"Snake Dancer" is a semi-autobiographical tale of a young South African woman who dabbles in exotic dancing to help pay her way through college (and yes, she occasionally incorporates a large snake into her act), running afoul of repressive South African authorities and a disapproving fiancé.
While the star, Glenda (playing herself), doesn't lack for enthusiasm during her routine, watching a skinny, average-looking woman wave her gangling arms around and thrust her pelvis out repeatedly like a bad go-go dancer doesn't exactly float my boat. Erotic, her act ain't. Is "Snake Dancer" a potential candidate for bad movie fans? Well, there are a few risqué moments (in spite of the bad dancing, her routines later in the movie got my attention at times), and fans of terrible disco music and tacky mid-70s hair and fashions won't be let down. The film is shoddily-made, slightly naughty, and a bit ridiculous, but never quite enough to push the material over the top.
Full-frame, the Mondo Macabro DVD presentation isn't too bad (using what appears to be a tape source for the last reel, as mentioned in the movie's opening disclaimer), and includes a couple of interviews, some background information on the film and its star, and the usual promo reel.
