Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story

– Filmed on location at Alcatraz Island, this two-part "whole story" actually concentrates on a handfu..

Type:
TVSeries
Rating:
7.20 / 10
Duration:
3 Hours and 16 Minutes
Release Year:
1980
Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980)

Filmed on location at Alcatraz Island, this two-part "whole story" actually concentrates on a handful of the denizens behind the cold grey walls of "The Rock". Michael Beck plays the real-life Clarence Carnes, an Oklahoma Choctaw Indian said to be the youngest man ever incarcerated in the notorious maximum security prison. Serving a 99-year sentence for a gas station holdup and murder, Carnes makes periodic attempts to escape, the final attempt being the most violent. Many of the subordinate characters are fictional (as are most of the details concerning Carnes' escape efforts); the one exception is Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz", here portrayed by Art Carney as a gentle, kindly philosopher. Telly Savalas, a costar of the Burt Lancaster vehicle Birdman of Alcatraz, also guest starred in the 1980 film. Originally titled Alcatraz and Clarence Carnes, this made-for-TV movie wavers between gritty realism and "I'm bustin' outta here!" artifice.

Producing Country:
USA
Genre:
Release Date:

05 Nov 1980

Language:

English

Director:

Paul Krasny

Writer:

Ernest Tidyman (teleplay), Clarence Carnes (based on a story by), Don DeNevi (based on a story by)

Main Actors:

Michael Beck, Art Carney, Alex Karras, Telly Savalas

Plot:

Somewhat fact-based story of the lives and attempted 1962 escape of several inmates in the famous correctional facility. Young inmate Clarence Carnes masterminds a grand escape involving several inmates who have nothing to lose, serving life sentences.

Production:

Pierre Cossette Productions

Ratings:
Internet Movie Database:
7.2/10