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. Alice lives with her divorced mother and sister Karen in early 1960's New Jersey. Karen is enjoying all the attentions that normally accompany a Catholic girl's first communion, and Alice, a volatile and moody girl, is jealous of her sister. As Karen waits in an side room with the other girls waiting to enter the church sanctuary to receive her first communion, a figure in a yellow hooded raincoat and clear mask strangles Karen with her rosary, stuffs her corpse in a bench, and places a lighted candle inside with the body. And all in the first thirty minutes of the movie! Of course, Alice is seen slipping into the church late, and the suspicion begins. Has she or hasn't she. The scene where the gruesome burned corpse is discovered is great, with a shot of a fan blowing the smoke into the congregation. The juxtaposition of the sacred with the profane(or insane, as the case may be)was and is disturbing. The scenes in the apartment of Karen and Alice's mother are claustrophobic, as are those in the priest's rooms. The exteriors of city streets are filmed under overcast skies. And the other characters . . . the bald, grotesquely obese landlord, who mopes around his apartment in urine-stained bermuda shorts with numerous cats while playing selections from SHOWBOAT on a Victrola, could have been the main character in another horror film. But a big part of this film's disturbing vibe comes from the stridently anti-Catholic tone. The fact that the killer attacks and kills Karen in a church on her first communion is bad enough, but the tone is such that Catholic ritual and tradition takes on an insane, chilling patina. Psychosis and tradition meld into a weird brew that gives more chills than a dozen chainsaw wielding maniacs. If you crave an intelligent, well-crafted pyschological horror film brimming with disturbing atmosphere and twisted imagery, this is the one.
137 Reviews
Truly disturbing mix of psychosis and anti-catholic vitriol
thomandybish28 February 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Seriously underrated 70's chiller
Coventry19 December 2004
"Alice, Sweet Alice", unfortunately listed here under its more tame alias "Communion", is a modest but sublime thriller that excellently fits in the superior horror decade that were the 70's. It's in fact a thriller with just that tad bit extra
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. Who killed little Karen Spages during her first communion service? This question with a seemly obvious answer keeps you entertained and especially frightened throughout almost the entire film. Too bad the story loses some of its impact around the hour, due to a few tedious sequences and unexciting dialogs. Luckily, Sole rapidly continues where he left off and delivers us a truly marvelous finale where even Hitchcock himself would show respect for. There's a terrific catholic atmosphere and symbolism featuring in this film, stressed extra by the chilling musical score. Although the movie more or less became famous because it introduces Brooke Shields, it's in fact Paula E. Sheppard who gives away a flawless and imposing acting performance as Alice. She has this brilliantly nihilistic glance in her eyes that makes you feel uncomfortable. "Alice Sweet Alice" is definitely a film I would recommend to every horror fan. It contains several highly memorable sequences like, for example, all the ones involving the fat filthy and perverted neighbor. Fundamental horror viewing for Gothic lovers.
Easy To Miss, Hard To Forget.
drownnnsoda31 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
"Alice, Sweet Alice" (aka "Communion"), is an excellent horror film. It was years before "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th", and for some reason this movie stuck with me. I saw it years ago, and just re-rented it recently, and found it to be better on the second viewing.
This film revolves around Alice Spages, a 12 year old girl. She comes from a divorced, strict Catholic family, and her little sister, Karen, gets most of the attention, while Alice is sort of left in the dark. We get the idea that Alice might have some problems and you can surely tell she is jealous of her sister. Then, on Karen's first holy communion, she is strangled to death and lit on fire in the church by someone wearing a yellow rain slicker and a creepy plastic mask. The police believe Alice had something to do with her sister's murder, and commit her as their target. Then, the mysterious person in the yellow rain slicker strikes again, this time stabbing Alice's Aunt while she's walking down the stairs of an apartment complex. As more murders continue, we begin to question - could a 12 year old girl really be capable of murder? Or could it be someone else?
I can say this movie is pretty disturbing, seeing an innocent girl murdered in a church before her first communion is quite sinister. Director Alfred Sole gives the viewer some heavy Catholic imagery throughout the film, contrasting it with the brutal events taking place. There is obviously much thought and detail put into the complex characters, as well as the complicated but intriguing plot. The score is extremely eerie, just listening to the score alone is enough to give anyone the chills. Without the score I think this movie would have lost much of the ambiance that it has. Alice's sister, Karen, is played by a very young Brooke Shields, and this movie is probably most known for having her name branded on it, even though she dies very soon in the film. Paula Sheppard (who was actually 19 years old at the time) plays Alice, Karen's violently jealous sister, and her performance is probably the best of the entire film. I absolutely loved the staircase attack on Alice's aunt, it was unexpected and very well done.
Overall, "Alice, Sweet Alice" is an effective Catholic shocker that has been either forgotten about or is very unknown. A spooky score, some eerie religious imagery, and a brutal staircase slashing make this a complete classic. I was lucky enough to be able to pick up the Anchor Bay DVD release, because now it's long out of print and nearly impossible to find. The DVD release is great, if you're able to get your hands on it (for a reasonable price), definitely get it. 9/10.
This film revolves around Alice Spages, a 12 year old girl. She comes from a divorced, strict Catholic family, and her little sister, Karen, gets most of the attention, while Alice is sort of left in the dark. We get the idea that Alice might have some problems and you can surely tell she is jealous of her sister. Then, on Karen's first holy communion, she is strangled to death and lit on fire in the church by someone wearing a yellow rain slicker and a creepy plastic mask. The police believe Alice had something to do with her sister's murder, and commit her as their target. Then, the mysterious person in the yellow rain slicker strikes again, this time stabbing Alice's Aunt while she's walking down the stairs of an apartment complex. As more murders continue, we begin to question - could a 12 year old girl really be capable of murder? Or could it be someone else?
