@Roberta,
Great role for Burt Lancaster. No idea how close to historical accuracy the picture sticks. Not too close, I suspect. I have read that the real historic 'birdman' -- Robert Stroud -- was a violent, unpredictable alcoholic/addict and that his main reason for beginning the bird project in his cell was to be able to obtain medicinal substances suitable for bootlegging alcohol. The prison authorities, not familiar with the devious ways of addicts, obliged him.
