Alice Sweet Alice (aka Communion) is a Disturbing Example of the Best in 1970s Horror
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Alice Sweet Alice uses Catholic Images to bring a religious overtone sure to cause discomfort, and possibly ire.
Written by BHM Contributor Ronnie Angel
January 23, 2010
Buy on Amazon
Release: November 13, 1976 (U.S.)
Directed by: Alfred Sole
Written by: Alfred Sole and Rosemary Ritvo
Starring:
Linda Miller as Catherine Spages
Brooke Shields as Karen Spages
Mildred Clinton as Mrs. Tredoni
Paula Sheppard as Alice Spages
Niles McMaster as Dominick 'Dom' Spages
Jane Lowry as Aunt Annie DeLorenze
Catholicism, WOW I guess!
Catholicism must be a truly frightening thing. I'm not saying this just because of all the molestations, witch burnings, inquisitions, tortures and other such fun historical facts and fallacies about it, although that does play a part. No, the fact that Hollywood has been literally flooded with Catholic-rich frightfests for years should surely make you wonder about the fear factor of the realm of the Vatican. Of course the most famous of these is The Exorcist (obviously) but there is also Stigmata, End Of Days, The Unholy, The Sentinel, Rawhead Rex, and the 
list just keeps on a-truckin! I could go on for days about this odd sub-category of horrordom, but I will just focus on one of the best and, sadly, most overlooked of these movies in Alice Sweet Alice, aka Communion. I rank this film among not only the best horror of the 70s but also one of the best all around horror movies of all time... and one of the most disturbing as well.
At the start of Alice Sweet Alice we get to sit back and watch young Karen (a young Brooke Shields!!) get violently strangled to death by a killer in raincoat and creepy mask... in the middle of church... at her first communion! After the chaos that ensues when the body is found, her violently jealous and emotionally off balance older sister Alice (Paula 
Sheppard in a great role) is naturally the main suspect, especially in the eyes of her Aunt and morbidly obese pedophile landlord Alphonso, with whom Alice has had several unpleasant encounters.
When the Aunt is shockingly (yes, it is quite shocking and nicely done) attacked by knife in a stairwell by what clearly seems like a masked Alice, little Alice is sent away for a while. The murders continue, however, even with Alice under heavy supervision and constantly watched. This sets priest Father Tom and Alice's estranged father on a quest to find who the real killer may be, with disastrous consequences.
Alice Sweet Alice is great classic stuff with some nice twists and brutal and shocking horror scenes. This is one of the movies that reinforces my belief that the best horror was made in the 1970s. It is creepy, atmospheric and boasts one of the best masks in horror history. Really, Alice Sweet Alice reminds me of many of the great Italian horror movies released during this period. The Catholic element is so noticeable throughout the film you can practically taste the Jesus crackers! Alice, Sweet Alice is definitely one film you will never forget! Questions or comments about Alice Sweet Alice? Discuss it on The Ossuary Forums!
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