I can say this movie is pretty disturbing, seeing an innocent girl murdered in a church before her first communion is quite sinister. Director Alfred Sole gives the viewer some heavy Catholic imagery throughout the film, contrasting it with the brutal events taking place. There is obviously much thought and detail put into the complex characters, as well as the complicated but intriguing plot. The score is extremely eerie, just listening to the score alone is enough to give anyone the chills. Without the score I think this movie would have lost much of the ambiance that it has. Alice's sister, Karen, is played by a very young Brooke Shields, and this movie is probably most known for having her name branded on it, even though she dies very soon in the film. Paula Sheppard (who was actually 19 years old at the time) plays Alice, Karen's violently jealous sister, and her performance is probably the best of the entire film. I absolutely loved the staircase attack on Alice's aunt, it was unexpected and very well done.
Overall, "Alice, Sweet Alice" is an effective Catholic shocker that has been either forgotten about or is very unknown. A spooky score, some eerie religious imagery, and a brutal staircase slashing make this a complete classic. I was lucky enough to be able to pick up the Anchor Bay DVD release, because now it's long out of print and nearly impossible to find. The DVD release is great, if you're able to get your hands on it (for a reasonable price), definitely get it. 9/10.
One of the most powerful horror films ever made!
alanmora29 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
From beginning credits to the final segment, Alfered Sole's "Alice Sweet Alice" is a chillingly gripping horror flick. With it's haunting soundtrack, alarming murder scenes, and horrifying Catholic imagery this movie will be forever embedded in your mind. It also boasts the very first screen appearance of a young Brooke Shields, who has a very brief role as young Karen Spages, a young girl who is brutally murdered in church during her first Communion. This murder sets the pace for the entire film. There are no wasted segments or "fillers" in "Alice Sweet Alice" each scene is essential and captivates your attention. The characters grab your attention as well from the morbidly obese Mr. Alfonso the landlord to the manipulative and constantly interfering Aunt Annie. Of course, the character of Alice is the most intriguing as the viewer wonders whether this strange young girl is truly capable of cold blooded acts of murder or is there something even more sinister happening? There are lots of surprises and shocks that will grab the attention of first-time viewers and leave most horror fans coming back for more and there is also a surprisingly generous amount of blood-letting in this film. This film came in at #88 on Bravo's list of the top 100 scariest moments in cinema history.
Finest of it's kind...
camporineb113 December 2004
"Alice, Sweet Alice" is the first horror movie i ever saw, and i've seen many since. But nothing, in my book, compares to this classic, as-yet-undiscovered little gem. First off, the acting is SUPERB, and Puala Sheppard's portrayal of Alice is close to flawless. Second, the atmosphere is amazing, offset by an excellent and eerily haunting musical score. If you are a fan of 70's horror, this one is the best of it's kind, not only for the aforementioned, but also because it captures the essence of the 70's both in it's rainy, New Jersey setting, and in the grainy feel of the way it was filmed. Talks of a proposed sequel to this movie are in the works for 2005, and although it will most likely be doomed to straight-to-video hell, i am still eagerly anticipating it with high hopes. Original and entertaining, although some may find it slow paced for their taste, i gave it 10/10 *'s because in my opinion, it's a near-masterpiece.
Compelling until the final body falls
fertilecelluloid4 December 2005
This is a brilliant, original, thought-provoking horror movie that has festered in obscurity for some time. Despite a laserdisc release and a slew of alternate titles -- "Alice Sweet Alice" and "Holy Terror" are but two -- it is still virtually unknown.
At the time of its release, PR wags made a big deal that it featured Brook Shields in her first on-screen role. PR wags did not make a big deal of the fact that there had not been anything like it ever before and that it featured an amazing newcomer, Paula E. Sheppard, in a chilling role as a deeply disturbed schoolgirl who may or may not be responsible for a slew of gory murders. Add to those a strong Catholic subtext and hints of child abuse and you've got one incredible ninety minutes of mental and physical mayhem.
Director Alfred Sole, who also made the flawed but fascinating "Tanya's Island" and the rotten "Thursday the 12th" (aka "Pandemonium") creates unbelievable tension and always places his characters (who are very well written) before the horror. Plotting, characterization and suspense are so expertly mixed the film doesn't even feel like a genre piece at times ; instead, it feels like a European drama...but one circling a potent giallo.
As noted, Sheppard is superb as Alice; Linda Miller is exemplary as Alice's tormented mother Catherine and Jane Lowry as the domineering Aunt Annie turns in a powerhouse performance. And playing Alice's obese, perverted neighbor to chilling perfection is the late Alphonso DeNoble. The scene in which he comes close to molesting Alice is priceless for its economy and authenticity.
From the excellent photography to the super-creepy score by Stephen Lawrence, "Communion" is compelling until the final body hits the church floor.
At the time of its release, PR wags made a big deal that it featured Brook Shields in her first on-screen role. PR wags did not make a big deal of the fact that there had not been anything like it ever before and that it featured an amazing newcomer, Paula E. Sheppard, in a chilling role as a deeply disturbed schoolgirl who may or may not be responsible for a slew of gory murders. Add to those a strong Catholic subtext and hints of child abuse and you've got one incredible ninety minutes of mental and physical mayhem.
Director Alfred Sole, who also made the flawed but fascinating "Tanya's Island" and the rotten "Thursday the 12th" (aka "Pandemonium") creates unbelievable tension and always places his characters (who are very well written) before the horror. Plotting, characterization and suspense are so expertly mixed the film doesn't even feel like a genre piece at times ; instead, it feels like a European drama...but one circling a potent giallo.
As noted, Sheppard is superb as Alice; Linda Miller is exemplary as Alice's tormented mother Catherine and Jane Lowry as the domineering Aunt Annie turns in a powerhouse performance. And playing Alice's obese, perverted neighbor to chilling perfection is the late Alphonso DeNoble. The scene in which he comes close to molesting Alice is priceless for its economy and authenticity.
From the excellent photography to the super-creepy score by Stephen Lawrence, "Communion" is compelling until the final body hits the church floor.
