For all its failings, Stigma remains a fascinating film. There's no doubt that the film is badly acted and written--even star Philip Michael Thomas, playing a doctor, struggles to overcome the script's shortcomings--but Stigma is essential viewing for anyone interested in regional or exploitation cinema. Early scenes imply that the 'stigma' in question is the color of Thomas' skin, with his introduction to a small, predominantly white backwoods town going about as well as you might expect. But the film quickly shifts gears, beginning with a bizarre 'educational film within a film' segment outlining the horrors of syphilis and gonorrhea. Soon enough, local nut-case Jeremy (William Magerman) shows up on Thomas' doorstep and gets the dread diagnosis: he's got an advanced case of the clap. It's up to our hero to track down the source of the disease, leading him to pry into some of the town's deepest and darkest secrets, and by the final reel, the film has transmogrified into a glorified public service announcement. Along the way, though, there are enough odd touches to keep viewers involved, with the film anticipating the weird back country orgies of The Wicker Man, the venereal horrors of They Came From Within, and the lighthouse setting of The Fog. Somehow I doubt that John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, or Robin Hardy had the opportunity to watch Stigma, let alone be influenced by it, but stranger things have happened.
11 Reviews
very different, very worthwhile
Drealmer25 July 2020
This is a VERY unusual one - nothing psychedelic or bizarre or even 'out there', just atypical, unique. I wouldn't call it a thriller at all. I see some people call it exploitation - no, it's really not at all either, though I can see how it can be confusing with a bit of its style and content. This is just a drama with a small budget, a few 'tense' moments, and a nonchalance and unusual frankness with its nudity and sexual content. It has a clear primary goal that it achieves unquestionably and admirably: to inform about a serious topic whilst still being entertaining and interesting - it also wants to do that while being a compelling drama, and it does and is. I actually picked this thinking it was going to be meh and being okay falling asleep to it, but it grabbed me and had me the whole time.
There were times when the directing felt amateurish, like he was a bit out of his depth and either didn't know what he was going for or didn't know how to achieve what he was going for, but it didn't at all detract from the movie and actually gave it a bit of charm. Then there were times (much more of these) that it was handled with such a deft touch I was impressed and taken slightly aback.
This movie did at least a handful of things I've not seen done in a movie before. Highly recommended for anyone all of that sounds good to. Not to hype it or anything, it's still just a 'good' movie.
6.5/10
There were times when the directing felt amateurish, like he was a bit out of his depth and either didn't know what he was going for or didn't know how to achieve what he was going for, but it didn't at all detract from the movie and actually gave it a bit of charm. Then there were times (much more of these) that it was handled with such a deft touch I was impressed and taken slightly aback.
This movie did at least a handful of things I've not seen done in a movie before. Highly recommended for anyone all of that sounds good to. Not to hype it or anything, it's still just a 'good' movie.
6.5/10
Forgotten for a reason
Leofwine_draca25 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
STIGMA is a mildly interesting, long forgotten horror/thriller about a small town under the grip of a syphilis epidemic spread by person(s) unknown. The protagonist of the hour is a visiting doctor who just so happens to be black, adding the typical racial tension of the era to the mix. Despite having good knowledge of cult cinema, I'd never heard of this Boston-shot film before watching. On reflection, I can see why. There are certain elements of interest here - those most like Romero's THE CRAZIES, for example - but too much time is spent on unnecessary scenes which feel like padding, and random exploitation with a nude girl walking around forever and some prostitutes at a remote farmhouse. More suspense and tighter scripting might have made this interesting.
Oddly compelling
thogatthog20 November 2003
This movie is badly written, badly acted (with the exception of Philip Michael Thomas) and badly directed, and is the kind of garbage you'd ordinarily stop watching after about twenty minutes, if not sooner ... and yet it's oddly compelling. Perhaps this is in part because it seems unable to make up its mind what sort of movie it's going to be. It starts as a comedy, and is actually pretty funny; there are further comic elements dropped in willy nilly later. Then it becomes an anti-racist/bigotry statement, and again this isn't badly done. Then it dithers with the notion of being a soft-porn movie but rejects it in favour of being (a) a sort of Public Services drama-documentary, a Dreadful Warning about syphilis, and (b) a thriller. This constant change of focus means you're forever guessing, so that your interest is kept -- however reluctantly -- alive.
