Image Gallery C
Disclaimer: The following images are not part of the official film. They are conceptual images extrapolated from anecdotal material, conjecture and third-party content. The images add depth to Katie’s untold back story as well as highlight her influence beyond the film. Interpretations often capture the essence of her character while distancing her from horror.
Figure 1
The special bond between father and daughter is shown here, but unfortunately not in the narrative. Since love and compassion was given to Katie, she was able to show love and compassion in return—The preservation of her innocence is inseparable from the preservation of her capacity to care. This firm foundation of family love helps prepare and sustain Katie for the hardships she would later endure.
Figure 3
The existence of a sister opens up new possibilities—Katie with her big sister, Elizabeth. If “Lissy” had been included, it would have revealed Katie struggled a bit living under the shadow of her pretty and talented sister. Although different, they loved each other and in this interpretive, alternate account, Lissy is finally able to grieve properly for her little sister after Epps shows her Katie’s locket.
Figure 5
In this parallel narrative, Katie had already lived near Mt. Vernon New York for several months. Her elementary school dedicated an updated library in her memory which continues to live on.
Figure 7
The newspaper clipping captures the emotion and spirit of the time while providing context. Katie wasn’t just any victim of a tragedy; she was a daughter, sister, friend and member of a community.
Figure 9
The school annual illustrates even the loss of one little girl still leaves a large void.
Figure 11
Although the report card reveals Katie was a decent student, what made her stand out was not her grades, but her heart.
Figure 2
Katie’s loving mum, and mentor would have made a nice addition to the story. Instead of having a modern influence, Katie’s innocence, disposition and values are not just for theatrical effect; she is an authentic, structured and purposefully created character representative of a real-life child from her era.
Figure 4
A fairly typical school portrait photograph signed on the back and given by Katie to a teacher, classmate or friend—Would they remember?
Figure 6
The items of the memorial library case are not a “shrine” to Katie, but serve as an inspiration for the school’s children and staff to become better citizens. Katie’s personal items are remarkably historically accurate and detailed for a child from a horror film, even in the final movie.
Figure 8
The school’s yearly citizen award ended up being posthumous.
Figure 10
What really made Katie “outstanding” was who she was in ordinary, everyday life. It is also reasonable to infer the Americans would have recognized certain aspects of her mid-20th-Century British upbringing.
Figure 12
Katie’s composition on good citizenship is telling, especially since she came from the UK to America in this adaptation. It would be interesting see what American students could learn about being a good citizen from a British girl. The smaller ordinary things in life when done well, can outweigh the seemingly more significant aspects.