Stigmata - Issue 19

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: 19
Volume: Fourth Quarter
Date: 1982
Publisher: Project Stigma
Country: U.S.A.
Price: $1.50

This issue of STIGMATA, Number 19, published in the Fourth Quarter of 1982, is subtitled "The Project Stigma Report on the Continuing Investigation into the Occurrence of Animal Mutilations." The magazine announces publication delays, with the 1983 issues potentially appearing as late as summer. Subscriptions for 1983 are $5.00 in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and $10.00 for foreign countries. Back issues from 1982 are available for $1.50 each, with a set of four for $5.00. Older back issues (nos. 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15) are available for $2.00 each. The publication also mentions a new journal called CRUX, with orders for its first issue being $3.00.

"Endangered Species": The Movie That Not Everyone Is Talking About

The primary focus of this issue is the film "Endangered Species," a movie that deals, in part, with livestock mutilations. The article notes that the film did not perform well at the box office, with reports indicating less than "boffo" business. The filmmakers and actors toured major cities, but media coverage did not significantly boost attendance. The film's release was somewhat disorganized, with some markets seeing it in September and others in October 1982, and it opened in New York City in November.

Screenings were held for Pentagon and CIA personnel in Washington, D.C., but no one attended. There was speculation that the Pentagon might have considered banning the film. The article suggests that the film might be re-released as a "cult" film or appear on cable TV.

The review defends the film, stating it is imaginative and compelling, with skillful use of sound and lighting, and directed with verve by Alan Rudolph. The cast is praised, including Robert Urich as a burnt-out cop, Jo Beth Williams as a lady sheriff, Hoyt Axton as a rancher, Paul Dooley as a newspaperman, and Peter Coyote as a villain. Gene Evans also appeared as a former sheriff but was cut from the final film.

Despite some plot holes and a potentially unsatisfying denouement, the film is considered well-done when viewed as a movie rather than solely a "mutilation movie." Some investigators see it as a valid treatment of scenarios involving quasi-military experimenters.

The article highlights that the film deserves a chance and better box-office numbers, with Linda Moulton Howe of KMGH-TV stating that anyone involved in mutilation research would not be embarrassed by association with it. Readers are encouraged to see the movie.

Critical Responses

The issue compiles various critical responses to "Endangered Species":

• TIME (Richard Schickel): Described as stylishly made and suspenseful.
• NEWSWEEK (David Ansen): Called edgy, paranoid, and flamboyant, but noted it "consistently rings false." Ansen suggested that the film would have benefited from documentary restraint.
• US (Stephen Schaefer): Hailed as an exhilarating action thriller with assured cross-cutting style and an eerie sound aura.
• ROLLING STONE: Characterized as a non-thriller, failing to live up to its potential as a political or sci-fi thriller.
• LOS ANGELES TIMES (Kevin Thomas): Found the premise chilling and persuasive, but the film as a whole less so.
• DALLAS MORNING NEWS (Philip Wuntch): A cautionary thriller that preys on paranoia, hampered by an unsatisfying ending but featuring first-rate performances.
• DALLAS TIMES HERALD (John Bloom): Compared to "Missing" and "China Syndrome," it moves at a rapid clip with good photography and adequate acting.
• ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS (Robert Denerstein): Described as quirky, blending melodrama with a thriller.
• WACO TRIBUNE (Bob Darden): A well-constructed thriller that plays on American paranoia, but ultimately "flounders at the precise minute it should be soaring."
• CALIFORNIA (Kenneth Turan): The premise regarding the speculation behind cattle mutilations is provocative and excuses the film's weaknesses.
• COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE TELEGRAPH (Joe Barber): Found the film chillingly persuasive, laced with humor, tension, and action.
• CINEFANTASTIQUE (David Hogan): Praised as a high-energy thriller with incident and characterization that rises above its plot.
• WALL STREET JOURNAL (Joy Gould Boyum): Noted that such films often start with fascinating ideas but betray their beginnings due to confused intentions.
• LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT (Alton J. Robertson): Called it a film with a great combination of popular entertainment and a thought-provoking theme, praising the villain and its ability to create a nervous reaction.

JoBeth Williams's Perspective

Actress JoBeth Williams shared her experiences while on location for "Endangered Species." She met with ranchers who reported cattle mutilations, and many of them believed UFOs were responsible, which surprised her. She noted that the lack of tracks and the presence of bright lights at the sites led them to this conclusion. Williams herself was more comfortable with the germ warfare theory after speaking with a private investigator.

She also mentioned that the film connects cattle mutilations to human murders, suggesting a link to government-connected individuals. The film's depiction of the nerve and reproductive systems of cattle duplicating humans is also highlighted, along with a statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the possibility of Parvo Virus mutating into humans.

Robert Urich's Comments

Co-star Robert Urich discussed the film's release and reception. He felt MGM/UA had mishandled the film, letting it slip by unheralded. Urich believed that "Species" could have generated political discussion like "Missing" if handled properly. He alluded to noise from the Pentagon regarding the issue and suggested that powerful people might be withholding information about chemical warfare against animals. Urich also humorously described his experience filming with cows, calling it a difficult and unpleasant task.

Reader Comments

E. Edwin Austin of the Mutilation Data Center reviewed "Endangered Species," finding that its conclusions mirrored his own research. He pointed out the film's use of a genuine silent helicopter and the introduction of the idea of large trucks hauling helicopters to the sites, which could explain the appearances and disappearances.

Another reader commented on the connection between cattle mutilations, human murders, and potential government involvement, citing cases like Ted Bundy and Richard Chase. The reader also mentioned a personal experience involving an implied threat related to a suspicious case.

