Lair of the White Worm is Ken Russell's tribute to phallic symbols, religious motifs, British horror films and the British countryside. Oh, and it's also based (very loosely) on a novel by Bram Stoker.
The film opens in Derbyshire, where some really weird things are happening. A middle-aged couple vanish mysteriously, and their daughters are haunted by bizarre hallucinations. Locals are being "stung" by strange reptiles and cars are driving around without headlights.
How are these events connected? Just ask Lady Sylvia Marsh ...
Amanda Donohoe is sensational as Marsh: her sly and outrageous performance contrasts nicely with the wooden acting of the rest of the cast. And throughout the film, there are moments that are either/ both genuinely eerie and darkly amusing.
However, for the main, 'Lair of...' is basically 'The Benny Hill Show' with bloodshed. Or Russell's film 'The Devils' with 80s music video visuals. If this is your idea of a good time, indulge. But it's certainly not for everyone ...
The film opens in Derbyshire, where some really weird things are happening. A middle-aged couple vanish mysteriously, and their daughters are haunted by bizarre hallucinations. Locals are being "stung" by strange reptiles and cars are driving around without headlights.
How are these events connected? Just ask Lady Sylvia Marsh ...
Amanda Donohoe is sensational as Marsh: her sly and outrageous performance contrasts nicely with the wooden acting of the rest of the cast. And throughout the film, there are moments that are either/ both genuinely eerie and darkly amusing.
However, for the main, 'Lair of...' is basically 'The Benny Hill Show' with bloodshed. Or Russell's film 'The Devils' with 80s music video visuals. If this is your idea of a good time, indulge. But it's certainly not for everyone ...