The Worm Eaters (DVD)

Half worm and half human - people are being transformed into horrifying monsters! It's all the twisted work of a crazed recluse named Herman who has the ability to communicate with worms. When the local mayor runs Herman out of town for being a menace to society, the lunatic infests the local food supply with toxic worms. When people consume them, they mutate into ghastly, slithering creatures that are forced to do Herman's bidding. Those still unaffected must plot against the monster-maker before they too fall victim to the terrifying metamorphosis!

It takes a cast-iron stomach to watch the close-up shots of people consuming live worms in this weird, ultra-low budget horror flick that is as darkly comic as it is grotesque. The over-the-top performances, odd dialogue, and highly visible production goofs, all contribute to make The Worm Eaters a unique cult classic. In addition to writing and directing, Herb Robins has the lead role, having already honed his acting skills in quickie shock features like Invasion Of The Bee Girls and The Doll Squad. He is credited with directing another equally lurid feature, The Brainsucker, in which a killer dressed as a cork screw burrows into his victims' heads.

• horror