Alabama Snake

About Alabama Snake

The television series "Alabama Snake" released in 2020 is a riveting tale about an Appalachian preacher in Alabama accused of attempting to murder his wife with a rattlesnake. The story is steeped in folklore, mysticism, and the battle between good and evil, painting a unique and unsettling picture of the American South.

Making / Production

The television series is a production of HBO, and was directed by Theo Love. ‘Alabama Snake’ navigates a series of interviews, reenactments, and archival footage to recreate the chilling tale of Glenn Summerford, a serpent-handling Pentecostal minister convicted of attempted murder.

Actors

• Glenn Summerford: As himself — The controversial preacher around whom the entire series revolves, pulling off an eerie and nerve-racking performance.
• Darlene Summerford: As herself — The woman at the centre of the attempted murder case, and Glenn's wife, whose powerful testament adds depth to the narrative.
• Marty Summerford: As himself — Glenn's son who recounts his experiences and perceptions about his parents and the murky events that unfolded.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Alabama Snake" is based on the book “Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia” by Dennis Covington.
• Snake handling, as showcased in the series, is a controversial religious ritual in the Pentecostal churches of Appalachia.
• One of the primary filming locations is Scottsboro, Alabama, which is actually the setting of the infamous Scottsboro Boys case.

Quotes

• “You can’t live with the Devil and keep on serving God.” - Glenn Summerford
• “I figured if he could turn himself into a snake and back into a man, he had a lot of power.” - Darlene Summerford

Music, Soundtrack

• The series has an atmospheric and haunting soundtrack that beautifully complements the eerie narrative.
• The opening title track is an ominous orchestral piece, providing an appropriately unsettling introduction to the series.
• Much of the music leans into the Southern Gothic tone of the series with rustic, acoustic instrumentation and brooding textures.