Convict Robert Stroud faces life imprisonment in solitary confinement, after killing a prison guard. Driven angry by despair and loneliness, the life of Stroud increases significance after he happens upon a helpless baby sparrow at the exercise yard and nurses it back to health. Despite needing only a third grade education, Stroud goes on to become renowned ornithologist and achieves a greater sense of purpose and freedom behind bars compared to many men and women find in the outside world.