Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story movie poster

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story

"At 18, Carnes is the youngest man to be sent to The Rock, yet he vows he'll create the ultimate escape plan -- or die trying!"

November 5, 1980 3h 16m 4.5/10 (3 votes)

Originally released in 1980. Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story is a crime/drama film. directed by Paul Krasny. With a runtime of 3h 16m, it's an epic theatrical experience.

Starring Michael Beck, Art Carney, and Alex Karras

Synopsis

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.

Quick Facts

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Release Date November 5, 1980 45 years ago
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Runtime 3h 16m 196 minutes total
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User Rating 4.5/10 Mixed (3 votes)
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Language English Original language
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Country United States of America Production

Director

Production Details

Status
Released
Original Language
EN

Production Companies

  • Pierre Cossette Enterprises

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story about?

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 Clar...

Who directed Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story?

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story was directed by Paul Krasny.

How long is Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story?

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story has a runtime of 3 hours and 16 minutes (196 minutes total).

When was Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story released?

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story was released on November 5, 1980 in theaters.

Who are the main actors in Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story?

The main cast of Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story includes Michael Beck, Art Carney, Alex Karras, Telly Savalas, Will Sampson.