Escape from Alcatraz **** (1979, Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts Blossom) – Classic Movie Review 6347

The only real-life escape from the infamous San Francisco island prison of Alcatraz in 1962 provides the true story for director Don [Donald] Siegel’s totally gripping 1979 Clint Eastwood thriller. Three inmates attempt a daring escape from the prison, elaborately masterminded by Morris.

It reunites Eastwood with director Siegel, his mentor and director on the 1971 Dirty Harry. Both star and director are near their very best form, with Eastwood giving a notable portrayal as bank robber Frank Lee Morris, the silent prisoner whose only thought is of escape, while Patrick McGoohan has a field day as the neurotic warden.

It is a pretty violent thriller, naturally, and, for the record, Clint aged 50 isn’t afraid to show his bare bottom. It makes good use of the actual Alcatraz settings, adding gritty authenticity.

Richard Tuggle’s crisp screenplay is based on the book by J Campbell Bruce.

Also in the cast are Roberts Blossom, Jack Thibeau, Larry Hankin, Fred Ward, Bruce M Fischer, Paul Benjamin, Danny Glover, Frank Ronzio, Fred Struthman, David Cryer, Madison Arnold and Blair Burrows.

It is shot by Bruce Surtees, produced by Don Siegel, Robert Daley and Fritz Manes, scored by Jerry Fielding and Gilbert Thomas Jr, and designed by Allen E Smith.

Eastwood also used the Alcatraz location in The Enforcer (1976).

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 6347

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com