Alice in Wonderland meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

I know these two are very different films, obviously geared towards different audiences.

You may be surprised to find that the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)  possibly was inspired by some of the scenes and characters in Alice in Wonderland (1951).  No one on the internet has yet drawn parallels on these films, so I am the first, and I am honored.

Now, how could these polar opposites share anything in common? Let’s find out.

Okay, just to make it clear, it is TCM that has drawn inspiration from AIW, not the other way around.

Let’s start with the girl.

In both films do we have a blonde girl with blue eyes sitting at a table with nutcases?

Check.

Sounds like Alice. Sounds like Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns).

What about that Loony that finds everything funny, and on top of that has an idiotic and creepy laugh?

Sounds like the Madhatter. Sounds like Drayton Sawyer ( Jim Siedow)

Then, we have the other nutcase at the table. He’s the Hare and he’s also Nubbin Sawyers (Edwin Neal).

In AIW the Madhatter and the Hare are drinking tea and there are virtually teacups everywhere on the long, narrow table. In TCM, you can see teacups and a very similar table.

Now, is this simply a coincidence? I think not.

If Tobe Hooper ‘s TCM was indeed inspired by AIW, I think that’s bloody brilliant.

Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Scene

 

Texas Chainsaw Massacre dinner scene