[Inspector Abberline]

Stigma (1977 )
Entirely different kettle of ghosts this short film, again directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark and based on a original story by Clive Exton.Although not a bad story I do think it was bad idea not to continue with the M.R.James stories or any other classic author ,I think the period setting for these stories make for a more timeless film,as soon as something is set in the 60's or 70s then its immediately dated the film. The story concerns a family living in the country side,while the mother and daughter are home some workmen who are laying a new lawn discover a giant ancient stone.As soon as the soon as the stone is disturbed the mother Kate Binchy as Katherine starts bleeding from the pours of her skin.There's no doubt that film does build a feeling of unease,and as the stone is uncovered , a skeleton is found underneath,mean while Katherine has started bleeding profusely . Its obviously a curse that has been uncovered with unearthing of the skeleton. The story has no real conclusion were just left with the mystery of both events happening at the same time.There is a genuine creepiness in having these unconnected events happening but with no real motive to connect them,at the end of the film were just left scratching our heads feeling none the wiser.Which obviously let s our imagination fill in the gaps.The daughter at the end says that the body was a witch who was buried under the stone.and is seen peeling an onion,not sure what the significance is of the onion but im sure are residence witch might be able to help on this one.Stigma if anything could of done with abit more in the way of back story,its to short to be a really effective as a good horror story.