Summary
Overview
Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, and June Diane Raphael dive into Ken Russell's 1988 cult horror film 'The Lair of the White Worm,' celebrating its campy brilliance and visual style. They discuss the confusing plot involving an immortal snake woman, virginal sacrifices, Hugh Grant's aristocratic nonchalance, and Amanda Donohoe's scene-stealing performance. The hosts appreciate the film's avant-garde aesthetic, psychedelic imagery, and commitment to pure vibes over coherent mythology, ultimately recommending it as perfect spooky season viewing.
Introduction and Plot Confusion
The hosts kick off spooky season with The Lair of the White Worm, immediately acknowledging the film's impenetrable plot. Paul attempts to explain the story involving archaeologist Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi), B&B-running sisters Mary and Eve Trent, and the immortal snake woman Lady Sylvia Marsh. They confess to initial confusion about whether Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi were even different characters due to their similar floppy hair and bone structure.
- The film features Peter Capaldi as archaeologist Angus Flint and Hugh Grant as a young lord, though their similar appearances initially confused the hosts
- The Trent sisters run a B&B where Angus is excavating, and Eve is dating Hugh Grant's character
- Lady Sylvia Marsh is an immortal snake woman who serves as the film's villain and standout character
- The white worm prop was actually made from a painted VW Bug hood
" I thought Hugh Grant was playing both characters. "
" This movie is a success. As far as I'm concerned. Absolutely. It is exactly what, when I saw, we watched it on Prime Video, and when I saw... It's not a plug. "
Lady Sylvia Marsh: The Star Performance
The hosts unanimously praise Amanda Donohoe's performance as Lady Sylvia Marsh, calling her electric, captivating, and the true heart of the film. Her snake-like physicality, incredible costumes, and complete commitment to the role elevate every scene she's in. From her basket sleep chamber to her seductive kills to her ceremonial strap-on, Lady Sylvia commands attention and makes the film work.
- Lady Sylvia sleeps in a basket and is charmed by music played from Hugh Grant's giant red outdoor speakers
- Her physical snake work when emerging from the basket is described as 'incredible stuff'
- She performs an elaborate virginity check with a phallic implement
- The dick bite scene announces what the movie truly is
- Amanda Donohoe chose the role to play a fantasy woman with no boundaries, not a 'vampire bimbo'
" Everybody, I think, understands ultimately what this movie is on some level, but I will say that she is another level. Every time the camera's off her, I'm like, I'm not interested as much. "
" That is the moment where this movie announces what it is. "
" I want her to be an incredible, sophisticated and ageless woman. Now, I love films that have a real rump to them and say something about life. And I just been on the string of films in the last two years, all pretty heavy stuff. And I thought, why not just do a film that doesn't mean anything at all? "
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