Birdman of Alcatraz Author:Thomas E. Gaddis The story is based on the life of Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. For killing twice, he has spent fifty-two years behind bars, forty-six of them in solitary confinement. Here is a fantastic record of human achievement...the astonishing story of Lifer Number 594 of Alcatraz prison, the incredible story of a convict who gained world-wide r... more »ecognition as a foremeost authority on bird diseases, despite unimaginable hardships and the opposition of prison officials. (Movie tie-in starring Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, and Betty Field; directed by John Frankenheimer.)« less