Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)

Plot:   Based on a true story, an imprisoned killer studies Birds.
Stars:  Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Tele Savalas, Thelma Ritter
Best Quote:  The film's message is that no matter how abhorrent the crimes you may have committed, redemption is still possible, provided you develop a worthwhile hobby. - Joe Quennan 

Fairly interesting Prison Biopic about Robert Stroud, a "lifer" turned Bird Doctor.  This was Burt Lancaster's baby, he was obsessed with Stroud, and hoped this picture would win him parole (it didn't).

The acting is excellent.  I've never been a fan of "Serious Dramatic Burt" but its a role tailor made for him and he has the charisma to pull it off.  Malden, takes a nothing role and makes it interesting. As for Savalas, I've never seen him so scary-ugly.  He's one actor that shouldn't be shot in close up!

Flaws?  No matter how well done, it's still just 2.5 hours of Burt Lancaster in a prison cell. The plot can fit on a cocktail napkin.  Hotheaded prisoner kills prison guard, gets  solitary confinement for life, learns how to treat birds, mellows out and becomes a wise old man. Its far too long, given the story. The last 45 minutes in particular are dull, as Lancaster goes to Alcatraz, without the birds, and writes about penal reform.

Stroud the Secular Saint
Another annoying thing.  After he discovers birds, the movies turns Lancaster into a  mild-mannered wise-man. He's Albert Schweitzer in a prison suit. Lancaster has all the good lines, and *always* has a sardonic rejoinder or a pearl of wisdom to dispense. He quotes prison regulations to the Warden, amazes reporters by detailing the specifications of a Boeing 707, and single-handedly ends the "Battle of Alcatraz". He's so awesome, the Prison Doctor labels him a "'Genius" and demands Stroud be paroled and given a medical laboratory - for the benefit of mankind!

Of Course, its all Lies
As you would expect,  the real Robert Stroud was not a secular saint or a "genius". He was disliked by his fellow inmates and was a dangerous psychopath. He'd killed a guard, knifed another inmate, attacked a couple more, and had threatened more violence if released. There was  no parole, because Stroud had shown no remorse, and might kill again.

And he had nothing to do with ending the "Battle of Alcatraz", his IQ was 116, and Stroud killed the guard in cold blood.  He wasn't friends with Wardens and his book on Penal reform couldn't be published because it was libelous. Stroud used it to settle old scores.

Lancaster's Odd Love for Stroud
Which brings up the question, why did Lancaster love this guy so much, make a dishonest  movie, and want him paroled?  Lancaster knew the real Stroud was a dangerous psychopath.  And no one thought Birdman of Alcatraz was going to be a box-office smash.  Per his Bio, Lancaster loved that Stroud "Would not kowtow, or make polite amends for what he did. He never said Daddy." and "he made something out of a miserable existence".  Pretty lame reasons for trying to parole a dangerous killer.