Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore is a 1974 American romantic comedy drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Robert Getchell. The story follows a widow played by Ellen Burstyn as she travels with her son across the Southwestern United States looking for a new start and a better life. The film also features many talented actors such as Kris Kristofferson, Diane Ladd, Jodie Foster, and Harvey Keitel in supporting roles.

When the film was shown in theaters on December 9, 1974, by Warner Bros., it became very popular with both critics and audiences. At the 47th Academy Awards, Ellen Burstyn won an award for Best Actress, and there were also nominations for Diane Ladd and Robert Getchell.

Because the film was loved by so many people, it was later turned into a television series called Alice. This show aired on CBS from 1976 to 1985 and became a favorite for many families to watch together.

Plot

Alice Hyatt's husband, Donald, dies in a car accident while delivering Coca-Cola in Socorro, New Mexico. Alice decides to take her son, Tommy, to her old home in Monterey, California. She wants to start her singing career again.

On the way, they stay in Phoenix, Arizona. Alice gets a job as a lounge singer and meets Ben, a friendly man who is already married. After a frightening meeting with Ben and his wife, Alice and Tommy leave quickly. They then go to Tucson, Arizona. There, Alice works as a waitress. She meets David, a local rancher, and they start building a new life together.

Cast

The film has many talented actors. Ellen Burstyn plays Alice Hyatt, a widow who wants to be a singer. A young girl named Mia Bendixsen plays Alice when she is 8 years old. Kris Kristofferson plays David, a kind man who likes Alice. Other actors include Diane Ladd as Flo, a waitress with a strong personality, and Jodie Foster as Audrey, a friend of Alice's son Tommy.

Some actors have small roles without credit. The director, Martin Scorsese, appears briefly in the diner, and Laura Dern, the daughter of Diane Ladd, plays a little girl eating ice cream.

Production

Ellen Burstyn was busy filming The Exorcist when Warner Bros. wanted her for another movie. She wanted to make a film from a woman's point of view, showing real-life experiences. Her agent found the script for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and she liked it. She chose Martin Scorsese to direct because she saw his exciting film Mean Streets.

Burstyn enjoyed working with Scorsese, calling it one of her best experiences. The film shows emotions, relationships, and people facing tough times. The role of Alice was first offered to Shirley MacLaine, but she turned it down. The film was mostly shot in Tucson, Arizona, with some scenes in Amado and Phoenix. A real diner named Mel's Diner appears in the movie. The soundtrack features songs by artists like Mott the Hoople, Elton John, and Dolly Parton.

Reception

Vincent Canby of The New York Times liked the film. He called it a "fine, moving, frequently hilarious tale" and praised Ellen Burstyn's acting. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times also liked the film. He said it was "one of the most perceptive, funny, occasionally painful portraits of an American woman I've seen."

Some other critics had mixed feelings. Judith Crist liked Burstyn's acting but thought the directing was too flashy. Pauline Kael of The New Yorker found the film enjoyable but noted some confusing parts. Overall, the film received many positive reviews, with an approval rating of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Accolades

Television adaptation

Main article: Alice (American TV series)

The film inspired a sitcom called Alice, which aired on CBS from 1976 to 1985. Only one actor, Vic Tayback, returned to play the same character, Mel, though his diner was moved to Phoenix. Alfred Lutter played Tommy in the first episode but was replaced by Philip McKeon for the rest of the series. Diane Ladd joined later but played a new character named Belle. Linda Lavin took over the role of Alice because Ellen Burstyn did not want to work in television. Beth Howland played the character Vera in the series. The character Flo later got her own show called Flo.

Home media

Warner Home Video put out the movie on Region 1 DVD on August 17, 2004. It is in anamorphic widescreen and has audio in English and French. Subtitles are in English, French, and Spanish. Extra features include comments from the director, the main actress, and one of the actors. Also, there is a look at how the film was made. The Criterion Collection will release the film on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD on July 14, 2026.