The Exorcism of Hugh (1972)

Susan Hampshire: Anna Robinson

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Quotes 

• George Dabernon : When does a man die? Who knows what happens in the moment of death? The soul doesn't die, simply leaves the body. But what if it didn't? If it went on living in a dead body? A prisoner, in a body decaying around it. Is it possible? What is possible?

  Anna Robinson : Hugh was not dead.

  George Dabernon : If it weren't for you, this would never have happened. He's possessed, isn't he? Possessed by you. You're a witch, trafficking with the Devil. You have conjured an evil spirit into his dead body.

  Anna Robinson : My love for him has given him life.

  George Dabernon : It's revolting. His flesh is cold. Dead. There is no pulse. No heartbeat. Hugh's body is rotting. It is disintegrating, hour by hour. And something must be done. Now!

  Anna Robinson : Why don't you just go away, leave us alone?

  George Dabernon : I'll prove it to you.

  [he sets fire to Hugh's hand] 

  George Dabernon : He fears nothing. He feels nothing.

  Anna Robinson : [On seeing Hugh's hand burning sensibly]  Oh, God!

  George Dabernon : [George extinguishes the flame]  I tell you, he's dead.

  George Dabernon : [Hugh approaches George]  Anna!

  Anna Robinson : Hugh! Sit down. Please. Just sit down.

  George Dabernon : Unbelievable. Unbelievable. At the trumpet sound, the graves shall be opened, and the dead shall rise again. I know what we must do. We must take him to a priest.

  Anna Robinson : A priest?

  George Dabernon : Exorcism. Exorcism. This spirit must be exorcised.

  Anna Robinson : And then?

  George Dabernon : And then he can rest. He can be at peace.

  Anna Robinson : He will die.

  George Dabernon : Yes.

  Anna Robinson : And then it will be over. Everything.

  Hugh Dabernon : [overdub]  It will be alright, Anna. Don't stop him.

  [Hugh walks towards the door] 

  George Dabernon : You see? He wants it too. He wants to be free. We must go, Anna.

  Anna Robinson : I can't go with you.

  George Dabernon : Believe me, it's the best thing for all concerned. He died; up there on that beach in Scotland. He died.