Children Shall Pay for the Sins of Their Parents
claudio_carvalho21 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Alice Spages (Paula Sheppard) is a rebel and problematic twelve year-old girl that lives with her divorced mother Catherine (Linda Miller) and her younger sister Karen (Brooke Shields). Catherine gives more attention to Karen, neglecting her older daughter. During the first communion of Karen, the girl is strangled by a woman dressed with a St. Michael's yellow coat and a mask. Alice takes her place in the line wearing her veil that she claims she had found on the floor and becomes the prime suspect of the police. When Catherine's sister Annie (Jane Lowry) is stabbed on the leg several times, she accuses Alice and the girl is sent to psychological evaluation under the protest of her parents and their friend Father Tom (Rudolph Willrich). Alice's father Dominick Spages (Nies McMaster) seeks evidences to prove the innocence of Alice.
"Communion" is a creepy and stylish horror movie of the 70's and practically the debut of Brooke Shields in the cinema with a minor but important participation. The dramatic story discloses insanity through weird characters in a period of heavy rain and using the Catholic principles of communion, sin and guilty, giving an atmosphere that recalls Dario Argento's movies. The relationship among Catherine, Father Tom and Dominick is not clear, especially because the Catholic Church requires celibate from the priests. In one moment, Catherine is ready to leave town alone, and she says to Father Tom that Alice would be better with him, giving an indication that Alice might be Tom's daughter. If my guess is right, the behavior of fanatic Catholic Annie that apparently blames Catherine for getting married pregnant of Alice is explained, and the conclusion is perfect, with Mrs. Tredoni saying that "children should pay for the sins of their parents"; calling Catherine of whore; and stabbing Father Tom. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Comunhão" ("Communion")
Note: ON 29 May 2012, I saw this film again on DVD.
"Communion" is a creepy and stylish horror movie of the 70's and practically the debut of Brooke Shields in the cinema with a minor but important participation. The dramatic story discloses insanity through weird characters in a period of heavy rain and using the Catholic principles of communion, sin and guilty, giving an atmosphere that recalls Dario Argento's movies. The relationship among Catherine, Father Tom and Dominick is not clear, especially because the Catholic Church requires celibate from the priests. In one moment, Catherine is ready to leave town alone, and she says to Father Tom that Alice would be better with him, giving an indication that Alice might be Tom's daughter. If my guess is right, the behavior of fanatic Catholic Annie that apparently blames Catherine for getting married pregnant of Alice is explained, and the conclusion is perfect, with Mrs. Tredoni saying that "children should pay for the sins of their parents"; calling Catherine of whore; and stabbing Father Tom. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Comunhão" ("Communion")
Note: ON 29 May 2012, I saw this film again on DVD.
Put that knife down. You might as well just use a crucifix.
lost-in-limbo25 April 2007
When young Karen Spages is strangled and set on fire in a Catholic Church at her first communion, her disturbed older sister Alice is the central suspect, because of her jealously towards her. Her estrange father Dominick arrives in town for the funeral. Catherine her mother and Dominick believe Alice is an innocent victim, but when her Aunt Annie is attacked by someone in a yellow slicker and plastic doll mask, she believes it's Alice. The police take Alice in, where she tries to convince them that Karen is alive and stabbed Annie. And their lie detectors goes on to prove it. Dominick with the help of father Tom try their best to investigate just who might be behind the actual attacks.
Alfred Sole's effectively accomplished direction, atmospheric handling and astutely symbolic, psychological tampered plot really do go real long way to covering the flawed aspects of the commendable production. In what might have damage other films, only goes on to be a minor quibble here because there are so many glowing factors, which are amazingly pulled off for an impressive low-budget effort. This is one of my favourite 70's horror oddities, which breaths a fresh air in its premise's circuitously glum layout, an ominously nasty streak, purposely stinging jolts and being filmed on authentic locations in New Jersey.
What makes the unusually cunning and certainly unpredictable plot compelling, is that so much can be read from it, like it's penetrating thoughts on Catholicism too the prolific character developments involving the hardships of family life, but there's no lying about its true intentions, which did kind of got mingled with the baffling conclusion. Making repeat viewings a must, to pick up on those minor details. Some fundamental devices in the plot show up; the usual police investigation is the glaring one, but it never draws away from the main focus and adjustably installs itself into the material. There are some odd and eccentric characters written in also, which catch onto the emotional ride. Some might think the tension will evaporate, as just after halfway through the killer is unmasked, but the story's slow rising sinisterness early on eventually leads to a brooding intensity that actually seems to fester up, for the thrilling final third with one powerful conclusion to boot.
Sole does a vividly lucid job in the director's chair with moody imagery, creative viewpoints and uneasy composition, backed up by disquietingly stylish jolts timed with utter perfection. However in spots it can drag with it's deliberately slow pace and a densely thorough script, which can labour along. Maybe it was a tad too long. Also illustrating the film's disorienting air and unsettling suspense was John Freeberg's gracefully skilled cinematography and Stephen Lawrence's playfully chilling, but occasionally harrowing musical score, which expertly went hand-to-hand to craft out an overwhelming tenor. The killer goes around in a shiny yellow slicker, white gloves and the chilling doll mask they wear, actually gives me the creeps. The performances are noting to write home about and might be gauche in some cases, but there's no denying that the matchless Paula E. Shepherd is startlingly convincing as the creepy Alice. Linda Miller does exceptionally well as Alice's heart-aching mother Catherine and Niles McMaster brings a solidarity to his performance as Alice's stalwart father Dom. Jane Lowry can get fittingly overbearing as the haughty Aunt Annie and the unforgettable Alphonso DeNoble keeps it all vile as the grubby landlord. Even with the high billing that Brooke Shields receives, her debut performance is efficient and her death memorable, but not worth all the fuzz for only 15 minutes. Mildred Clinton, Rudolph Willrich, Michael Hardstark, Tom Signorelli, Lillian Roth and Gary Allen go on to give able support.
