Birdman of Alcatraz Comments

Robert Stroud: Why did you come 2,000 miles for nothing? Just to see me once a month?

Stella Johnson: I came because I'm your wife, that's why. Bob, the only life I got is you.

Robert Stroud: Then you've got a damned poor future, old girl. I'm never gonna get outta here.

Stella Johnson: I could get a job in a factory. I could write letters every day. It would be like old times.

Robert Stroud: You'd wither away and die waiting. Forget it, Stell. It's the end of the line.

Robert Stroud: Please, Bob.

Robert Stroud: Now, listen to me. Listen carefully. You fought your heart out for me. You fought your heart out for me, but the sun's gone down. And don't look for it to rise again. I want you to pretend that I'm a dead man. I want you to pretend... that you're standin' on my grave.

Harvey Shoemaker: Bob... I've been sent here as a delegate of the Bureau to make you an offer.

Robert Stroud: That's what I've been waiting for.

Harvey Shoemaker: Now the bureau is willing to let you keep your birds. You can even sell 'em. Now this is their official proposal. You can continue to raise and sell the birds, but the profits will be turned over to the prison welfare fund, and you will receive a salary in the form of a share of the profits. I consider that quite a generous offer under the circumstances. Frankly, it's more than I would have offered, had I the authority.

Albert Comstock: Well, Stroud?

Robert Stroud: Let me see if I understand you. You're proposing that the United States government go into the canary-bird business. That's against private enterprise. You sound like a Bolshevik, Harvey.

Albert Comstock: You have no legal right to raise canaries at all.

Robert Stroud: I know. Rule 60 of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Manual: "An inmate cannot be permitted to operate a business, no matter how legitimate, while in prison." That right?

Harvey Shoemaker: You quoted it correctly.

Robert Stroud: That's what I thought. That's why I'm confused. The rule says I can't have a business. You say I can, provided I give you the profits. It's reinventing regulations. It's not like you.

Albert Comstock: Mr. Shoemaker came all the way from Washington to try to work out a plan so you can keep your blasted birds.

Robert Stroud: Don't con an old con, Warden. He came because of public opinion, and you know it. 50,000 signatures on a petition. Congressmen jumping all over MacLeod's back. I think I got you over a barrel, Harvey.

Harvey Shoemaker: Is that you last word?

Robert Stroud: I could use more room. For my birds.