Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
For a downward-opening parabola $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$ ($a < 0$), the maximum value occurs at the vertex where $x = -\frac{b}{2a}$.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Identify coefficients from $f(x) = -x^2 - 4x + \alpha$:
$a = -1$, $b = -4$, $c = \alpha$.
2. Find the $x$-coordinate of the maximum:
\[ x = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{-4}{2(-1)} = \frac{4}{-2} = -2 \]
3. Calculate the maximum value $f(-2)$:
\[ f(-2) = \alpha - 4(-2) - (-2)^2 = \alpha + 8 - 4 = \alpha + 4 \]
4. Given the maximum value is 1:
\[ \alpha + 4 = 1 \implies \alpha = -3 \]
Step 3: Final Answer:
The value of $\alpha$ is -3.