An uncomfortably staggering affair with many dimensions to its story and inspired craftsmanship by Sole and co, which go on to make it a very good unappreciated gem of the 70s.
Alfred Sole's effectively accomplished direction, atmospheric handling and astutely symbolic, psychological tampered plot really do go real long way to covering the flawed aspects of the commendable production. In what might have damage other films, only goes on to be a minor quibble here because there are so many glowing factors, which are amazingly pulled off for an impressive low-budget effort. This is one of my favourite 70's horror oddities, which breaths a fresh air in its premise's circuitously glum layout, an ominously nasty streak, purposely stinging jolts and being filmed on authentic locations in New Jersey.
What makes the unusually cunning and certainly unpredictable plot compelling, is that so much can be read from it, like it's penetrating thoughts on Catholicism too the prolific character developments involving the hardships of family life, but there's no lying about its true intentions, which did kind of got mingled with the baffling conclusion. Making repeat viewings a must, to pick up on those minor details. Some fundamental devices in the plot show up; the usual police investigation is the glaring one, but it never draws away from the main focus and adjustably installs itself into the material. There are some odd and eccentric characters written in also, which catch onto the emotional ride. Some might think the tension will evaporate, as just after halfway through the killer is unmasked, but the story's slow rising sinisterness early on eventually leads to a brooding intensity that actually seems to fester up, for the thrilling final third with one powerful conclusion to boot.
Sole does a vividly lucid job in the director's chair with moody imagery, creative viewpoints and uneasy composition, backed up by disquietingly stylish jolts timed with utter perfection. However in spots it can drag with it's deliberately slow pace and a densely thorough script, which can labour along. Maybe it was a tad too long. Also illustrating the film's disorienting air and unsettling suspense was John Freeberg's gracefully skilled cinematography and Stephen Lawrence's playfully chilling, but occasionally harrowing musical score, which expertly went hand-to-hand to craft out an overwhelming tenor. The killer goes around in a shiny yellow slicker, white gloves and the chilling doll mask they wear, actually gives me the creeps. The performances are noting to write home about and might be gauche in some cases, but there's no denying that the matchless Paula E. Shepherd is startlingly convincing as the creepy Alice. Linda Miller does exceptionally well as Alice's heart-aching mother Catherine and Niles McMaster brings a solidarity to his performance as Alice's stalwart father Dom. Jane Lowry can get fittingly overbearing as the haughty Aunt Annie and the unforgettable Alphonso DeNoble keeps it all vile as the grubby landlord. Even with the high billing that Brooke Shields receives, her debut performance is efficient and her death memorable, but not worth all the fuzz for only 15 minutes. Mildred Clinton, Rudolph Willrich, Michael Hardstark, Tom Signorelli, Lillian Roth and Gary Allen go on to give able support.
An uncomfortably staggering affair with many dimensions to its story and inspired craftsmanship by Sole and co, which go on to make it a very good unappreciated gem of the 70s.
Brilliant from the Atmospheric Opening Credits to the Chilling Final Frame
eibon097 June 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Creepy little sleeper that's heavily inspired by Nicholas Roeg's seminal Don't Look Now(1972). There is a lot of focus on the motif of innocnece and guilt. One of the most religious horror films ever made. The ideals of the church play a prominent role in the plot of the film. Like in Don't Look Now(1972), there is the image of a child with a rain coat wearing a mask. Every character in the film with the exception of Father Tom is unlikable and unsympathetic. The main character Alice is the creepiest protagonist to appear in a horror movie. There is a interesting Oedipus relationship between Mrs. Tredoni and Father Tom.
The direction by Alfred Sole is excellent and the story is compelling to follow. Linda Miller does a fine job as the mother of Alice, Catherine. There are some parts of the film that remind me of the giallo, Don't Torture A Duckling(1972). Both Alice Sweet Alice(1976) and Don't Torture A Duckling(1972) deal in their own way with the loss of innocence motif. Better than most horror movies done in the mid to late 1990s. The late Paula E. Sheppard gives a powerful and scary performance as the title character, Alice. The murder scenes are well filmed and realisticly staged. Alice Sweet Alice(1976) was known mostly as the film debut for future model and actress Brooke Shields.
The character of Karen is extremely unlikable. Its easy in the first act of the story to sympathize with Alice because she treated horribly by her mother compared to her sister. Brooke Shields plays her character very well. The attempted murder of Aunt Annie played by Jane Lowry is stylish and unpredictable. Alice although not a murder by the end of the film is someone who is capable of murder. The mask worn by the killer predates the masks worn by the murderer in Halloween(1978), and Valentine(2001). Even some parts of the story reminds me of Halloween(1978). Alice Sweet Alice(1976) is an emotionally fullfilling horror pic that has developed a cult following over the years.
The direction by Alfred Sole is excellent and the story is compelling to follow. Linda Miller does a fine job as the mother of Alice, Catherine. There are some parts of the film that remind me of the giallo, Don't Torture A Duckling(1972). Both Alice Sweet Alice(1976) and Don't Torture A Duckling(1972) deal in their own way with the loss of innocence motif. Better than most horror movies done in the mid to late 1990s. The late Paula E. Sheppard gives a powerful and scary performance as the title character, Alice. The murder scenes are well filmed and realisticly staged. Alice Sweet Alice(1976) was known mostly as the film debut for future model and actress Brooke Shields.
The character of Karen is extremely unlikable. Its easy in the first act of the story to sympathize with Alice because she treated horribly by her mother compared to her sister. Brooke Shields plays her character very well. The attempted murder of Aunt Annie played by Jane Lowry is stylish and unpredictable. Alice although not a murder by the end of the film is someone who is capable of murder. The mask worn by the killer predates the masks worn by the murderer in Halloween(1978), and Valentine(2001). Even some parts of the story reminds me of Halloween(1978). Alice Sweet Alice(1976) is an emotionally fullfilling horror pic that has developed a cult following over the years.
