Films about Alcatraz prison often delve into the thrilling and sometimes harrowing stories of inmates attempting to escape from the infamous island prison. The history of Alcatraz, known as “The Rock,” provides a rich backdrop for these films, offering a mix of suspense, drama, and action.
“Escape from Alcatraz”, 1979
Director: Don Siegel
This film, directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood, is based on the true story of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers who escaped from Alcatraz in 1962. The movie captures the tense atmosphere of the prison and the meticulous planning that went into the daring escape.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Larry Hankin, Jack Thibeau, Fred Ward, Patrick McGoohan, Paul Benjamin, Roberts Blossom, Bruce M. Fischer, Frank Ronzio, Fred Stuthman, David Cryer, Madison Arnold, Blair Burrows, Bob Balhatchet, Matthew Locricchio, Don Michaelian, Ray K. Goman, Jason Ronard, Ed Vasgersian, Ron Vernan, Regina Baff, Hank Brandt, Candace Bowen, Joe Miksak, Stephen Bradley, Garry Goodrow, Ross Reynolds, Al Dunlap, Denis Berkfeldt, Jim Haynie, Tony Dario, Dana Derfus, Don Cummins, Gordon Handforth, John Scanlon, Don Watters, Dan Leegant, Joe Knowland, James Collier, R.J. Ganzert, Robert Hirschfeld, Lloyd Nelson, George Orrison, Gary Warren, Joseph Whipp, Terry Wills, John Garabedian, Dale Alvarez, Sheldon Feldner;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Escape from Alcatraz” on the website imdb.com
“The Rock”, 1996
Director: Michael Bay
Directed by Michael Bay and starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage, this action-packed film centers around a group of rogue soldiers who take over Alcatraz and threaten to release deadly gas over San Francisco unless their demands are met. A team of Navy SEALs and an ex-con are tasked with infiltrating the prison and stopping the threat.
Starring: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, John Spencer, David Morse, William Forsythe, Michael Biehn, Vanessa Marcil, John C. McGinley, Gregory Sporleder, Tony Todd, Bokeem Woodbine, Jim Maniaci, Greg Collins, Brendan Kelly, Steve Harris, Danny Nucci, Claire Forlani, Celeste Weaver, Todd Louiso, David Bowe, Raquel Krelle, Dennis Chalker, Marshall R. Teague, Duffy Gaver, Steve Decker, Joseph Hawes, Mike Mahrer, Carlos Sandoval, Rick Toms, Billy Devlin, Jack Yates, Juan A. Riojas, Joseph Patrick Kelly, Ingo Neuhaus, John Laughlin, Harry Humphries, Howard Platt, Willie Garson, John Nathan, Robert M. Anselmo, Jack Ford, Thomas J. Hageboeck, Dwight Hicks, Ralph Peduto, Anthony Clark, Andy Ryan, Hans Georg Struhar, Robert C. Besgrove, Sean Skelton;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: action, thriller, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Rock” on the website imdb.com
“Birdman of Alcatraz”, 1962
Director: John Frankenheimer
This classic film tells the story of Robert Stroud, a real-life inmate of Alcatraz who becomes an expert in ornithology during his time in prison. Burt Lancaster delivers a powerful performance as Stroud, showcasing the human side of life behind bars.
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, Neville Brand, Betty Field, Telly Savalas, Edmond O'Brien, Hugh Marlowe, Whit Bissell, Crahan Denton, James Westerfield, Robert Bailey, Nicky Blair, John Burnside, Robert Burton, Mushy Callahan, James J. Casino, James Cavanaugh, Lewis Charles, Noble «Kid» Chissell, Nick Dennis, Tom Gilson, Raymond Greenleaf, William Hansen, Wayne Heffley, William Hellinger, Harry Holcombe, John Indrisano, Harry Jackson, Pete Kellett, Len Lesser, Fred Libby, Mike Mahoney, Edward Mallory, Adrienne Marden, Eric Martin, Michael Masters, Leo V. Matranga, Kermit Maynard, Joe McGuinn, David McMahon, George Mitchell, Pat Moran, Leo Penn, Chris Robinson, Victor Romito, Ben Roseman, Michael Ross, Myrna Ross, Art Salter;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 147 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Birdman of Alcatraz” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a diverse look at the legends and realities of Alcatraz prison, each bringing its own unique perspective to this iconic setting.
The selection of films about Alcatraz prison offers a captivating exploration of the infamous penitentiary's history and the intense human stories that unfolded within its walls. From the gripping drama of “Escape from Alcatraz” to the thrilling action of “The Rock,” these films transport viewers into the harsh realities of life behind bars on the isolated island. With their compelling narratives and nuanced performances, these movies not only entertain but also shed light on the complex dynamics of power, survival, and redemption. Whether it's the desperate attempts to break free or the psychological battles waged within, these films about Alcatraz prison leave an indelible mark, reminding us of the enduring fascination with one of America's most notorious prisons.
