Don Siegel and Clint Eastwood’s successful partnership moves away from the formulaic action genre to a realistic portrayal of the only successful escape from Alcatraz, the maximum security American prison off San Francisco. Devoid of unnecessary drama and clinical in its execution, the film takes us through the minute details of planning and executing a prison break.
The plot centers on Frank Morris, a con with a high IQ who is transferred to Alcatraz. He meets two of his fellow-cons John Ward and Clarence Anglin and they begin planning an escape. They figure the only way to get out is to cut through the walls of their cells, climb up through the ventilator shafts, down from the roof and take their chances swimming the cold waters of San Francisco Bay. They need to do this without attracting the attention of the guards and without getting caught during random cell inspections. In the meantime, Frank needs to deal with prison bullies and a rival black prison gang. Whether they manage this miracle is what the film tries to answer.
The screenplay, based on J. Campbell Bruce’s book stays honest to the plot objective and has no unnecessary digressions. Little is known of the 3 prisoners’ past. From the first frame to the last, whatever is shown on the screen is what the viewer needs to know about the enormity of the task and how the trio goes about doing things. There are the typical prison characters like a penitent and friendly neighbor, the old and philosophical con, the bully and the strict warden. Don Siegel’s direction shows tough characters in a tough situation. He manages to create maximum impact through realistic portrayal of situations with minimal dialogue.
Clint Eastwood’s performance as Frank Morris is noteworthy. He is intense and purposeful and is never bogged down by the demanding conditions of Alcatraz. In a career known more for its star power and directorial abilities, this film will shine as one of his few noteworthy acting achievements.
Watch this if you want to cut the crap and get to the chase on screen .