Alice in the Cities (1974)

In the sprawling expanse of the United States, Philip Winter, a West German journalist, finds himself lost in a maze of uniform motels, battling a formidable enemy - a relentless creative drought. Tasked with penning an in-depth article about the American soul, Philip is instead trapped in a monotonous cycle, his journey punctuated only by the clicks of his Polaroid camera. However, destiny intervenes at JFK airport, serendipitously intertwining Philip's path with Lisa, a single mother, and her young daughter Alice. An unexpected kinship blossoms amidst the hustle and bustle, the airport's transient nature mirroring their own lives. When Lisa suddenly entrusts Alice to Philip's care, the journalist's return to Germany transforms into an inadvertent odyssey. With Amsterdam as their first stop, Philip and Alice embark on a penniless, aimless, yet captivating journey across Europe. Their mission is as innocent as it is profound: to locate Alice's elusive grandmother. As the duo traverse through various cities, an innocent bond solidifies, their friendship symbolizing a beacon of hope in their unpredictable voyage. In this meandering travelogue, Philip's writer's block evolves into a heartwarming tale of unexpected companionship. As they drift aimlessly, Alice's journey into the unknown prompts a question that echoes in the hushed silence: Will Lisa ever reappear? 'Alice in the Cities' weaves an enchanting narrative that explores the essence of friendship, responsibility, and the unpredictable turns life can take.

Alice in the Cities is a drama movie featuring Rüdiger Vogler.

Alice in the Cities is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Alice in the Cities on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.