John Keel's Letter

Fortean writer John A. Keel responded to an article in STIGMATA 18 that critiqued a book by Dan Kagan and Ian Summers about animal mutilations. Keel dismissed Kagan's manuscript as undisciplined and speculative, suggesting Bantam Books should scrap the project. He criticized Kagan for investigating the investigators rather than the phenomenon itself and for his negative stance on mutilation research.

Keel also noted that the film "Endangered Species" opened to a very small audience in New York City, indicating a poor box office performance. He mentioned that the film's production company, Alive Enterprises, considered the picture "dead-in-the-water."

The Consultant

George C. Erianne, a livestock mutilation consultant, was hired for "Endangered Species." Erianne, a former private investigator and intelligence operative, had investigated mutilations extensively. His findings closely paralleled the film's scenario, which depicted mutilations as a byproduct of unauthorized military research into germ warfare. Erianne told the COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE TELEGRAPH and LOS ANGELES TIMES that the film was about 75 percent accurate. However, he was overheard at the Telluride Film Festival suggesting that the UFO hypothesis was the most likely explanation for the mutilations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of STIGMATA strongly advocates for the continued investigation of animal mutilations, viewing them as a serious phenomenon that warrants attention. The magazine champions the film "Endangered Species" as a valuable contribution to understanding the issue, despite its commercial shortcomings. The editorial stance appears to be critical of official explanations and supportive of alternative theories, including UFOs and potential government cover-ups or clandestine research. The publication also expresses a commitment to providing updates on the ongoing investigation and related developments, even amidst production challenges.

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: 16
Volume: 16
Date: 1983

This issue of STIGMATA, a publication focused on unexplained phenomena, delves into a range of topics including animal mutilations, UFO incidents, and alleged government cover-ups. The content suggests a consistent pattern of these phenomena over time, questioning simple explanations like government projects.

Animal Mutilations and Early Investigations

Ivan Sanderson and the author investigated animal mutilations in the 1960s, noting a significant number of cases in the Scranton, PA area. Farmers attempted to form an association to address the issue but failed to gain government support. The author observes that animal mutilation cases were prevalent in UFO literature from the 1940s and 50s, indicating a long-standing and consistent phenomenon.

"Grudge 13" Allegations and "X-9" Skepticism

The pseudonymous "X-9" is presented as a critic of the "Grudge 13" allegations, which originated from "Toulinet." These allegations involve an investigation into a supposed "intact" B-52 bomber crash in Vietnam, potentially caused by a UFO. "X-9" expresses skepticism about the operational details, particularly regarding the involvement of Special Forces and the awarding of battlefield promotions, suggesting inconsistencies with military records.

Unconfirmed Account of a UFO Crash in New Mexico

An unconfirmed account details an event in May 1982 where "Toulinet" and his former commanding officer, a colonel, investigated a suspected UFO crash site in New Mexico. During the investigation, a "rocket"-like object reportedly tore through the sky, exploded near their van, and seemingly killed the other two men. Toulinet then fled and has not been heard from since.

Senator Schmitt and Cattle Mutilations

In the summer of 1982, U.S. Senator Harrison "Jack" Schmitt of New Mexico was interviewed by the RIO GRANDE SUN regarding the cattle mutilation problem. Schmitt reiterated his belief that "individuals" were responsible for some mutilations and discussed "mystery helicopters." He defended the public expense of a 1979 mutilation conference, stating it cost "no money to speak of" and appeared to have reduced mutilation activity for a period. Schmitt emphasized that cattle mutilations involved significant property loss for ranchers and that the Justice Department was reluctant to exercise federal jurisdiction.

The Landaluce Case and Potential Cover-up

The recent death of the racehorse Landaluce, a multi-million-dollar contender, is examined. Local veterinarians could not determine the cause of death, and the carcass was sent to the University of California's veterinary school. The official explanation involved blood clots, a phenomenon also observed in cattle mutilations and a human case from Elsberry, Missouri. The author suggests a potential cover-up due to difficulties in obtaining information from the horse's owners and the veterinary school.

The Cash/Landrum Incident

The investigation into the Cash/Landrum case of December 1980 is ongoing. The victims, Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby Landrum, have suffered severe health consequences, including heart attacks, strokes, cataracts, and vision impairment. Investigations have uncovered witness accounts of multiple military-type helicopters at the scene during the incident. Despite initial denials from military bases like Ft. Hood and Ellington AFB regarding operations during the Christmas holiday, evidence suggests otherwise, and the source of the helicopters remains a mystery.

Miscellany: Mosquitoes and Ravens

Two brief reports are included under "Miscellany." The first discusses the significant impact of mosquitoes on human and animal life, referencing a case in Brazoria County, Texas, where four cows and a calf were found dead with significant blood loss, possibly attributed to mosquitoes. The second report details "Stark-Raven-Madness" in Western Ontario, Canada, where ravens were observed plucking eyes from cattle, leading to their deaths. This phenomenon was also reported in the Kenora, Ontario area and Manitoba.

Other Research and Publications

Peter A. Jordan's monograph "Glimpses Through a Looking Glass," which reports on the use of psychometry in mutilation investigations, is recommended. A Spanish-language publication by Danny Liska regarding livestock mutilations is also highlighted. The issue also mentions the existence of military missile "silos" with sophisticated security and an incident where a site was found open with "silvery-colored residue" found nearby, which was reportedly confiscated by "Blue Book" personnel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly animal mutilations and UFO sightings, and the persistent suspicion of government or military cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and investigations while highlighting inconsistencies and unanswered questions. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations and a focus on the potential for hidden truths and systematic interference in investigations. The publication emphasizes the need for continued research into these complex and often disturbing events.