Squirm (1976)

A storm causes some power lines to break and touch the ground, drawing millions of man-eating worms out of the earth, and into town where they quickly start munching on the locals.

Director:

Jeff Lieberman

Writer:

Jeff Lieberman

Stars:

Don Scardino, Patricia Pearcy, R.A. Dow

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Don Scardino	...	Mick
Patricia Pearcy	...	Geri Sanders
R.A. Dow	...	Roger Grimes
Jean Sullivan	...	Naomi Sanders
Peter MacLean	...	Sheriff Jim Reston (as Peter Mac Lean)
Fran Higgins	...	Alma Sanders
William Newman	...	Quigley
Barbara Quinn	...	Sheriff's Girl
Carl Dagenhart	...	Willie Grimes
Angel Sande	...	Millie
Carol Jean Owens	...	Lizzie
Kim Iocouvozzi	...	Hank
Walter Dimmick	...	Danny
Leslie Thorsen	...	Bonnie
Julia Klopp	...	Mrs. Klopp

Storyline

In Fly Creek, a storm knocks down the power lines, transforming worms in mutant creatures. Mick travels from New York to meet his girlfriend Geri Sanders and stays at her home with her mother Naomi Sanders and her sister Alma Sanders. On the arrival, Mick has a friction with Sheriff Jim Reston and with Geri's neighbor Roger Grimes that woos her. Soon they find that Fly Creek is infested of carnivorous worms that are devouring the inhabitants, but Sheriff Reston believes it is a prank of Mick.

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Plot Keywords:

killer worm | hixploitation | worm | worm in food | woman in shower | 

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Taglines:

An avalanche of killer worms...writhing across the land in a tidal wave of terror!

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Genres:

Horror

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the production there was a mix up with the film processing lab. Footage from a wedding was accidentally sent to Lieberman and B roll footage of worms for the film was sent to the newlyweds!

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Goofs

When a worm slides down the wall behind Mick, it leaves a trail of slime that disappears in the next shot.

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Quotes

Roger Grimes: You gonna be da' worm face!

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Alternate Versions

Squirm was heavily edited for its appearance on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1999. Among the many scenes cut from the film was the scene of Mick trudging through the swamp, the conversation between Mick and Alma, the worms graphic attack on Roger, the gruesome fate of Mrs. Sanders, and the climax where Roger crawls after Mick and attempts to bite him.

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Connections

Edited from Carrie (1976)

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Soundtracks

A Million Ways to Love You
(uncredited)
Music by Robert Prince
Lyrics by Hal Hackady

User Reviews

Nature goes berserk in style

Against FOOD OF THE GODS, DOGS, KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS, the irrepressible SLUGS and other nature-gone-berserk flicks, SQUIRM stands tall.

The worms are the thing here, but their existence does not short-change the film's acting, storyline and characterizations. Director Jeff Lieberman, a fellow of immense cinematic intelligence (BLUE SUNSHINE, JUST BEFORE DAWN), has crafted a smart, stylish little thriller that delivers on its promise.

Rick Baker's worms are very impressive and Lieberman knows when to reveal them and when to keep them -- literally -- in the dark.

The set-up is simple. Following a filthy, dirty storm, downed powerlines send bolts of electricity into the earth. Shocked worms turn rabid and begin to menace "us".

The film is exceptionally well photographed and acted, the rural setting works beautifully, and the climax packs a punch.

Solid filmmaking all 'round.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 July 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Squirm

Filming Locations:

Port Wentworth, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$470,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Squirm Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 93 min (uncut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1