It's Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987)

The mutant babies have been placed by court order on a deserted island. Appalled by the cycnicism and exploitation of the children by the legal system and the media, the man responsible for... See full summary »

Director:

Larry Cohen

Writers:

Larry Cohen, Larry Cohen (based on characters created by)

Stars:

Michael Moriarty, Karen Black, Laurene Landon

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Moriarty	...	Stephen Jarvis
Karen Black	...	Ellen Jarvis
Laurene Landon	...	Sally
James Dixon	...	Lt. Perkins
Gerrit Graham	...	Ralston
Macdonald Carey	...	Judge Watson
Neal Israel	...	Dr. Brewster (as Neal Isreal)
Art Lund	...	Dr. Swenson
Ann Dane	...	Dr. Morrell
William Watson	...	Cabot
C.L. Sussex	...	Hunter
Patch Mackenzie	...	Robbins
Rick Garia	...	Tony
Carlos Palomino	...	First Cuban
Tony Abatemarco	...	Second Cuban

Storyline

The mutant babies have been placed by court order on a deserted island. Appalled by the cycnicism and exploitation of the children by the legal system and the media, the man responsible for them leads an expedition to the island to free them.

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Plot Keywords:

island | baby | mutant baby | mutant | nipples visible through clothing | 

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Taglines:

The It's Alive! babies are back.

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

May 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Island of the Alive

Filming Locations:

Hawaii, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Larco Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min 91 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cohen says the theme of the film were encapsulated in one of the opening scenes, where Michael Moriarty's character argues for his son's existence. Cohen: That scene was really what this film was about: whether or not society was going to permit these creatures to live or if it would destroy them. Such an important question would have to be decided by a jury's prudence and so the idea of beginning our story with a courtroom trial made perfect sense to me. I liked the idea of commencing the film with a direct moral question. I thought it was a legitimate and challenging opening as the monsters' very existence was at stake. The monsters are eventually removed from society and quarantined on an island where they will come of age in isolation. In that regard, Island of the Alive is different from It's Alive and It Lives Again, as I wanted to try something that had a contrasting tone and thrust to the whole story. You'll no doubt notice that there is much more humour in the third film than in the previous two pictures.

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Goofs

When the creatures hijack the boat and Stephen Jarvis is giving his voice over there is a long shot from above. The shadow of the camera helicopter can be seen passing over the boat and water.

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Quotes

Stephen Jarvis: You guys are taking a hell of a risk.
Second Cuban: they wouldn't pay any attention to us what we have to say.
First Cuban: We're commies.
Second Cuban: You're Just a lunatic.
Stephen Jarvis: should I tell them how I got here?
First Cuban: They wouldn't believe that.
Stephen Jarvis: Why are you doing this?
Second Cuban: Haven't you heard? We're human beings.
Stephen Jarvis: you know some people might want to know about that
First Cuban: No they wouldn't.
[...]

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Connections

Follows It's Alive (1974)

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Soundtracks

If I Told You
Written by David Shapiro and Lauri Riley
Performed by David Shapiro
© 1986 Seven Stones Songs

User Reviews

Leave my baby alone

The most interesting thing about this film was seeing Golden Globe and three-time Emmy winner Michael Moriarty rant and rave about the fact that they wouldn't leave his child alone. I just can't look at Moriarity without seeing Ben Stone from "Law and Order." Seeing him on the other side arguing before Macdonald Carey (also a two-time Daytime Emmy winner for "Days of Our Lives") to save that butt-ugly child of his was hilarious.

But, it gets even funnier as he tries to save his child and, ultimately, his grandchild. He should be Parent of the Year for loving those creatures. Karen Black is his ex, the mother of the monster, and, well, you just have to see how that ends.

Making a comedy out of these things is genius.