Sept. 5, 1962 - The only American entry at the Venice Film Festival, “Birdman of Alcatraz,” received a warm reception today. Spectators interrupted the film four times with applause. At the end, they rose to their feet and gave a warm tribute to Burt Lancaster, the picture’s star, who attended the screening. Mr. Lancaster (pictured singing at a party after the screening) is considered a favorite to win male acting honors for his portrayal of a prison inmate who became an expert on birds. Among Mr. Lancaster’s competition is Laurence Olivier for his performance in Britain’s “Term of Trial” and Marcello Mastroianni for his work in the Italian entry “Cronaca Familiare” (A Family Chronicle).