Thomas is a doctor who's been incarcerated for performing an abortion that went wrong. A distinguished old doctor, now working in a remote community, hires him straight out of the pen, but by the time Thomas gets there the old doctor has dropped dead of a heart attack, leaving behind him cryptic references to a dreadful plague that's affecting the community. That community, led by a corrupt, bully-boy sheriff, is racially bigoted; Thomas is of course black, and is subjected to racist slurs and threatened beatings -- lucky for him that he's befriended local boy dreamboat hero Harlan Cary Poe while hitchhiking to the place. There's a mystery to be solved, and sure enough Thomas reveals the rot at the core of this community.
All rather a matter of: Been there, done that, got the teeshirt -- although in this movie, if young and female, it's more a case of took off the teeshirt.
By any objective standard this movie is dire. But you might find that, paradoxically, it's one you're loath to lose from your collection.
Thomas is a doctor who's been incarcerated for performing an abortion that went wrong. A distinguished old doctor, now working in a remote community, hires him straight out of the pen, but by the time Thomas gets there the old doctor has dropped dead of a heart attack, leaving behind him cryptic references to a dreadful plague that's affecting the community. That community, led by a corrupt, bully-boy sheriff, is racially bigoted; Thomas is of course black, and is subjected to racist slurs and threatened beatings -- lucky for him that he's befriended local boy dreamboat hero Harlan Cary Poe while hitchhiking to the place. There's a mystery to be solved, and sure enough Thomas reveals the rot at the core of this community.
All rather a matter of: Been there, done that, got the teeshirt -- although in this movie, if young and female, it's more a case of took off the teeshirt.
By any objective standard this movie is dire. But you might find that, paradoxically, it's one you're loath to lose from your collection.
Dwain Esper lives!
jonathan-5778 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This movie uses a VD awareness message as the gloppy wheat paste to bind together a mache of nude cavorting on the beach, comic-relief 'retards', big menacing guys standing around waiting for a fight scene that never comes (instead a lady of the night tickles them with a pitchfork), and Philip Michael Thomas doing a racial-pride shtick in his pre-pigment-fader youth. But how's he supposed to be sympathetic when he's such a jerk? He throws several tantrums during a five-minute hitch-hike, he grabs and yells at his patients then wonders why they run away. And for good measure, he's also an idiot - he kicks the sheriff in the nuts and leaves on the run, but stops off back at his place so he can talk into a tape recorder for about 45 minutes. The movie looks pretty good as long as nobody's trying to use lights, and it played like Erich Von Stroheim on a double bill with Frozen Scream. But just when you think you're in for an action-packed climax, you get five minutes of the kids sitting in a circle learning about the dangers of promiscuity. Followed by a death-by-supersonic-foghorn that is the most pathetic deus ex machina in the history of cinema.
Decent Drive-in Movie About The Dangers of Syphilis
jrd_7317 March 2018
Philip Michael Thomas gives a surprisingly good performance as Calvin Crosse, a doctor fresh out of prison for performing an illegal abortion. Crosse has been given a second chance by his former teacher, who is conducting some sort of research on an island. Unfortunately, Crosse arrives at the island, inhabited by redneck fishermen distrustful of outsiders, to find his mentor dead and a mystery about some contagion that is ravaging the island. Of course, the audience soon figures out what that contagion is.
Stigma is a slow burn film that is somewhat better made than what many would be viewers might think. Many viewers (including this one) approach this film to see the type of over the top thrills of I Drink Your Blood, Stigma director David Durston's rabies movie. However, Stigma is more concerned with characters and capturing the local atmosphere of the island. There are concessions to cheap thrills of course. The most obvious example is the inclusion of a documentary on the long term effects of untreated syphilis, found footage which will have some audience members gagging.
Stigma is no lost classic, but a viewer could do much worse. While episodic at times, Stigma holds the viewer's interest for most of its running time. This is largely because of Philip Michael Thomas, an underrated actor giving it his all in the role of Calvin Crosse.
Stigma is a slow burn film that is somewhat better made than what many would be viewers might think. Many viewers (including this one) approach this film to see the type of over the top thrills of I Drink Your Blood, Stigma director David Durston's rabies movie. However, Stigma is more concerned with characters and capturing the local atmosphere of the island. There are concessions to cheap thrills of course. The most obvious example is the inclusion of a documentary on the long term effects of untreated syphilis, found footage which will have some audience members gagging.
Stigma is no lost classic, but a viewer could do much worse. While episodic at times, Stigma holds the viewer's interest for most of its running time. This is largely because of Philip Michael Thomas, an underrated actor giving it his all in the role of Calvin Crosse.
