Alice, Sweet Alice

Main Plot

"Alice, Sweet Alice" is a psychological horror film set in 1960s New Jersey. The story revolves around a troubled young girl named Alice, who becomes the prime suspect in the brutal murder of her younger sister, Karen, during her First Communion. As the investigation unfolds, a series of violent incidents continue to plague the community, casting doubt on Alice's guilt and revealing dark secrets within the family and the local church. The film explores themes of jealousy, religious fervor, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while maintaining a tense and eerie atmosphere. The narrative builds towards a chilling climax, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of innocence and evil.

Characters

• Linda Miller plays Catherine Spages, the mother of two daughters, whose life unravels after one daughter is murdered, and the other becomes the prime suspect.
• Mildred Clinton plays Mrs. Tredoni, a devoutly religious housekeeper who becomes the film's central antagonist, committing murders driven by her twisted sense of morality.
• Paula E. Sheppard plays Alice Spages, a troubled young girl suspected of committing brutal murders, driving the film's suspense and mystery.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "Alice, Sweet Alice," directed by Alfred Sole, the true identity of the killer is revealed to be Mrs. Tredoni, the deeply religious housekeeper of Father Tom. Throughout the film, suspicion had fallen on the young Alice, but it becomes clear that Mrs. Tredoni's fanatical devotion and disturbed psyche drove her to commit the murders. She believed she was enacting divine retribution against those she deemed sinful, including Alice's sister, Karen. The climax occurs during a church service where Mrs. Tredoni, disguised in a yellow raincoat and mask, attempts to kill Alice's mother, Catherine. However, her plan is thwarted, and she is ultimately apprehended. The film ends on an unsettling note as Alice, who has been traumatized by the events and the suspicion cast upon her, picks up Mrs. Tredoni's mask and knife, hinting at the potential for a cycle of violence to continue. This ambiguous ending leaves the audience questioning the psychological impact on Alice and the possibility of her inheriting the mantle of the killer.