Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
You know what’s sexy? Worms. Just kidding, what about snakes? They’re not my bag, but I have watched many women swoon over Jake “the Snake” Roberts and to be fair, Salma Hayek enthralls in From Dusk Till Dawn. That being said, The Lair of the White Worm embraces and milks all the sexiness it can get out of snake imagery. Ken Russell’s 1988 film is delightfully trashy and charming as it tells the story of a large snake and the woman who lives to serve him. This week’s strange and fantastic tale is The Lair of the White Worm.
Loosely adapted from Bram Stoker’s novel, The Lair of the White Worm is set in a small English town that celebrates the local legend of the white worm. Legend has it, the white worm was slain in a nearby cavern by John d’Ampton. This victory has been celebrated by the town in an annual festival with dancing and honoring John d’Ampton’s living ancestor, James d’Ampton (Hugh Grant). James resides in d’Ampton manor, which is also home to a hilarious butler and the sword of legend that is said to have killed the white worm.
A series of events leads to James teaming up with Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi), an archaeologist studying the area. James and Angus’ detective work soon leads them to a sexy screen chewing priestess Lady Sylvia (Amanda Donohoe). Lady Sylvia worships the worm and plots to sacrifice a virgin to the white worm, the god Dionin. Amanda Donohoe gives a stellar performance with perfect comedic timing. It is clear Donohoe is having the time of her life elevating the entertainment of the entire film.
Lady Sylvia spits venom, seduces victims, wears a metal strap-on, and is nearly unstoppable, but alas she is not without her kryptonite. She is easily taken in by snake charming music and is thrown off track more than once with this gag. Grant and Capaldi give equally fun performances in this horror comedy. Capaldi plays the bagpipes as he tries to outrun one of Lady Sylvia’s minions, it’s amazing. Grant effortlessly slays a snake minion as he tries to lure the head snake in his direction.
The Lair of the White Worm is wholly entertaining. Ken Russell has a talent for merging the sexy and goofy. The Lair of the White Worm is clever, funny, and has snakes for days. Watch this with your wormiest friend and see if you can seduce them with the captivating magic of The Lair of the White Worm.
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