When I started visiting video stores in the 1990s, I saw the cover art on the VHS tape and really wanted to see The Lair of the White Worm, but thought it may be too scandalous. I was right, but only in the best way possible. Though the special effects are dated, The Lair of the White Worm is a great horror film that uses lush, oneric imagery, rich legends, creative license of historical events, a great cast and allusions to a war older than the majority of the characters in the film-between pagans and Christians. For me, it is only second to The Wicker Man (the original of course). A must see for vampire lovers though there are strictly speaking no true vampires in the film. I can’t believe that Amanda Donohue almost didn’t get cast as Lady Sylvia Marsh. She was sheer perfection and fearless. You may need to turn on your subtitles even though everyone speaks English. One crucial scene seems to be cut out and makes you wonder if all the legendary setup between the white worm and his original foe was all for naught. We’ll never know. One misstep is permitted. I read the book ages ago and remember nothing like this movie in Stoker’s version. The film stands alone and is a must see, but not if you can’t forgive dated film techniques or nudity.