Is 'Kevin Alone' Based on a True Story? Decoding the Real Events Behind the Film
The show Kevin Alone is frequently compared to its French predecessor Dial Code Santa Claus, often causing debate whether it is based on a true story. However, both shows are largely fictional. This article aims to separate fact from fiction, explore the real-life inspiration behind Kevin Alone, and delve into the original French film that inspired it.
The French Inspiration: deadly Games AKA Dial Code Santa Claus
The idea for Kevin Alone and its predecessor The Adventures of Wile E. Coyote: Genius is often attributed to the French film Dial Code Santa Claus. This French movie, while not a direct adaptation, shares a similar theme—a young boy, often alone, facing off against seemingly insurmountable odds. The French version is scarier, more violent, and features a pedophile, providing the protagonist with a compelling reason to protect himself as well as the house.
Is 'Kevin Alone' Based on a True Story?
No, Kevin Alone is not based on a true story. The series centers around Kevin, a young boy who faces various challenges and traps set by his arch-nemesis Stu. However, the plot is pure satire and fantasy, with no resemblance to real-life events. Kevin's adventures are reminiscent of the famous Wile E. Coyote character from the A animate shorts, where the character would set elaborate and deadly traps but rarely face actual danger.
The Real Story: Jerry MacDonald's True Tale
Moline, Illinois, December 22, 1967, marked a significant event in real-life history, which oddly shares some similarities with Kevin Alone. At the tender age of 10, young Jerry MacDonald was left alone at home by his family, who were enjoying the holidays in New York City. Jerry's motto was "All or nothing,” as he had been hiding in the attic, fearing he would be taken to FAO Schwartz and left unattended with no money to buy what he desired.
Unbeknownst to Jerry, two veteran crooks, Hatless Harry Burke and Slamdan Charlie, broke into the house. The men, notorious for their boozing habits, kicked in the locked liquor cabinet door, waking Jerry. What followed was a wild adventure that culminated with Jerry's panicked parents discovering the house raided, an envelope stuffed with dollar bills, and a note stating that the crooks were willing to pay more to keep Jerry but had to settle with what they had. They renounced crime and became volunteers in the Peace Corps, eventually becoming founders of the Hatless-Slam drug cartel in Central Columbia. Today, they are rumored to be living in retirement in a palace in Terra del Fuego.
Jerry's journey after this incident saw him attending UCLA and Stanford Law School, and he is now a judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court. This true story, while intriguing, is vastly different from the fictional adventures in Kevin Alone.
Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction
While Kevin Alone and Dial Code Santa Claus share a similar theme, they are not based on true stories. The French film provided inspiration for the narrative structure, but the content and characters are purely fictional. On the other hand, Jerry MacDonald's real-life story, though fictionalized, provides a fascinating insight into real-life events and their aftermath.
Whether you watch Kevin Alone for its entertaining plot or explore the real-life inspiration behind it, there's always more to uncover in the world of animated series and true stories.