So much more than Brooke Shields' first movie
bensonmum217 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
- A little girl is waiting in line to receive her first communion. Suddenly, she is grabbed from behind and murdered. All of the evidence seems to point toward the girl's sister, Alice. Next, Alice's Aunt is attacked in the stairwell of her apartment building. Again, the suspicion falls on Alice. Alice's parents have little choice - they commit her to a psychiatric hospital. Will this stop the killings?
- Alice, Sweet Alice is an American style giallo. The identity of the killer is hidden behind a yellow raincoat and mask. In this kind of movie, I like to play along and try to guess who the killer is. When I'm wrong (which is the usual case), at least the killer turns out to be someone I had suspected at some point during the movie. When the killer is finally revealed in Alice, Sweet Alice, I must say that it was a total shock to me. The only problem with the revelation of the killer is that it comes a little too early. The suspense that the director has worked at building is dampened severely once we know who the killer is.
- Paula E. Shepherd, in her first ever movie role, plays Alice. Seldom do you see someone with so little experience play a role so flawlessly. She is so deliciously evil as the crazed Alice. It's a shame she didn't make more of these kind of movies.
- Unfortunately, Alice, Sweet Alice is best known as the first movie in which Brooke Shields appeared. It's a shame because the movie is so much more than that.
A thrilling and over-looked gem.
Nightman8524 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Terrifically good sleeper horror from director Alfred Sole rises to a level much higher than it's low-budget appearance.
Is young Alice the masked murderer that's targeting her family?
Communion, better known as Alice Sweet Alice, is an engulfing and sharply-made shocker that seems to have been lost over the years. The story is a splendidly twisted murder mystery that boasts a good amount of suspense and some well-rounded characters. 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. He also uses the imagery of the killer's mask and the catholic symbols in a creepily effective manner. There's plenty of good shocks to be had in this film as well, in fact the horrific stairwell-knifing is powerful to Hitchcockian proportions. This film is so well-made that it's a wonder Sole hasn't gone on to become better known in the cinematic world. The elegant music score is also a great addition to this thriller.
Cast-wise the film is great as well. Paula Sheppard (who was 19 years old at the time) plays her bratty 12 year old character very convincingly. Linda Miller is strong as Sheppard's understandably distraught mother. Mildred Clinton is excellent as the stern house keeper. Niles McMaster is good as Sheppard's estranged father, as is Jane Lowry as the hateful aunt. Rudolph Willrich is also memorable as father Tom. Look for young Brook Shields as Alice's little sister.
Communion is a striking and haunting little thriller that deserves a wider audience. For horror and thriller fans a like, it's a great find!
*** 1/2 out of ****
Is young Alice the masked murderer that's targeting her family?
Communion, better known as Alice Sweet Alice, is an engulfing and sharply-made shocker that seems to have been lost over the years. The story is a splendidly twisted murder mystery that boasts a good amount of suspense and some well-rounded characters. 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. He also uses the imagery of the killer's mask and the catholic symbols in a creepily effective manner. There's plenty of good shocks to be had in this film as well, in fact the horrific stairwell-knifing is powerful to Hitchcockian proportions. This film is so well-made that it's a wonder Sole hasn't gone on to become better known in the cinematic world. The elegant music score is also a great addition to this thriller.
Cast-wise the film is great as well. Paula Sheppard (who was 19 years old at the time) plays her bratty 12 year old character very convincingly. Linda Miller is strong as Sheppard's understandably distraught mother. Mildred Clinton is excellent as the stern house keeper. Niles McMaster is good as Sheppard's estranged father, as is Jane Lowry as the hateful aunt. Rudolph Willrich is also memorable as father Tom. Look for young Brook Shields as Alice's little sister.
Communion is a striking and haunting little thriller that deserves a wider audience. For horror and thriller fans a like, it's a great find!
*** 1/2 out of ****
One of the first slasher films!
jp_9124 August 2020
In 1960 were released "Peeping Tom" and "Psycho", the two first slasher films, time later the slasher subgenre brought a mix with the giallo subgenre born and many countries filmed slasher films. The 70's came with "Silent Night, Bloody Night", "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and "Black Christmas", then "Communion" (1976, a.k.a. Alice, Sweet Alice" or "Holy Terror"), this film was a perfect slasher, a great direction, a deeply script about crimes around religion, thrilling scenes and great actings by the cast. The story was into the mistery, something that many slasher films forget. The music score is wonderful and the cinematography is beautiful and disgusting at the same time. A masterpiece!
The first half of the film works well but is unfortunately undone by the uninteresting plot twists.
andyland3521 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I can remember first seeing the image of a girl in a yellow raincoat wearing a translucent mask and thinking it was one of the creepiest things I had ever seen. I was very curious to finally watch the film that contained this frightening image. Alice, Sweet Alice starts off very shocking and very dramatic in the first half. The story of a young girl suspected of having murdered her younger sister during first communion was horrifying and at times difficult to watch. Unfortunately the plot deviates from that storyline and the movie loses most of it's emotional resonance and becomes yet another silly slasher film. The first half of the film works well but is unfortunately undone by the uninteresting plot twists.
This stylish thriller just keeps getting better.
johnnydeth6 July 2001
I just viewed the DVD of this film and have state that as many times as I've seen it in the past, this vicious little thriller just keeps getting better. I first saw this at an early morning pre-release screening for the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror films. I remember thinking, at that time, that this was just an "OK" little low budget flick. Several years later I caught the film on the bottom half of a double bill and have remained impressed ever since. Incredibly stylish direction, an early 60s time period, natural wining performances, great kill scenes and a logical twist I never saw coming. Highly Recommended!
Still undiscovered slasher/mystery gem.
