The Lair of the White Worm [1988] dir Kenssell

The Lair of the White Worm (1988)



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095488/






The Lair of the White Worm is a 1988 film based on the novel by Bram Stoker. The film was written and directed by Ken Russell. The myth of the Lambton Worm of England plays out in different parts of the movie.



The film was shot at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire and on location at Gaddesden Place near the Gade Valley, Knebworth House and in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire.



While excavating the grounds of a guesthouse/farm in rural Derbyshire, archaeology student Angus Flint uncovers a prehistoric skull of what appears to be some sort of dinosaur. With the Trent sisters, Mary and Eve (who run the guesthouse) he attends a party at the home of Lord James D'Ampton commemorating the local legend of how brave knight John D'Ampton slew a giant worm and protected the villagers. While returning from the party by a country path Angus learns that Mary and Eve's parents mysteriously vanished there almost a year ago, in the vicinity of Temple House (residence of Lady Sylvia Marsh).



Upon reaching the farmhouse they are met by Ernie, the local policeman, who informs Mary that her father's watch has been found at Stonerich Cavern, a treacherous labyrinth of caves. Following Mary's information that she saw a strange car near the Temple House grounds, Ernie goes to investigate and is promptly bitten by a snake, though Lady Sylvia is able to offer assistance. During the course of his 'treatment' he informs her of the discovery of Joe Trent's watch.



The next day, while Mary and Angus investigate the Cavern and before Eve and James have returned from the party, Lady Sylvia visits the farmhouse, steals the skull and spits hallucinogenic venom over a crucifix. It is now clear that something Pagan is afoot





A campy and over-the-top film by Ken Russell, here is a thorough fansite that thoroughly dissects the elements of the film:







Amanda Donohoe ... Lady Sylvia Marsh

Hugh Grant ... Lord James D'Ampton

Catherine Oxenberg ... Eve Trent

Peter Capaldi ... Angus Flint

Sammi Davis ... Mary Trent

Stratford Johns ... Peters

Paul Brooke ... P.C. Erny

Imogen Claire ... Dorothy Trent

Chris Pitt ... Kevin

Gina McKee ... Nurse Gladwell

Christopher Gable ... Joe Trent

Lloyd Peters ... Jesus Christ

Miranda Coe ... Maids / Nuns

Linzi Drew ... Maids / Nuns

Caron Anne Kelly ... Maids / Nuns