A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.
Affecting prison drama takes its time to tell its story, but gives room for many touching moments; Burt Lancaster delivers a great performance.
Halliwell*: "Overlong and rather weary biopic of Robert Shroud, who spent nearly sixry years in prison and became a cause célèbre. One cannot deny many effective moments, notably of direction, but it's a long haul."
Maltin***: "Pensive study...Film becomes static despite imaginative sidelights to enlarge scope of action."
