Snake Dancer (1976)
A daring erotic biopic set in apartheid-era South Africa, where one woman's provocative act with a python ignites a national scandal.
Snake Dancer - Movie Information
- Original Title: Snake Dancer
- Release Year: 1976
- Directed by: Dirk de Villiers
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 28, 1976 (South Africa - U)
- Alternative Titles: Гленда (RU), Glenda (ZA)
- Production Countries: South Africa
Snake Dancer - Plot
With the oppressive climate of 1970s South Africa as the backdrop, this erotic biopic tells the story of Glenda Kemp (playing herself), a former Sunday school teacher who becomes an exotic dancer -- and provocatively shares the stage with a python. Creating an uproar and breaking every taboo in the book with her act, Kemp soon finds herself charged with indecency as the government attempts to ban her seductive performance art.
Snake Dancer - Trailer
Preview a glimpse of Glenda Kemp's scandalous and defiant world on screen.
Watch Snake Dancer video on YouTube ↗
Little girls shouldn't play with snakes.
Where to Watch Snake Dancer
Looking for where to watch Snake Dancer?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Snake Dancer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dirk de Villiers
Main Cast
- Glenda Kemp
- Wilson Dunster
- Peter J. Elliott
- Christine Basson
Writers
- Michael McCabe
Producers
- Dirk de Villiers
Snake Dancer - FAQs
What is Snake Dancer about?
Snake Dancer follows Glenda Kemp, a former Sunday school teacher who reinvents herself as an exotic dancer in 1970s apartheid South Africa. Her provocative act — performed alongside a live python — scandalizes the conservative establishment and lands her in court on indecency charges, making her a symbol of personal freedom against state repression.
Is Snake Dancer based on a true story?
Yes, Snake Dancer is a semi-autobiographical erotic biopic. Glenda Kemp plays herself, drawing directly from her real-life experiences as a controversial exotic dancer in South Africa during the 1970s. Her python act genuinely caused a public uproar and led to real legal battles over indecency in the apartheid era.
Where can you stream Snake Dancer?
You can watch Snake Dancer on Plex and Plex Channel for free, or catch it on Mometu with ads. It's also available on FlixFling via flat-rate subscription, rental, or purchase. A solid range of options depending on how you prefer to watch.
Did Glenda Kemp actually play herself in the film?
She did — and it's one of the film's most striking qualities. Glenda Kemp stars as herself, blurring the line between documentary and drama. This choice gives Snake Dancer an unusual authenticity, putting the real woman at the center of her own controversial story rather than a fictional stand-in.
Why was Snake Dancer considered scandalous in South Africa?
In the deeply conservative, apartheid-era South Africa of the 1970s, Kemp's act — combining sensual dancing with a live python — shattered social and moral taboos. The government moved to ban her performances and charged her with indecency, reflecting how threatening her act was to the era's rigid cultural norms.
Who directed Snake Dancer and who wrote it?
Snake Dancer was directed and produced by Dirk de Villiers, with the screenplay written by Michael McCabe. De Villiers also served as producer, making this a tightly controlled creative vision. The film stands as a rare South African production from the mid-1970s tackling such provocative subject matter head-on.
What are some movies similar to Snake Dancer?
If Snake Dancer appeals to you, check out Lovelace (2013), another real-life biopic about a woman caught between personal expression and societal judgment. Zola (2021) and Magic Mike (2012) also explore the world of performance and exploitation. For something closer in era and tone, Exotica (1994) is worth a look.
What is the tagline for Snake Dancer?
The film's tagline is: "Little girls shouldn't play with snakes." It perfectly captures the film's provocative spirit — a wry, double-edged warning that nods to both the literal python in Kemp's act and the broader social danger of a woman who refuses to stay within the boundaries set for her.
More About Snake Dancer
Explore further details about Snake Dancer on these trusted databases.