The kiss of death on a Massachusetts Island
Wuchakk24 November 2023
A young black doctor (Philip Michael Thomas), who made the mistake of performing an abortion that went wrong, travels to an isolated coastal community for a gig with a mentor whereupon he faces unforeseen challenges, including prejudice and a mysterious outbreak.
"Stigma" (1972) is a drama with some seedy aspects despite taking place in a traditional white bread community. While not a blaxploitation flick, the protagonist angle was obviously influenced by that genre, à la the soon-to-come "The Beast Must Die." The set-up is reminiscent of "In the Heat of the Night" with some elements that would influence "The Wicker Man," which (surprisingly) wouldn't debut until the next year. Then there's the youthful "free love" aspect of, say, "The Harrad Experiment," which also came out the next year.
The film features a little comedy, an anti-racist message, a bit o' softcore nudity and some thrills in the last act, but the public service announcement concerning VD is laid on a little too thick. Less is more. Still, Philip Michael Thomas is very good as the protagonist and seems older than 22 (which was his age during shooting).
At the end of the day, it's an interesting window into life in America in 1971, when the flick was shot. The zenith of the "free love" counterculture era was just two years prior and "Stigma" shockingly shows the natural consequences of that mentality and lifestyle.
The writer/director took a maverick Indie approach to the material and should've gone on to greatness, but he didn't, unfortunately. Thankfully, we have this unique flick to remember him by.
The movie runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot entirely in Massachusetts-Cambridge, Boston, Cape Cod (island town) and Nantucket.
GRADE: B-
"Stigma" (1972) is a drama with some seedy aspects despite taking place in a traditional white bread community. While not a blaxploitation flick, the protagonist angle was obviously influenced by that genre, à la the soon-to-come "The Beast Must Die." The set-up is reminiscent of "In the Heat of the Night" with some elements that would influence "The Wicker Man," which (surprisingly) wouldn't debut until the next year. Then there's the youthful "free love" aspect of, say, "The Harrad Experiment," which also came out the next year.
The film features a little comedy, an anti-racist message, a bit o' softcore nudity and some thrills in the last act, but the public service announcement concerning VD is laid on a little too thick. Less is more. Still, Philip Michael Thomas is very good as the protagonist and seems older than 22 (which was his age during shooting).
At the end of the day, it's an interesting window into life in America in 1971, when the flick was shot. The zenith of the "free love" counterculture era was just two years prior and "Stigma" shockingly shows the natural consequences of that mentality and lifestyle.
The writer/director took a maverick Indie approach to the material and should've gone on to greatness, but he didn't, unfortunately. Thankfully, we have this unique flick to remember him by.
The movie runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot entirely in Massachusetts-Cambridge, Boston, Cape Cod (island town) and Nantucket.
GRADE: B-
Brilliant masterpiece of 1970's cinema
doyoulikeschlong9 February 2011
Phillip Michael Thomas is superb as a doctor trying to stop the outbreak of a major epidemic. The fight scenes are great, the prostitutes are hilarious, as well as the sheriff. The actor playing the deranged lighthouse keeper is absolutely stunning. His portray was absolutely Oscar worthy (supporting). The death scene on the lighthouse was well played. I would have focused more on the sheriff's slutty daughter, however not every screenplay can be perfect. This is a great film to watch on a Sunday afternoon. The DVD print is a bit scratched, however legible. I give this film ***** this film should be studied in film school. Bravo
70's exploitation at its best
crawford19 February 2002
Miami Vice's Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) in his first movie from the early 70's - it's one of those so bad it's good kind of movies. I got a video copy that obviously was rereleased after Thomas' post-Vice fame. If you enjoy early 70's exploitation this one's got a bit of sexploitation and blaxploitation elements that are entertaining in an after-midnight fashion. And despite the low production values and b-movie quality Thomas is in fact quite good - far too good for this movie.
Don't give a dose to the one you love most
Woodyanders17 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Brash and sarcastic black doctor Calvin Crosse (smoothly played by Philip Michael Thomas) encounters racism and corruption while attempting to curtail an outbreak of syphilis in a remote island community.
