Alice Hyatt (played by Ellen Burstyn, who won an Oscar for her performance) is a widowed mother trying to start a singing career while raising a growing son (Alfred Lutter). In the early portions of the film, Alice works as a waitress at a diner owned by "Mel" (Vic Tayback); these scenes served as the springboard for the popular TV sitcom Alice. Year: 1974 Director: Martin Scorsese Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristopherson, Billy Green Bush, Harvey Keitel MPAA Rating: PG (c) 1974 Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.