The Lair of the White Worm (1988)
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57% of critics liked it
(21 reviews) -
44% of users liked it
(6,004 ratings)
Ken Russell's Lair of the White Worm uses Dracula author Bram Stoker's final novel as the basic springboard into a surreal and dark-humored tale concerning a bizarre cult and a series of sacrificial murders in honor of an ancient pagan god. When archeologist Angus Flint (Peter Capaladi)… More Ken Russell's Lair of the White Worm uses Dracula author Bram Stoker's final novel as the basic springboard into a surreal and dark-humored tale concerning a bizarre cult and a series of sacrificial murders in honor of an ancient pagan god. When archeologist Angus Flint (Peter Capaladi) discovers the mysterious scull of an undiscovered beast, further investigation reveals a bizarre myth concerning a medieval knight slaying a fearsome dragon. Soon making the acquaintance of Lord James D'Ampton (Hugh Grant), the conquering knight's descendant, Flint begins to learn of local lore surrounding the creature and soon discovers that, throughout the years, many unexplained disappearances have haunted the local populace. With all trails leading back to the elegant mansion of mysterious recluse Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe), Lord D'Ampton makes Marsh's acquaintance amidst growing speculation that the strangely seductive siren may have something to do with a rash of recent disappearances. As Flint and D'Ampton's stories begin to strangely intersect, a surreal and horrific journey into the lair of an ancient god may hold they key to an age-old mystery. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Ken Russell
- Genres
- Art House & International, Horror
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1988 Wide
- Studio
- Vestron Video
Critic Reviews
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Andreas Samuelson, Slasherpool
Fun-filled, oddball British vampire flick
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Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Gleefully over the top - Ken Russell's last good movie.
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Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
Equal parts awful and hypnotic
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Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Effective, unique horror movie.
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Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Christianity and paganism clash in Ken Russell's campy The Lair of the White Worm.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Amanda Donohoe
as Sylvia Marsh
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Hugh Grant
as Lord James D'Ampton
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Catherine Oxenberg
as Eve Trent
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Sammi Davis
as Mary Trent
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Peter Capaldi
as Angus Flint
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Stratford Johns
as Peters the Butler
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Paul Brooke
as P.C. Erny
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Imogen Claire
as Dorothy Trent
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Chris Pitt
as Kevin
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Gina McKee
as Nurse Gladwell
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Christopher Gable
as Joe Trent
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Lloyd Peters
as Jesus Christ
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Miranda Coe
as Maid-Nun
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Linzi Drew
as Maid-Nun
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Caron Anne Kelly
as Maid-Nun
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Fiona O'Conner
as Maid-Nun
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Caroline Pope
as Maid-Nun
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Elisha Scott
as Maid-Nun
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Tina Shaw
as Maid-Nun
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Jackie Russell
as Snakewoman
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James Hicks
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
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Paul Easom
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
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David Kiernan
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
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Ross King
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
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Andy Norman
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
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Matt King
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
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Bob Smith
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
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Matthew King
as Soldier-Witchdoctor
