Alice, Sweet Alice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A weird kid probably didn’t kill her sister during communion, but some other lady did because Catholicism and divorce are spooky.

🍿 Alice, Sweet Alice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Family Divided

The film introduces the Spages family: Catherine, a divorced mother; her two daughters, Alice and Karen; and Dominic, the estranged father. Set in 1961, the family is deeply rooted in their Catholic faith. Karen is preparing for her First Holy Communion, receiving more attention and affection from Catherine, stirring jealousy in Alice.

Tragedy at Communion

On the day of Karen’s communion, a masked figure in a yellow raincoat brutally murders her in the church, setting her body ablaze in a pew. The killer steals Karen’s crucifix. Suspicion immediately falls on Alice, given her troubled behavior and the similarities between the killer’s attire and items she owns.

Escalating Suspicion and Violence

As the investigation intensifies, other characters connected to the family become victims. Aunt Annie is attacked, further solidifying the community’s belief in Alice’s guilt. Alice is sent for psychiatric evaluation, but her father, Dominic, remains steadfast in his belief in her innocence, leading him to investigate independently.

Unmasking the True Killer

Dominic’s investigation leads him to a confrontation with the actual killer: Mrs. Tredoni, the rectory’s housekeeper. Motivated by religious fanaticism and a past tragedy, Mrs. Tredoni sees Catherine and her children as sinners. In a brutal encounter, Mrs. Tredoni murders Dominic after he discovers her true identity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alice Spages (Paula E. Sheppard): A troubled and unsettling 12-year-old girl who becomes the prime suspect in her sister’s murder.
• Catherine Spages (Linda Miller): The divorced mother struggling to protect her daughters amidst a series of brutal murders.
• Karen Spages (Brooke Shields): The angelic younger sister whose murder sets off a chain of suspicion and violence.
• Mrs. Tredoni (Mildred Clinton): The devout and seemingly harmless housekeeper with a dark secret and twisted motivations.
• Dominic Spages (Niles McMaster): The estranged father who returns to help uncover the truth and protect his daughters.
• Father Tom (Rudolph Willrich): The young and compassionate priest who tries to help the family navigate the tragedy.
• Aunt Annie DeLorenze (Jane Lowry): Catherine’s overbearing sister who is quick to judge and accuse, adding to the family’s turmoil.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mrs. Tredoni: “But you give it to the whore!” – Mrs. Tredoni screams this in a fit of rage at Father Tom when he refuses to give her communion.
• Aunt Annie DeLorenze: “Angela, stop eating! Haven’t you had enough?” – Aunt Annie says this while making passive-aggressive statements showing family tension.
• Mrs. Tredoni: “Children should pay for the sins of their parents.” – Mrs. Tredoni states this philosophy, revealing her motivation for targeting Catherine and her family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $340,000
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 Alice, Sweet Alice Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Alice, Sweet Alice’ messed me up a bit! The creepy mask, the church setting, and Paula E. Sheppard’s performance as Alice… it all just worked. I remember watching it late at night, and I had trouble sleeping for a week. The scene where Alice is in the basement, it was so unsettling, and Alphonso’s character was so creepy. Definitely a film that stuck with me!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic 1970s horror films”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers with religious themes”
  • “Those who appreciate proto-slasher movies with a focus on atmosphere and suspense”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence, including murder and stabbing”
  • “Religious themes that may be disturbing to some viewers”
  • “Disturbing behavior and implied child endangerment”
  • “Some sexuality”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “A sublime thriller that excellently fits in the superior horror decade that were the 70’s. Despite of the modest budget Alfred Sole had to work with, his film doesn’t look dated like many others and the influence it had on the slasher sub-genre is amazing. The Catholic atmosphere and symbolism featuring in this film, stressed extra by the chilling musical score.
• N/A: “While most horror films deliver momentary shock, this low budget flick, one of the first to feature Brook Shields, really works. I went around for several days after seeing it very, very chilled by it. Director Sole should be noted for his superb Hitchcockian style(proof that he was influenced by Hitch: a movie poster of PSYCHO, subtly placed in a scene). Camera angles, minor character development, the use of religious imagery to convey a sense of dis-ease–this is one helluva little film.
• N/A: “A striking and haunting little thriller that deserves a wider audience. For horror and thriller fans a like, it’s a great find! The story is a splendidly twisted murder mystery that boasts a good amount of suspense and some well-rounded characters. Director Alfred Sole directs this movie with some true skill and style, with lots of inventive cinematography and making great use of the rustic filming locations of Paterson, New Jersey.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the unsettling atmosphere and suspenseful plot.: The film’s unique blend of Catholic imagery and slasher elements creates a memorable horror experience.

Many highlighted Paula E. Sheppard’s performance as Alice.: Her portrayal of the troubled young girl adds a layer of complexity to the film’s suspense.

Overall Consensus: A chilling, low-budget thriller known for its unsettling atmosphere and memorable performance by Paula E. Sheppard, cementing its status as a cult classic. However, some criticize its pacing and plot holes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paula E. Sheppard, who played 12-year-old Alice, was actually 19 years old during filming.”
• “The film was shot on a low budget of approximately $340,000, contributing to its gritty and realistic feel.”
• “The film’s original title was ‘Communion,’ but it was later re-released as ‘Alice, Sweet Alice’ to capitalize on Brooke Shields’ rising fame after ‘Pretty Baby’.”
• “Alfred Sole, the director, drew inspiration from his childhood in Paterson, New Jersey, incorporating elements of Catholic culture and local settings into the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Alice, Sweet Alice?

Alice, Sweet Alice is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also sometimes available through online retailers, but can be rare.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Alice, Sweet Alice, you might like these similar films:

• Don’t Look Now (1973): Features a child in a red raincoat, a similar theme of grief, and a pervading sense of dread.
• The Bad Seed (1956): Explores the concept of a seemingly innocent child with a hidden capacity for evil, creating a chilling atmosphere of suspense.
• Deep Red (1975): The giallo style of a mysterious killer and brutal murders and the protagonist who tries to solve the mystery.

🛒 Alice, Sweet Alice Related Products

• Alice, Sweet Alice (Blu-ray): Arrow Video Blu-ray edition with restored footage and special features, including interviews and behind-the-scenes content. The definitive version for collectors.
• Retro Horror Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring the original theatrical poster art for ‘Alice, Sweet Alice.’ Captures the film’s eerie and unsettling mood.
• Translucent Doll Mask: The iconic creepy clear mask from ‘Alice, Sweet Alice’ is scary to be used as a Halloween costume or for horror fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Alice, Sweet Alice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” – performed by Helen Morgan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Brandon’s Cult Movie Reviews: ALICE, SWEET ALICE

Want to dive deep into ‘Alice, Sweet Alice’? Brandon Tenold does a fantastic job breaking down why this proto-slasher flick is a must-see for horror fans. I found it really interesting how he connects it to European horror styles!

10 Underrated Horror Films from the 70s You’ve Probably Never Seen (But Totally Should)

Ever feel like you’ve seen all the good 70s horror? This video spotlights some seriously underrated gems, including ‘Alice, Sweet Alice’. I’m always up for discovering new classics, and this list definitely delivers!

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