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Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)

Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
April 24, 2013 - 7:30 pm

"Granted that Mr. Lancaster is the virtual king of all he surveys in this saga, he does, however, contribute an outstanding performance marked by a restraint, vitality and honesty that make it one of his best." New York Times

Directed by John Frankenheimer

Burt Lancaster achieved two complex psychic leaps in John Frankenheimer's unique drama: as a man aging over many years, and as one whose explosive character is supplanted by a rich, inner life. Imprisoned on a murder charge, Robert Stroud is sentenced to life in solitary confinement, setting up his extraordinary story as a keeper of birds who is so skilled that he can even heal their illnesses. Lancaster's tour de force performance led to his third Academy Award nomination.

United Artists. Producers: Stuart Millar, Guy Trosper. Based on the book by Thomas E. Gaddis. Screenwriter: G. Trosper. Cinematographer: Burnett Guffey. Editor: Edward Mann. Cast: Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, Betty Field, Neville Brand.

35mm, b/w, 147 min.

Watch the trailer below.