HumanoidOfFlesh13 August 2002
Warning: Spoilers
"Communion"-the second film by Alfred Sole(after porn "Deep Sleep"-1973)is one of the most underrated horror movies ever made.Not many horror fans heard about this gem,so if you find it you'll not be disappointed.Young Brooke Shields is killed in church,and the prime suspect is her creepy sister Alice(brilliant Paula Sheppard of "Liquid Sky").With its oppressive religious atmosphere,gory as hell murders and nerve-wracking tension,this is surely one of the best horror movies of the 70's.Alphonso DeNoble("Bloodsucking Freaks")is particularly memorable as a fat pervert landlord,and there is really gruesome staircase slashing which shocked me beyond belief!10 out of 10-find this low-budget chiller and prepare to be scared!
'That little bitch'
Milo-Jeeder21 August 2007
I'd like to know why films like "Alice Sweet Alice" aren't mentioned nearly as much as they deserve nowadays. The fact that this film is overlooked and forgotten, makes me realize that many horror fans in training wheels are somehow missing out on a horror gem that is worthy of their attention. I suppose it is because people mostly tend to eulogize those films that try to be figurative and subtle even if are not enjoyable whatsoever. I find it hard to believe that this film was to a certain degree inspired by Nicolas Roeg's "Don't Look Now", because if I have to be honest, the only connection I can see, would be the usage of raincoats throughout the entire film as an emblematic element. One of the main differences between these two films is precisely what I was mentioning before: in "Don't Look Now", Mr. Roeg tried offers a pitiful excuse for a horror film full of fake and nonsensical symbolism and mind-games, while "Alice Sweet Alice", delivers pure and crude horror at its best with a very agreeable twist in the end. I know this is an independent horror film that probably didn't even get much attention when it came out, but honestly, I don't see why. This is one of those films that came out during the mid 1970s in which the stories were pretty plain at first sight and the ending could be somehow taken for granted.
In "Alice Sweet Alice", the attention is mostly focused on the main character's psychology, which is Alice Spages (Paula Sheppard), an introverted 12 year old girl who lives with her mother (Linda Miller) and her spoiled little sister Karen (Brooke Shields). In this gruesome family drama, we see Alice as a manifest outcast who constantly tries to get her mother's attention by tormenting her little sister, who is obviously the one everyone loves and prefers. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately) for Alice, her sweet sister Karen is brutally murdered during the day of her first communion by the hand of a merciless killer wearing a mask and a yellow raincoat. As it is expected, all the fingers start pointing directly to Alice, since her jealousy and strange withdrawn manners match with her sister's perplexing slaughter Regardless of the obvious feelings surrendering Alice, her mother refuses to believe that her only daughter left is a raging murderess and confronts everyone who stands in her way just to prove the world that her sweet little girl is incapable of killing a bug. Sadly, Alice's violent behavior and the evidences don't help very much. While Mrs. Spages and her former husband Dom desperately try to convince the others that their sweet Alice is not a premature murderess, the body count increases in the most dreadful ways and the victims are coincidentally Alice's declared rivals.
Clearly, this film could be taken as some kind of overlooked slasher film, but I myself find it compelling enough to be compared to some of the most respected horror gems that people worship nowadays. Nevertheless, "Alice Sweet Alice" is a simple film when it comes to the way it was filmed and the lack of pretentiousness made it forgettable for some 'serious movie fans'. All I know is that this film will be highly appreciated by most horror fans and anyone who is in the mood to see a well-done psychological horror gem that doesn't try to emulate complex situations to captivate the audience and trick them into believing that there's any form of symbolism at all. It's a horror film that includes vicious murders and a respectable body count, without turning into a pointless butchery that can only cling to gore. The psychological and 'respectable' side is present here as well, but Mr. Alfred Sole simply didn't need to brag about it and deceive the audience with misleading sequences.
In "Alice Sweet Alice", the attention is mostly focused on the main character's psychology, which is Alice Spages (Paula Sheppard), an introverted 12 year old girl who lives with her mother (Linda Miller) and her spoiled little sister Karen (Brooke Shields). In this gruesome family drama, we see Alice as a manifest outcast who constantly tries to get her mother's attention by tormenting her little sister, who is obviously the one everyone loves and prefers. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately) for Alice, her sweet sister Karen is brutally murdered during the day of her first communion by the hand of a merciless killer wearing a mask and a yellow raincoat. As it is expected, all the fingers start pointing directly to Alice, since her jealousy and strange withdrawn manners match with her sister's perplexing slaughter Regardless of the obvious feelings surrendering Alice, her mother refuses to believe that her only daughter left is a raging murderess and confronts everyone who stands in her way just to prove the world that her sweet little girl is incapable of killing a bug. Sadly, Alice's violent behavior and the evidences don't help very much. While Mrs. Spages and her former husband Dom desperately try to convince the others that their sweet Alice is not a premature murderess, the body count increases in the most dreadful ways and the victims are coincidentally Alice's declared rivals.
Clearly, this film could be taken as some kind of overlooked slasher film, but I myself find it compelling enough to be compared to some of the most respected horror gems that people worship nowadays. Nevertheless, "Alice Sweet Alice" is a simple film when it comes to the way it was filmed and the lack of pretentiousness made it forgettable for some 'serious movie fans'. All I know is that this film will be highly appreciated by most horror fans and anyone who is in the mood to see a well-done psychological horror gem that doesn't try to emulate complex situations to captivate the audience and trick them into believing that there's any form of symbolism at all. It's a horror film that includes vicious murders and a respectable body count, without turning into a pointless butchery that can only cling to gore. The psychological and 'respectable' side is present here as well, but Mr. Alfred Sole simply didn't need to brag about it and deceive the audience with misleading sequences.
Not impressed
Maciste_Brother23 September 2003
Warning: Spoilers
ALICE, SWEET ALICE is often cited as a hidden gem of a movie that's mostly unknown to the vast moviegoing public. Well, there's a reason why ASA is mostly forgotten: it's because it's not that great. If you've already seen Dario Argento's DEEP RED or any other slashers or gialli of the past 20 years, ASA seems pretty derivative. There were a couple of original touches, like the setting, but the overacting from the unknown cast really made things only worse. The acting can be described as hysterical. Everyone seems to be screaming their lines. The story is filled with massive plot-holes (how did the killer know Alice would be in the basement while the killer attacked the aunt? It's just impossible). Once the identity of the killer is revealed, the film, like DEEP RED, falls apart because the killer is simply not believable for one second. It's totally LUDICROUS!
