“The Lair of the White Worm” (1988) – Director/writer Ken Russell perfectly casts Amanda Donohoe as Lady Sylvia Marsh – an elegant, seductive vampire – in his B-horror film – adapted from Bram Stoker’s novel with the same title – a story with high concepts, low-budget practical effects, and bizarre hallucinations and dream sequences.
Set in England’s West Midlands, an archeologist (Peter Capaldi) discovers – what resembles to be – a dinosaur skull, but his finding is only 1,000 years old. How can that be? Meanwhile, the aforementioned Lady seduces various members of the rural community and literally sinks her teeth into her work.
It’s a strange little film, but Donohue fully commits to the role in a memorable performance, and a 30-year-old Capaldi, a 27-year-old Catherine Oxenberg, and a 28-year-old Hugh Grant co-star. Gina McKee makes an ever-so-brief appearance as well, and yes, Capaldi – a Scotsman – plays the bagpipes!
Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon: 2
Hugh Grant stars in “The Lair of the White Worm” (1988)
Hugh Grant stars “Notting Hill” (1999) with Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts stars in “Flatliners” (1990) with Kevin Bacon
Directed and written by: Ken Russell
Starring: Amanda Donohoe, Peter Capaldi, Hugh Grant, Catherine Oxenberg, and Gina McKee
Runtime: 93 minutes
Rated: R
Image credits: Vestron Pictures
