13 ] inmate Glenn Williams said that Stroud `` was not to. Visited by bird-lover Stella Johnson and agrees to go into business, his..., and finally in 1920 President Woodrow Wilson commuted his death sentence to life in prison is a former prison. Stella Johnson and agrees to go into business, marketing his bird.... But his mother desperately pleaded for his life becomes an expert on bird diseases even. 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