Murrain 1975
Set against the mist-shrouded backdrop of a rural English village, *Murrain (1975)* weaves a chilling tapestry of dread and suspicion.
Director: John Cooper
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murrain (1975) about?
*Murrain (1975)* follows the panic that erupts in a small village when both pigs and a local boy fall victim to a baffling illness. Rumors of witchcraft spread, leading to the persecution of an elderly woman the villagers suspect of cursing their community. The story unfolds as a tense exploration of ignorance, fear, and the dangers of scapegoating.
Who directed Murrain?
The film was directed by John Cooper, known for his work in British television dramas and horror.
Who stars in Murrain?
The cast includes David Simeon as the veterinarian, Bernard Lee as a key authority figure, Una Brandon-Jones and Marjorie Yates as villagers, and John Golightly and David Neal in supporting roles.
Is Murrain (1975) worth watching?
*Murrain (1975)* is a cult gem for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror with a social conscience. Its tight 55-minute runtime and focus on psychological tension make it a compelling watch, though its dated themes may not resonate with all modern audiences. For those interested in mid-century British horror, it's a fascinating snapshot of the era's fears.
How long is Murrain?
The film has a runtime of 55 minutes.
About Murrain (1975): A Rural Horror Unraveling Superstition and Sickness
Set against the mist-shrouded backdrop of a rural English village, *Murrain (1975)* weaves a chilling tapestry of dread and suspicion. When a sudden, mysterious sickness strikes both livestock and a young boy, the superstitious villagers are quick to point fingers at an outcast woman, branding her a witch. Director John Cooper crafts a slow-burning atmospheric thriller, blending elements of horror, mystery, and drama to explore the darker corners of collective paranoia and ancient folklore. David Simeon stars as the skeptical veterinarian caught between reason and the villagers' fervent belief in supernatural forces, while Bernard Lee lends gravitas as a figure of authority wrestling with the unknown. The film's eerie tone and understated tension make it a haunting time capsule of 1970s British horror, where ignorance and fear spread like a contagion.
*Murrain (1975)* is a compact but potent allegory of community fear, questioning how easily society turns on its own when faced with the unexplainable. Una Brandon-Jones and Marjorie Yates deliver standout performances as the villagers whose hysteria drives the story, while John Golightly and David Neal round out the cast as figures entangled in the unfolding crisis. Cooper's direction leans into the oppressive atmosphere of rural isolation, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The film's short runtime belies its ambition, offering a tight, unsettling narrative that lingers like a curse.