Ep. 21: Jeff Lieberman's "Squirm" (1976)

Screams & Streams

Have you ever been tickled by the sheer absurdity of a horror film that's so bad it's good? Chad and I just couldn't keep a straight face while dissecting the 1976 B-movie "Squirm," where electrified worms with pincers wreak havoc in a small town. We crack up at the ludicrous sound effects and the wonky Southern accents that add a thick layer of cheese to this cult classic. As we navigate through the cringey romantic subplot and the surprisingly gross moments that somehow remain effective, we promise you'll be squirming with laughter or possibly hiding behind your sofa in mock terror.
Imagine a film so outrageous that it becomes the perfect backdrop for your next movie night with friends. That's "Squirm," for you—a riotous blend of chuckle-inducing one-liners and special effects that are a sight to behold. From the bewildering choice of egg creams as a movie beverage to the idea of interactive screenings where you dress up and snack in theme, Chad and I muse over what makes this flick an experience rather than just a visual feast. And let's not forget the trivia gems, like the stunning number of worms used in production or the fact that Kim Basinger and Sylvester Stallone could've been the leads—snippets sure to wriggle their way into your conversation arsenal.
Wrapping up the worm talk, we tip our hats to the unintended legacy "Squirm" has left behind, including a ripple effect on New England’s fishing industry and a wedding video fiasco that's the stuff of legends. We also peek into the unexpected career trajectories of the cast and crew, whose post-worm adventures are as varied as the creepy crawlies themselves. So grab your Pabst Blue Ribbon, settle in, and join Chad and me for a podcast episode that celebrates the slimy, the unsettling, and the downright silly side of horror cinema.

Head to www.screamsandstreams.com for more information related to our episode.

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1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Film Intro & Plot Summary (00:00:58)

3. First Impressions (00:01:43)

4. Tropes Hall of Shame (00:04:45)

5. One Liners (00:12:42)

6. What Doesn't Hold Up (00:16:22)

7. Most Gratuitous Scene (00:25:13)

8. Stood the Test of Time (00:27:52)

9. Eerie to Ear Splitting (00:34:52)

10. Back It Up Moments (00:36:14)

11. Bonus Features (00:43:29)

12. Watchability Scale (00:51:48)

13. Outro (00:54:39)