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Amanda Donohoe, Hugh Grant, Catherine Oxenberg, Sammi Davis, Peter Capaldi ... see more see more... , Stratford Johns , Paul Brooke , Imogen Claire , Chris Pitt , Gina McKee , Christopher Gable , Lloyd Peters , Miranda Coe , Linzi Drew , Caron Anne Kelly , Fiona O'Conner , Caroline Pope , Elisha Scott , Tina Shaw , Jackie Russell , James Hicks , Paul Easom , David Kiernan , Matthew King , Ross King , Andy Norman , Matt King , Bob Smith

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 m... read more read more...urders 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

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43% liked it

5,907 ratings

Critics

57% liked it

21 critics

R, 1 hr. 33 min.

Directed by: Ken Russell

Release Date: January 1, 1988

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DVD Release Date: October 19, 1999

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Stats: 296 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (296)

  • Deano78
    June 12, 2011
    Deano78
    A very good, odd British horror comedy!
  • MidnightMadwoman
    May 30, 2011
    MidnightMadwoman
    Dood. Ohmygod, do you guys ever watch American Dad? I know exactly how Roger feels about Chockodiles. This is the best movie since sliced bread. Words cannot express how unfathomably amused I was by this movie. It's insane, but it knows how insane it is, and it punctuates its nut... read moretiness with hot chicks and brilliant banter, just in case you weren't already on board. It's a fascinating twist on vampires, since these monsters aren't exactly undead. They're more like venomous immortal snake women who serve this ancient god, and can infect you with thier... hotness? Malevolence? It doesn't matter. Sylvia Marsh is one of my new favorite cinema villains, and she genuinely has a ton of fun exploiting the local archaelogical breakthroughs and generally bringing her evil to the simple townspeople. Snake woman, trippy imagery, valliant swordsmen and the angry angry Scottish dude from In The Loop. I dare you not to get a kick out of this movie. I dare you. My friend who let me this on DVD is totally not getting it back.
  • ScoopOnline
    December 12, 2009
    ScoopOnline
    I liked the Idea with Pagan Snake, its like Medusa.
    more later
  • 366weirdmovies
    May 31, 2009
    366weirdmovies
    A phantasmagorical and deliberately overblown tale of pagan snake worshippers in modern Britain. Ken Russel's least self-important film, and also his most fun outing.
  • rubystevens
    December 9, 2008
    rubystevens
    i'm not even sure how to rate this. it's hilariously bad. i don't know if it was meant to be a comedy but it is entertaining on that level, especially the special effects! also it's not hugh grant's worst film lol. i don't even wanna think about the psychosexual implications... read more of this
  • DrBenway
    June 2, 2008
    DrBenway
    Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, this is part vampire story, part mystery, and part tongue-in-cheek sex caper. Drive-in style special effects, insane narrative and outlandish sexual imagery along with sick laughs are all what you should expect with any Ken Russell film.
    ... read morehref="http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/?action=view¤t=Lair-1.jpg" target="_blank">Photobucket
  • jjnxn
    April 29, 2008
    jjnxn
    Bizarre!! Amanda Donohue seems to be having a good time though.
  • stuartb1234
    July 25, 2007
    stuartb1234
    Oh dear its bad, no its worse than bad, its terrible.
  • drblood
    June 24, 2007
    drblood
    More of a comedy than a horror but there are some memorable gory scenes which have little to do with the Bram Stoker novel.
  • garyX
    March 9, 2007
    garyX
    Typically trashy and tasteless rubbish from Ken Russell. Dimwitted religious imagery, raped nuns, Amanda donohoe getting her baps out as usual and Hugh Grant. Occasionally unintentionally hiarious, true , but come on...

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Critic Reviews

Andreas Samuelson
July 27, 2006
Andreas Samuelson, Slasherpool

Fun-filled, oddball British vampire flick Full Review

Cole Smithey
October 7, 2005
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

Gleefully over the top - Ken Russell's last good movie.

Jon Niccum
May 13, 2005
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World

Equal parts awful and hypnotic

Gerry Shamray
March 11, 2004
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland

Effective, unique horror movie.

Ed Gonzalez
August 25, 2003
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine

Christianity and paganism clash in Ken Russell's campy The Lair of the White Worm. Full Review

Ken Hanke
August 21, 2002
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

An almost perfect savvy blend of horror and comedy that both honors the horror genre while standing it on its head. Full Review

Mike McGranaghan
August 5, 2002
Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat

One of the worst films I've ever seen.

Ed Gonzalez
August 14, 2001
Ed Gonzalez, Apollo Guide

Cheap effects and gratuitous displays of nudity only heighten the film's delirious demeanor. Full Review

James Kendrick
February 27, 2001
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk

Half-serious and half-mocking, this film occupies a confused area where it isn't exactly sure what it is. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Lair of the White Worm Trivia

  • In what year was Lair of the White Worm released?  Answer »
  • What movie, from a novel by Bram Stoker, would have the following exchange? Lord James D'Ampton (Hugh Grant): Do you have children? Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe): Only when there are no men around.   Answer »
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