Netflix's Milestone Movies - The Anniversary Collection : Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) and TV's Alice and Flo

0:03 Calaroga, Shark Media, Hello, Journey, Joe Mitchell Here. Netflix has unveiled a new category titled Milestone Movies The Anniversary Collection. This special collection features fourteen classic films from nineteen seventy four, provided to Netflix through licensing agreements with major distributors Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Sony. The nineteen seventy four lineup is a blend of cinematic gems, including Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Black Belt Jones, Blazing Saddles, California Split, Chinatown, The Conversation, Death Wish, The Gambler, The Great Gatsby, It's Alive, The Little Prince, The Lords of Flatbush, The Parallax View, and The Street Fighter.

1:02 Continuing this nostalgic journey through cinema, Netflix plans to celebrate films from other milestone years. In April, the platform will feature films from nineteen eighty four, commemorating their fortieth anniversary. July will be dedicated to movies from nineteen ninety four marking their thirtieth anniversary, and in October, viewers can indulge in films from two thousand and four, which will be turning twenty years old. This initiative not only honors these films anniversaries, but also offers a unique viewing experience for Netflix subscribers. With the cold gripping much of the nation, Mitten's the Cat and I thought we'd head downstairs and watch some of these great movies. First up, it's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Directed by Martin scorses and released in nineteen seventy four, this film not only challenged the norms, but also paved the way for female led narratives in Hollywood. Ellen Burston stars as Alice Hyatt, alongside Chris Christofferson as David. The cast rounds out without Alfred Lutter as Tommy Hyatt, Diane Ladd as Flow, Harvey Kayitel as Ben, Jody Foster as Audrey, a young girl Alice befriends, and Vic Taback as Mel, the owner of the diner. What sets this film apart is its raw and authentic portrayal of a woman's struggle for independence and self discovery. It breaks away from the traditional damsel and distressed narrative, presenting a protagonist who's real, vulnerable, and resilient. The genius of Martin Scorsese shines through in his ability to capture the essence of life's unpredictability. His direction adds depth to the characters,

2:34 making their journey not just Alice's, but ours as well. It's a story of hope, dreams, and the courage to start over. The supporting cast, including Chris Christofferson, Diane Ladd, and a young Jody Foster, brings to life a spectrum of characters that are as flawed as they are endearing. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, adding a layer of authenticity to the film. Alice doesn't live here anymore. More than just a movie, It's a reflection of societal shifts. It resonated with audiences, especially women who saw in Alice a part of their own struggles and aspirations. The film was a critical success, earning critical acclaim in several awards, but its real triumph was in its impact on the audience and future storytelling. The film also inspired the popular TV sitcom Alice, further cementing its cultural significance. This transition from the big screen to a successful TV series is a testament to the story's relatability and appeal. Alice is a popular American television sitcom that originally aired from nineteen seventy six to nineteen eighty five. Created by Robert Getchel and based on the nineteen seventy four film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, The series revolves around the life and adventures of Alice Hyatt, a widow who relocates to Phoenix, Arizona, with her son Tommy to start a new chapter in their lives. The show follows the life of Alice Hyatt played by Linda Lavin, who waitress at a diner called Mel's Diner in Phoenix. Mel's Diner is known for its colorful

4:04 staff, quirky regulars, and the no nonsense owner, Mel Sharples portrayed by Vic Tayback. Alice quickly forms friendships with her fellow waitresses, the sassy and sharp tongued Flow Castleberry played by Polly Holliday, and the ditzy and lovable Via Gorman played by Beth Howland. Together, they navigate the challenges of working in the service industry while dealing with their personal lives and aspirations. Throughout the series, Alice's son, Tommy, portrayed by Philip McKeon, grows up and faces the typical challenges of adolescence, often seeking advice from his mother and the diner's staff. The show humorously explores the dynamics between the characters, their relationships, and the ups and downs of their daily lives. It also delves into Alice's pursuit of personal happiness and independence following her husband's death. Also in the Alice verse is the spin off Flow. Flow aired from nineteen eighty to nineteen eighty one and starred Polly Holiday, reprising her role as the beloved character Flow Castleberry.

5:03 The series Flow picks up Floe Castleberry's story after she leaves Mel's Diner in Phoenix, Arizona. Flow moves to her hometown of Cowtown, Texas, where she decides to open her own roadside diner, which she aptly names Flows Yellow Rose. The show revolves around Flow's adventures as she runs her diner, interacts with the locals, and deals with various challenges that come with being a business owner. Flow's character remains true to her roots, featuring her signature catchphrase, kiss my Grits and her no nonsense attitude. The series continues to explore her humorous encounters with quirky characters and her efforts to make her diner a success while staying true to herself. While Flow only ran for two seasons, it allowed fans of Alice to follow the adventures of one of their favorite characters. Polly Holliday's portrayal of Flow continued to be a highlight of the show, and her character's enduring popularity was evident in the spin off, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore received critical acclaim and garnered several prestigious awards and nominations. Directed by Martin Scorsese and released in nineteen seventy four, the film was recognized for its outstanding performances, particularly that of Ellen Burston, who played the lead role of Alice Hyatt.

6:15 Burston won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Alice Hyatt. This accolade was a testament to her exceptional performance and the emotional depth she brought to the character. She also received a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Ellen Burston also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for Drama. As we look back at Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, we appreciate it not just as a cinematic masterpiece, but as a pivotal piece of storytelling that redefined the female narrative in Hollywood. It's a film that continues to inspire and resonate, reminding us of the power of cinema in shaping perspectives and breaking barriers. I'll be taking a look at more films in this exciting Netflix feature. Until next time, stay warm and hit that follow button as we all watch TV in the basement.