The funny part is that I pretty much figured out who the killer was before the revelation but I didn't want to believe the folks behind this movie were actually dumb enough to go in that direction. It was quite easy to figure out who the killer was actually: the killer is the ONLY person who was frightened by Alice when she's wearing that semi-transparent mask. Simple. In fact, that's the problem with the whole movie: it's too simple. The murders are nothing spectacular. The killer's identity wasn't difficult to figure out. The killer's motivation was laughable. The ending is melodramatically over-the-top. All in all, there's very little to recommend ALICE, SWEET ALICE. It's a fairly routine slasher that hasn't stood the test of time.
The funny part is that I pretty much figured out who the killer was before the revelation but I didn't want to believe the folks behind this movie were actually dumb enough to go in that direction. It was quite easy to figure out who the killer was actually: the killer is the ONLY person who was frightened by Alice when she's wearing that semi-transparent mask. Simple. In fact, that's the problem with the whole movie: it's too simple. The murders are nothing spectacular. The killer's identity wasn't difficult to figure out. The killer's motivation was laughable. The ending is melodramatically over-the-top. All in all, there's very little to recommend ALICE, SWEET ALICE. It's a fairly routine slasher that hasn't stood the test of time.
Alice, boring Alice
prod7422 July 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I've heard a lot about this movie so I bought it on DVD. Fortunately I got it very cheap or I would be very sad right now. I've heard that this is a little horror gem, a good movie with suspense and many twists and that it has a great ending. This couldn't be further from the truth (at least in my opinion).
THE GOOD: The story is interesting and has a lot of potential. This could have been a much better film.
THE BAD: The direction and camerwork are nothing special. Not bad but not really good either. The acting is below average and sometimes comes close to awful. The dialog is stupid. The movie is unbalanced. It starts as a horror movie, it continues as a family drama, then goes back to horror. The characters are flat and undeveloped. The killings are very unoriginal and not at all scary. The effects suck.
THE WORST: *****SPOILERS****** You can tell from the start that Alice didn't kill her sister since the killer is double her size. Duh! There goes the plot's main twist. And even if you overlook that, the killer's identity is revealed halfway through the film rendering Alice irrelevant for the rest of the story. The killer's motives are very thin and she is hardly believable. Some reviewers say that the end and the identity of the killer was unpredictable. Of course it was unpredictable. The bad guy was one of the extras. Who could predict that?
Anyway, I'm tired of saying bad things about this movie so I'll just sum it up in one word: BORING. Skip this one unless you want to check for yourself what's this movie all about. I give it 4 out of 10.
THE GOOD: The story is interesting and has a lot of potential. This could have been a much better film.
THE BAD: The direction and camerwork are nothing special. Not bad but not really good either. The acting is below average and sometimes comes close to awful. The dialog is stupid. The movie is unbalanced. It starts as a horror movie, it continues as a family drama, then goes back to horror. The characters are flat and undeveloped. The killings are very unoriginal and not at all scary. The effects suck.
THE WORST: *****SPOILERS****** You can tell from the start that Alice didn't kill her sister since the killer is double her size. Duh! There goes the plot's main twist. And even if you overlook that, the killer's identity is revealed halfway through the film rendering Alice irrelevant for the rest of the story. The killer's motives are very thin and she is hardly believable. Some reviewers say that the end and the identity of the killer was unpredictable. Of course it was unpredictable. The bad guy was one of the extras. Who could predict that?
Anyway, I'm tired of saying bad things about this movie so I'll just sum it up in one word: BORING. Skip this one unless you want to check for yourself what's this movie all about. I give it 4 out of 10.
Nasty, bloody and weird.
gridoon5 May 2001
This exceedingly unpleasant slasher thriller has a memorable, unnerving atmosphere and does deliver some shocks, but it's so gory and nasty that it leaves you in a foul mood. You don't get any pleasure from this film; you get only suffering, blood and hysteria. The scene where the killer smashes a victim's teeth with a brick or the bloody climactic murder just went too far for my taste. The film also has a nice creepy score, which in some parts is all-too-reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann's work for "Psycho", and director Sole also seems to have been influenced by that Hitchcock classic. (**)
hmmm...
curlygirl200125 February 2003
Warning: Spoilers
This movie really disturbed me...i'm not sure what it was about this movie but I just did not like it. It was a little bit boring at times but it did keep me scared so I have to give credit for that. But some of the stuff in this movie just about made me sick to watch. (SPOILERS) I really hated the scene where the lady smashed the guys face with the rock and then pushed him off the building ughh that gave me a weird feeling when i was watching it. Most of the times when I watch something scary I have fun watching it considering I like being scared and all, but this one was just way too disturbing in my opinion. 4/10 (4 because it kept me scared)
Nonsense Slasher
captaintink25 April 2017
It's a little eerie and in the beginning looks like there's some potential. A lot of reviewers said it stuck with them, the only thing that sticks with me is the overacting. The killer, which is easy to figure out from about ten minutes into the movie, makes no sense! The motives are ludicrous.
There are so many better eerie horror movies to watch. Anything by Alfred Hitchkok for example, at least he put in some thought and it made bloody sense.
There are so many better eerie horror movies to watch. Anything by Alfred Hitchkok for example, at least he put in some thought and it made bloody sense.
nothing great, but a decent little flick
edburtjr24 August 2007
Alice sweet Alice is a movie with a very eerie feel to it, which in part is due from the atmosphere and the low-budget. Though Brooke Shields gets top billing she's not in the film too long plus she's pre puberty so don't expect to see her prancing around like in 'Blue Lagoon'. This is a slasher flick with a little twist and a very strong catholic slant to it. The story is told pretty well and the main character(Alice) does a great job,looking up her bio it seems she didn't stick with acting. The landlord in the movie was one of the most disgusting, strange people i've seen on film. The killer's mask and raincoat was pretty scary and the film was effective in setting up a few suspenseful scenes. I would of graded this movie higher, but the dad and the cops annoyed me and there was a little overacting buy the mom and aunt. Good not great.
