Birdman of Alcatraz is a 1962 biographical drama film starring Burt Lancaster as Robert Stroud, a convicted murderer who became known as the 'Birdman of Alcatraz' due to his extensive study and keeping of birds while incarcerated. Stroud was a 'lifer', meaning he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During his time in prison, Stroud also became a 'stool pigeon', or informant, for the prison authorities.