Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1504681
1 1 2 P E R S P E C T I V E | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 A. STORYBOARD SKETCH FROM ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ. PRODUCTION DESIGN BY ALLEN E. SMITH. Based on a true story, Escape from Alcatraz (1979) tells the harrowing story of three inmates who planned an escape from the Rock, once believed to be impenetrable, and were never heard from again. It remains a mystery whether they escaped or perished in the cold water of the San Francisco Bay. Starring Clint Eastwood as ringleader and bank robber Frank Morris, the film was well-received for its suspenseful and tightly wound storytelling and for its "cinematic grace" due in large part to the cinematography and use of the actual prison as a filming location. Allen E. Smith served as Production Designer for the film and, as seen here, drew some of his own storyboards. He was charged with making Alcatraz shootable. Most of the movie was shot in the actual prison location, but some interiors required building to allow for maneuverability. Building these elements on sound stages at Paramount, Smith carefully matched the sets to the well-known, historic location. Filming lasted 3 months on Alcatraz through challenging weather and difficult working conditions. A sizable portion of the budget, reportedly $500,000, went to refurbishing the prison which had fallen into disrepair since its closing in 1963. In addition to repairing the architecture, Alcatraz's power plant was no longer functional, and 15 miles of cable were required to connect the island to San Francisco's electricity. The Art Department used water-soluble paint to restore the site to its earlier appearance and camouflage art and graffiti left from the 1969-71 occupation of the island by Native Americans, now regarded as an important part of the island's history. Except for the paint, most of the improvements were left intact and have benefited Alcatraz, now a national park. Escape from Alcatraz is an excellent example of subtle Art Direction and use of an historic location, and is still considered one of the best prison films. RESHOOTS B Y L I S A C L A R K , A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R S E L E C T I O N S F R O M T H E A D G A R C H I V E S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E A D G C O L L E C T I O N S AT T H E M A R G A R E T H E R R I C K L I B R A RY, A . M .P. A .S . A