First rate slasher sleeper. (possible spoiler)
Infofreak17 May 2002
Warning: Spoilers
'Alice, Sweet Alice' is quite possibly the most underrated slasher movie ever after Bava's 'Bay Of Blood'. The video I watched featured misleading cover art of (an adult) Brooke Shields holding a knife. In reality she is a) a child, b) a victim not a killer, and c) has very little on screen time. The real star of the show is Paula E. Sheppard, who plays Shields' "evil" sister. A very impressive performance from this young actress who only made one other movie - the bizarro cult classic 'Liquid Sky'. Sheppard is backed by an above average cast of character actors and not so familiar faces, who include at least two actors from 'Bloodsucking Freaks' (most notably the creepy and camp fatso Alphonso DeNoble), and Tom Signorelli (of Corman's 'The Trip' and 'Big Bad Mama'). This movie isn't perfect but is suspenseful, scary and almost continuously interesting, which is more than can be said for 90% of today's dismal Hollywood horror output!
A very disturbing movie !!
ebtsamryad8 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I don't even know where to start .
First of all : I wanna say that Alice character who's played by the actress Sheppard .. was absolutely perfect for the role .
Second of all : I was quiet sad when they cut Brooke's character very fast , I was looking for ward to see more of her .
Now about the movie and the many MANY plot holes in it ..
the movie started where they show us and telling us about Alice , the little spoiled brat girl , who's always jealous of her little sister , the movie was quiet interesting .. having a very interesting story/plot , until they decided to ruin it with the unessesary plot twist , which didn't make any sense .
I really liked the movie , the movie about the little psycho girl who managed to kill her younger sister , the first half of the film as I was saying is interesting , too bad the rest of the movie wasn't .
My issue is , I was pretty confused of who the killer was , who killed who ? . If we said that Alice was the murder the whole time ,which is very acceptable , considering she had every motivation to do what she do , but the movie also show us the other killer , probably , let's say the real killer , the old lady , from the church , who has no motivation to kill any character , well it's really ridiculous , idk why they had to do that .
If tridoni is the killer , even tho if she killed Karen , thinking that ( as what she said ) children pay the sins of their parents . Exactly why would she stab the aunt ?? She has absolutely no reason to do it .. and again in that case , if tridoni was the killer the whole time , does that mean Alice is innocent? , and IF she was , why would she take the bag in the end of the film !! That prove that she WAS the killer also , she DID kill her sister , does that mean , she ran away with it ?
If Alice was the murder , she did have reason to kill her sister AND stab her aunt , and this is where it gets disturbing , since in the film , they don't explain too much .. who is exactly the killer , both of them ( not pretty sure ) , we can't say both of them , we can't say it just Alice cuz we actually saw the lady killing the father , we can't say the old lady cuz she don't have the motivation .
I really REALLY feel bad for the movie , I mean , a good story , good plot , but it was ruined with the plot twist , I really wished they didn't have to do that ..
P.s. : I wouldn't recommend this movie to any one .
Second of all : I was quiet sad when they cut Brooke's character very fast , I was looking for ward to see more of her .
Now about the movie and the many MANY plot holes in it ..
the movie started where they show us and telling us about Alice , the little spoiled brat girl , who's always jealous of her little sister , the movie was quiet interesting .. having a very interesting story/plot , until they decided to ruin it with the unessesary plot twist , which didn't make any sense .
I really liked the movie , the movie about the little psycho girl who managed to kill her younger sister , the first half of the film as I was saying is interesting , too bad the rest of the movie wasn't .
My issue is , I was pretty confused of who the killer was , who killed who ? . If we said that Alice was the murder the whole time ,which is very acceptable , considering she had every motivation to do what she do , but the movie also show us the other killer , probably , let's say the real killer , the old lady , from the church , who has no motivation to kill any character , well it's really ridiculous , idk why they had to do that .
If tridoni is the killer , even tho if she killed Karen , thinking that ( as what she said ) children pay the sins of their parents . Exactly why would she stab the aunt ?? She has absolutely no reason to do it .. and again in that case , if tridoni was the killer the whole time , does that mean Alice is innocent? , and IF she was , why would she take the bag in the end of the film !! That prove that she WAS the killer also , she DID kill her sister , does that mean , she ran away with it ?
If Alice was the murder , she did have reason to kill her sister AND stab her aunt , and this is where it gets disturbing , since in the film , they don't explain too much .. who is exactly the killer , both of them ( not pretty sure ) , we can't say both of them , we can't say it just Alice cuz we actually saw the lady killing the father , we can't say the old lady cuz she don't have the motivation .
I really REALLY feel bad for the movie , I mean , a good story , good plot , but it was ruined with the plot twist , I really wished they didn't have to do that ..
P.s. : I wouldn't recommend this movie to any one .
A Mixed Bag, After Years of Hope
FilmFatale23 September 2008
I'd wanted to watch this since I was about seven years old when it used to show on HBO and I was too scared to watch it, so maybe I built it up in my head too much. And I'm not Catholic or even religious, so I don't really identify with the anti-Catholic sentiment and imagery. I guess that's why I wasn't too impressed with "Alice Sweet Alice." Basically a crime drama with horror overtones, it's a contradiction in so many ways. It's full of compelling characters and yet awful performances. Some shots are brilliant, while others are worse than home movies. No one is very sympathetic, even when they should be, and it's just not very scary. Although the dimestore Tammy Faye mask combined with the yellow slicker IS creepy, and evokes a little "Don't Look Now" paranoia. All in all, I found "Alice Sweet Alice" interesting as a curiosity but not so much as a film.
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