Larry Tucker, born in 1934 in Philadelphia, made significant contributions to cult cinema as both a writer and actor. He penned the surreal comedy Alex in Wonderland (1970), which reflects his unique voice in the era's experimental film scene. As an actor, he appeared in Angels Hard as They Come (1971), a gritty exploration of counterculture and rebellion. Tucker's work, bridging comedy and exploitation, showcases a distinct narrative style that resonates within the realms of cult and grindhouse cinema.
Alex in Wonderland
Alex, a Hollywood film director with a family and one successful but unreleased film to his credit, begins to search for ideas for his next film. He visits Hal Stern, a producer at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who suggests that they do a film about a black girl who has a heart transplant and falls in love with her white surgeon. Alex rejects the idea and contemplates making a film about the invasion of Beverly Hills by black militants. He also fantasizes about meeting in Rome with director Federico Fellini; filming the machine-gunning of his family on Hollywood Boulevard; and meeting actress Jeanne Moreau, who sings a song to him. Meanwhile, his wife, Beth, grows more impatient with him during their attempts to find a new house. Alex takes LSD with his friend Andre, but when he tries to describe his experience to Beth, she begins crying, frustrated with his aimlessness. At a school play in which his daughter Amy has a role, Alex imagines various characters from Fellini films parading by. Finally he and Beth buy an expensive house, and Alex is momentarily content.
