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The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

R 98 min  -  Horror | Thriller  -   5 February 1988 (USA)
6.3
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Ratings: 6.3/10 from 9,342 users  
Reviews: 63 user | 54 critic

An anthropologist goes to Haiti after hearing rumors about a drug used by black magic practitioners to turn people into zombies.

Director:

Wes Craven

Writers:

Wade Davis (inspired by the book), Richard Maxwell (screenplay), and 1 more credit »
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1 nomination See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Pullman ...
Cathy Tyson Cathy Tyson ...
Zakes Mokae Zakes Mokae ...
Paul Winfield ...
Brent Jennings ...
Conrad Roberts ...
Badja Djola Badja Djola ...
Theresa Merritt Theresa Merritt ...
Michael Gough ...
Paul Guilfoyle ...
Dey Young ...
Aleta Mitchell Aleta Mitchell ...
William Newman William Newman ...
Jaime Pina Gautier Jaime Pina Gautier ...
Evencio Mosquera Slaco Evencio Mosquera Slaco ...
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Storyline

Dennis Allan is a scientist who visits Haiti on the strength of a rumour of a drug which renders the recipient totally paralyzed but conscious. The drug's effects often fool doctors, who declare the victims dead. Could this be the origin of the "zombie" legend? Alan embarks on a surprising and often surreal investigation of the turbulent social chaos that is Haiti during the revolution which ousted hated dictator "Baby Doc" Duvalier. Often a pawn in a greater game, Alan must decide what is science, what is superstition, and what is the unknown in a anarchistic society where police corruption and witch-doctory are commonplace. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Haiti | Anthropologist | Magic | Zombie | Spider  | See more »

Taglines:

Don't bury me...I'm not dead!

Genres:

Horror | Thriller

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French | Spanish

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Wes Craven's Serpent and the Rainbow See more »

Filming Locations:

Boston, Massachusetts, USA See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$5,848,000 (USA) (7 February 1988) (1430 Screens)

Gross:

$19,595,031 (USA)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Author Wade Davis agreed to sell the book rights on the condition that Peter Weir direct and Mel Gibson star. Neither man had any involvement in the project. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: The necklace Lucien puts on Dennis' neck before he got poisoned changes the positions between shots. However, in a lower position from back view, higher position from front view. See more »

Quotes

Dennis Alan: Christophe, I need you to remember what happened before you died.
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Soundtracks

"Ma Bouya" See more »