'Honeymoon From Hell' Has A Terrifying Inspiration

As a self-proclaimed Lifetime movie connoisseur, I'm well aware that many of the network's movies are ripped from the headlines. Sure, they often change the characters' names and use a whole lot of artistic license — but there's no denying that plenty of the movies borrow elements from actual events. So, when I read the description of their newest movie I naturally wondered if Honeymoon From Hell is based on a true story? My initial reaction was that it must be pure fiction — the plot sounds like your everyday horror film and Lifetime typically notes when a movie is based on, or even inspired by, true events. Then I took a look at the official synopsis of the movie, which has also been titled The Legend of Alice Flagg, from its production company, MarVista Entertainment and the plot thickened (pun intended):

While on their honeymoon at a remote bed & breakfast in South Carolina, newlyweds Julia and Rivers McCoy learn about the legend of Alice Flagg—an old local folklore about the spirit of a bride who haunts those who disrupt her grave. When Julia starts having nightmares about Alice Flagg, she begs Rivers to take her home—but he assures her it is just a fable and all will be okay. With a severe hurricane threatening the area, they become stranded at the hotel. When things start to spin out of control, Julia’s deepest fears seem all too valid. Is this the act of an elaborate prank, or is someone—some thing—after them?

OK, so Honeymoon From Hell isn't exactly based on a true story — Julia and Rivers McCoy are fictional characters, so we don't need to pity them for having their honeymoon ruined by a ghost. (Because, let's be honest — that would be a serious drag.) But, Alice Flagg was indeed a real person who became a legendary ghost after her life was tragically cut short.

A 2011 article published by The Independent Mail provided the alleged details of the story of Alice Flagg's life and death. According to the legend, Alice's father passed away when she was young and her much-older brother, Dr. Allard Belin Flagg, was domineering and controlling towards her. The 16-year-old fell in love with a young man in Charleston and accepted his marriage proposal — but she kept the ring hidden under her dress so her brother wouldn't find out. Shortly after she returned to school, Alice attended her debutante ball. Neither her mother nor her brother attended, but Allard traveled to Charleston when he learned his sister had suddenly become ill. Allard brought Alice home and, when he discovered her engagement ring, he threw it into a nearby marsh. Whenever she received a visitor, Alice pleaded with them to find her ring. A sympathetic cousin purchased a different ring to appease her, but Alice wasn't fooled.

Increasingly ill and emotionally distressed, Alice passed away in 1849 shortly after her return home. Her gravestone simply reads "Alice." According to The Independent Mail, Alice's death remains legendary nearly two centuries after her demise. Some people claim that she can be seen walking around her family's estate, still searching in vain for her ring. Others say they've spotted her at the cemetery. Locals say that performing a chilling ritual will conjure up her ghost. It's not for the faint of heart, but those who venture into the cemetery at night, leave a ring on her gravestone, and walk around it backwards 13 times just may see Alice. (Raise your hand if you just got goosebumps.) Her grave has been visited by many locals and tourists alike, some of whom have posted about their experiences.

Honeymoon From Hell isn't the first time the legend has been adapted — Alice's story has captured the attention of many people. In 2004, a middle grade book titled Alice Flagg: The Ghost of the Hermitage was published by Pelican Publishing Company. In September 2015, Joseph Kaz debuted his opera, "Alice Flagg," at the Kennedy Center. Kaz said the legend sparked his interest because Alice is buried near his hometown in South Carolina.

For anyone who believes in ghosts (*raises my hand*), this is a seriously creepy tale — and it's an extremely clever plot device for a horror movie. But, all in all, Honeymoon From Hell is pure fiction. Although Alice Flagg was a real person and many people have claimed to see her ghost, there have been no reports of her spirit terrorizing or harming anyone. Alice's story may give us nightmares, but we can rest assured that none of the events depicted in Honeymoon From Hell are based on real life.

Images: MarVista Entertainment (3)