Escape from Alcatraz

The title gives it away somewhat, this is the story of the real-life escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers from Alcatraz prison. A maximum security institution sadistically built on a small "rock" in the middle of freezing San Francisco Bay. To Eastwood though this is "just another prison" having absconded from several less intimidating institutions. Forced into escaping here if for no other reason than to annoy the excrutiatingly smug warden (Patrick McGoohan). Surprisingly Eastwood and co. find it harder to make their exit, than 2000 allied POW's kitted out in 'civilian clothing' in The Great Escape. However the lack of significant set pieces makes the film no less gripping as each moment is spent in this hell increases the claustrophobia. Aided by Siegel's as ever excellent direction, in his fifth pairing with Eastwood. The superb paper mache dummies alone, should have guaranteed the convicts a free pardon for ingenuity.

Review by Matthew White
Taken from EUFS Programme 1993-94