Alabama Snake is a documentary film that explores the fascinating and disturbing case of Glenn Summerford, a Pentecostal minister from Scottsboro, Alabama. In 1991, Summerford was accused of trying to kill his wife Darlene with a deadly Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake. The crime shocked the small town of Scottsboro and made national headlines.
The film takes a deep dive into the case through interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and family members of the Summerfords. Through their stories, we learn about the strange and dark world of Southern Appalachian Pentecostalism, where the handling of venomous snakes is part of religious worship.
The investigation into Summerford's crime was complicated by his position as a respected minister and his familial ties in the community. But eventually, he was arrested, tried, and convicted of attempted murder.
The documentary also examines the broader cultural and historical context of serpent handling in the South, and how this practice has evolved over time. Alabama Snake is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of a disturbing crime and its cultural significance in the region.
