# Where to watch Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980) in the UK

> Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980) is currently available to stream in the UK on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be rented from Amazon Video or bought from Amazon Video. Last verified on 17 May 2026 by ScreenSearch.

**Type:** Film  
**Year:** 1980  
**Runtime:** 196 minutes  
**TMDB rating:** 5.5/10  
**Genres:** Crime, Drama, Action, TV Movie  
**Region:** United Kingdom (GB)  
**Last verified:** 17 May 2026 (2026-05-17T21:29:11.038Z)  

## Synopsis

Filmed on location at Alcatraz Island, this two-part "whole story" actually concentrates on a handful of the denizens behind the cold grey walls of "The Rock". Michael Beck plays the real-life Clarence Carnes, an Oklahoma Choctaw Indian said to be the youngest man ever incarcerated in the notorious maximum security prison. Serving a 99-year sentence for a gas station holdup and murder, Carnes makes periodic attempts to escape, the final attempt being the most violent. Many of the subordinate characters are fictional (as are most of the details concerning Carnes' escape efforts); the one exception is Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz", here portrayed by Art Carney as a gentle, kindly philosopher. Telly Savalas, a costar of the Burt Lancaster vehicle Birdman of Alcatraz, also guest starred in the 1980 film. Originally titled Alcatraz and Clarence Carnes, this made-for-TV movie wavers between gritty realism and "I'm bustin' outta here!" artifice.

## Streaming options in the United Kingdom

### Stream (subscription)

- [Amazon Prime Video](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Alcatraz%3A%20The%20Whole%20Shocking%20Story&i=instant-video)
- [Amazon Prime Video with Ads](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Alcatraz%3A%20The%20Whole%20Shocking%20Story&i=instant-video)

### Rent (typically 24-48 hours)

- [Amazon Video](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Alcatraz%3A%20The%20Whole%20Shocking%20Story&i=instant-video)

### Buy (digital download)

- [Amazon Video](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Alcatraz%3A%20The%20Whole%20Shocking%20Story&i=instant-video)

## Frequently asked questions

**Where can I stream Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story in the UK?**

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980) is currently included in subscriptions to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United Kingdom. Sign-in is required to play. Streaming licences change occasionally — ScreenSearch refreshes its data daily.

**How much does it cost to rent Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story?**

Rental prices vary by service and tier (HD vs 4K), typically £3.49 to £5.99 in the UK for a 48-hour rental. ScreenSearch links you straight to Amazon Video so you can check the current price.

**Can I buy a digital copy of Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story?**

Yes. Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story can be bought as a digital download from Amazon Video in the UK. A purchased digital copy lives in that storefront's library and stays available as long as the licence holds.

**Is Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story on Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video in the UK?**

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story is currently included with: Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads.

**How accurate is this film's availability data?**

Availability is sourced from The Movie Database (TMDB), which in turn pulls from JustWatch. Listings are refreshed daily. For purchase decisions, the provider's own site is the source of truth.

## Sources

- Streaming availability: The Movie Database (TMDB), refreshed daily.
- Underlying licensing data: JustWatch.
- Canonical URL: https://www.screensearch.co.uk/watch/movie/325242/alcatraz-the-whole-shocking-story-1980
- Poster image: https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w500/pkQXcS922mzVBoT4lRC3qaHRgC9.jpg
- JSON variant: https://www.screensearch.co.uk/watch/movie/325242/alcatraz-the-whole-shocking-story-1980.json

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