Writer/director David E. Durston relates the engrossing story at a brisk pace, nicely captures the stifling atmosphere of the uptight isolated town, maintains an admirably earnest tone throughout, and provides amusing moments of sharp humor amid all the deliciously lurid dramatics. The spirited acting from the game cast keeps this movie humming: Harlan Cary Poe as amiable Vietnam veteran Billy Waco, Peter Clune as the hateful bigot Sheriff Whitehead, Josie Johnson as the sheriff's rebellious teen daughter D.D., Connie Van Ess as cheery whorehouse madam Tassie, and William Magerman as crazed lighthouse keeper Jeremy. Disc jockey 'Cousin' Brucie Morrow appears as himself in a documentary on venereal diseases (the explicit shots of the brutal ravages of untreated sexually transmitted illnesses are pretty damn gross and gut-wrenching). Jacques Urbont's jaunty harmonic score hits the right-on groovy spot. Robert M. Baldwin's polished cinematography makes nifty occasional use of fluid tracking shots and askew camera angles. Worth a watch.
Writer/director David E. Durston relates the engrossing story at a brisk pace, nicely captures the stifling atmosphere of the uptight isolated town, maintains an admirably earnest tone throughout, and provides amusing moments of sharp humor amid all the deliciously lurid dramatics. The spirited acting from the game cast keeps this movie humming: Harlan Cary Poe as amiable Vietnam veteran Billy Waco, Peter Clune as the hateful bigot Sheriff Whitehead, Josie Johnson as the sheriff's rebellious teen daughter D.D., Connie Van Ess as cheery whorehouse madam Tassie, and William Magerman as crazed lighthouse keeper Jeremy. Disc jockey 'Cousin' Brucie Morrow appears as himself in a documentary on venereal diseases (the explicit shots of the brutal ravages of untreated sexually transmitted illnesses are pretty damn gross and gut-wrenching). Jacques Urbont's jaunty harmonic score hits the right-on groovy spot. Robert M. Baldwin's polished cinematography makes nifty occasional use of fluid tracking shots and askew camera angles. Worth a watch.
"Kids, This Is Very Heavy!"...
azathothpwiggins29 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Dr. Calvin Crosse (Philip Michael Thomas) walks into a saloon, and is immediately solicited by both a man and a woman! All within 3 seconds! So begins, STIGMA.
Dr. Crosse is down on his luck, having just gotten out of federal prison for performing an illegal abortion. Next stop, Stillford Island, where he finds the local population to be less than helpful. He also finds the doctor he was supposed to meet there is dead, which angers the local Sheriff to no end.
Said Sheriff either has the world's largest head, or is wearing a clown hat. Other than racial hatred, there doesn't seem to be much happening on the island.
But, wait!
Dr. Calvin discovers a tape left by his deceased benefactor. There has apparently been some sort of outbreak. As time goes on, Calvin learns two things: #1- The whole island is inhabited by bigoted religious nuts. #2- The sheriff's daughter "gets around", perhaps due to the crocheted toaster cover she wears on her head, even while jogging naked!
Of course, no one can beat the cackling, incoherent lighthouse keeper in his scarf / hat ensemble!
We are treated to a public service film on "VD", featuring a man in a polyester wig telling us about "chancres". Yep, there's an epidemic underway, and casual hippies could be to blame! Can Dr. Crosse get to the bottom of things before the nearby "house-of-ill-repute" loses its reputation? Hopefully not, since it contains the most interesting people in town! This is one funny movie!
P. S.- You have not truly experienced life until you've seen a 500-lb. Man being tickled by a pitchfork!...
Dr. Crosse is down on his luck, having just gotten out of federal prison for performing an illegal abortion. Next stop, Stillford Island, where he finds the local population to be less than helpful. He also finds the doctor he was supposed to meet there is dead, which angers the local Sheriff to no end.
Said Sheriff either has the world's largest head, or is wearing a clown hat. Other than racial hatred, there doesn't seem to be much happening on the island.
But, wait!
Dr. Calvin discovers a tape left by his deceased benefactor. There has apparently been some sort of outbreak. As time goes on, Calvin learns two things: #1- The whole island is inhabited by bigoted religious nuts. #2- The sheriff's daughter "gets around", perhaps due to the crocheted toaster cover she wears on her head, even while jogging naked!
Of course, no one can beat the cackling, incoherent lighthouse keeper in his scarf / hat ensemble!
We are treated to a public service film on "VD", featuring a man in a polyester wig telling us about "chancres". Yep, there's an epidemic underway, and casual hippies could be to blame! Can Dr. Crosse get to the bottom of things before the nearby "house-of-ill-repute" loses its reputation? Hopefully not, since it contains the most interesting people in town! This is one funny movie!
P. S.- You have not truly experienced life until you've seen a 500-lb. Man being tickled by a pitchfork!...
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
