A black doctor's return to his hometown sparks tension as he uncovers a deadly epidemic—and a conspiracy to keep it quiet.
STIGMA
The curse that begins with a kiss.
A black doctor ex-convict returns to the all-white town he knows as home and discovers a deadly disease threatening the citizens. He must fight prejudice and time if he is to save the town.
Stigma is a 1972 American crime, drama, mystery, and thriller film directed by David E. Durston about a black doctor who returns to a remote town and discovers a deadly venereal disease threatening its citizens.
Synopsis
Why Cult
Philip Michael Thomas stars as a black doctor fighting to save an all-white town that barely wants him there, using social tension as both theme and fuel.
A deadly strand of syphilis spreads through the town, mixing medical paranoia with social commentary in true exploitation style.
A bigoted local sheriff and a conspiracy of silence heighten the stakes, as the protagonist faces both disease and institutional resistance.
Directed by David E. Durston, Stigma dives into taboo territory with nudity, violence, and a raw, unapologetic mood characteristic of early '70s indie cinema.
Themes & Keywords
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stigma about? +
Stigma is about a black doctor who returns to his hometown and uncovers a deadly venereal disease spreading among the residents, confronting local prejudice and corruption as he tries to contain the epidemic.
When was Stigma released? +
Stigma was released in 1972.
Who directed Stigma? +
Stigma was directed by David E. Durston.
How long is Stigma? +
Stigma has a runtime of 93 minutes.
What genre is Stigma? +
Stigma is a crime, drama, mystery, and thriller film.
Where can I watch Stigma? +
You can stream Stigma on SassyFlix.