Other mistake: In the scene where Frank Morris first starts to dig using the nail clipper, he stands up in his cell, turns off the light then bends down to start digging, however the only light coming into the cell would be on his right, but the shadows from his head and bars appear to be from a light directly behind him.
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
1 other mistake - chronological order
Directed by: Don Siegel
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts Blossom, Jack Thibeau
Factual error: In the opening scene that shows San Francisco scenery there is a shot of a large TV tower called Sutro Tower. The film takes place in 1960 and Sutro Tower wasn't built until 1973.
Frank Morris: There's always the possibility that some asshole will be offended. Isn't there?
Trivia: Director Don Siegel has a cameo as the prison doctor.
Question: When Frank is delivering books to inmates' cells, he reaches D block, but a guard stops him, and tells him they are not allowed in those cells. Were books really disallowed in D block cells?
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Answer: Those were the solitary confinement cells, with no light and no luxuries of any kind. So yes, they did not allow inmates on that block to have books.
This is inaccurate as a light in each cell was turned on at 6:30 every morning in solitary confinement at Alcatraz.