We need to discuss Amanda Donohoe’s performance in The Lair of the White Worm
I watched The Lair of the White Worm last night for the first time, and I haven’t been this captivated by a campy seductress since Meryl Streep’s turn as Madeline Ashton in Death Becomes Her.
Amanda Donohoe is magnificent . She glides through the film with a sly, aristocratic poise that feels like a cross between Tallulah Bankhead and Cruella de Vil. That polished upper-class accent adds a wicked elegance, her wardrobe is a carefully curated exercise in high-camp extravagance, and the choice of sleek European two-seaters is the perfect finishing touch.
It isn’t just performance—it’s a character living and breathing on screen. She elevates every scene, commanding it with a mix of menace, glamour, and sly humor that makes her villainess as stylish as she is unforgettable.
Why have I never heard of her before? Why isn’t she more of a gay icon!? I could watch her play this character all day.
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | September 16, 2025 3:42 AM
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She's basically Dr. Frank N. Furter.
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is filmed very much in the style of a glam era Russell film, and though a flop in its initial run, once iRHPS went cult Russell no doubt pitched the idea of doing something similar. Actually TLOTWW was originally part of a multi-picture deal that would include a Russell version of "Dracula," but that never got made and this did (it's also based on a Bram Stoker property.)
Anyway, yeah, she's really good. Everybody's good in it. It's a little heartbreaking the film came out not so hot but that's showbiz.
| by Anonymous | reply 1 | September 15, 2025 11:31 PM
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R1 My guess is because it’s a comedy film with horror elements versus a horror film with comedy elements. The British humor gets lost on most Americans.
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | September 15, 2025 11:43 PM
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"Do you have children?"
"Only when there are no men around."
Love her. Was JUST talking about this film to a friend yesterday.
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | September 15, 2025 11:51 PM
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Kevin: That's some system you've got there.
Lady Sylvia Marsh: How do you rate the music?
Kevin: I'm not really into head banging.
Lady Sylvia Marsh: Are you into any sort of banging?
Kevin: I'm not bad on a mouth organ.
Lady Sylvia Marsh: [chuckles] You're sweet.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | September 16, 2025 12:16 AM
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I'm always recommending this movie as a hidden treasure.
| by Anonymous | reply 5 | September 16, 2025 3:37 AM
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I do have some questions. When the first snake bites the police officer, is that Amanda’s character? Or is it really nettles then when she “sucks out” the venom, she’s really biting him?
Also, what would happen to her character if they had killed the snake god? Would she give birth to a new snake god?
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | September 16, 2025 3:42 AM
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