Der Gefangene von Alcatraz (1962)

Der Gefangene von Alcatraz: Directed by John Frankenheimer. With Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, Neville Brand. A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.

“Always like Burt Lancasteru0026#39;s acting/entertainment ability, and he doesnu0026#39;t disappoint in u0026quot;Birdmanu0026quot;. I found this movie, whatever itu0026#39;s historical faults notwithstanding, to be an uplifting experience due to the characters ability to rise above the incredibly depressing circumstances of his existence. And, a sad commentary on societies inability to rehabilitate as in u0026quot;To restore to good health or useful life, as through therapy and education.u0026quot;, those who stray from the straight and narrow. When men are treated with respect, or as animals, they usually respond in kind. Karl Maldenu0026#39;s warden character summarized societies treatment of inmates. Whether using carrots or sticks, the end goal was conformity and submission, with true rehabilitation an incidental byproduct should it occur at all. There is little wasted footage in this film, the u0026quot;quietu0026quot; periods mentioned in earlier comments, add to the realism. Think about it, hereu0026#39;s a man who spent nearly 50 years of his life in solitary confinement, to do true justice, a silent film would have been more appropriate! Stroud was spared the death penalty by President Wilson, due to his mothers pleading on his behalf. I canu0026#39;t imagine the occupier of the White House today doing anything but smirk at such a request. Not a political statement, just a point of fact. Another point, this film was made while Stroud was still in prison, which he never viewed, and which failed to earn him his release before his death in 1963. Lancaster also played a convict in u0026quot;Brute Forceu0026quot;, one of his earliest films, and a good one.”