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The Rocky Horror Picture Show

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJim Sharman
Written byRichard O'Brien
Jim Sharman
Produced byMichael White
StarringTim Curry
Susan Sarandon
Barry Bostwick
Richard O'Brien
Patricia Quinn
Nell Campbell
Meat Loaf
CinematographyPeter Suschitzky
Edited byGraeme Clifford
Music byRichard O'Brien
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release dates
September 26, 1975
Running time
Theatrical cut
98 min.
Extended cut
100 min.
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget$1.2 million (estimated)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy film that parodies horror films. With a screenplay written by Richard O'Brien and Jim Sharman, the film features Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. The film is based on the British musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show.

The film is considered a cult classic and a midnight movie, although it is widely known by mainstream audiences and has a large international following. RHPS was the first movie from a major film studio (20th Century-Fox) in the midnight-movie market.[1] While the film is popular, critics point to the lack of plot, the cartoonish style, and the overly sexual nature of the film as some of its major drawbacks. Regardless, the movie is one of the most well known and financially successful midnight movies.[2] It is the longest running theatrical release in film history.[3] More than 30 years later it is still in limited release in theaters around the world. In December 2005, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington selected The Rocky Horror Picture Show for preservation in the National Film Registry, a collection of only 450 films (as of 2006).[4]

Plot

File:Rocky Horror 1.JPG
Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) begins to propose to Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon)

The story, narrated by a criminologist (Charles Gray), is that of a "healthy, normal" young couple, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon). Brad proposes to Janet in the film's first scene, which takes place at a friend's wedding.

Brad and Janet decide to celebrate their engagement by visiting their former science professor, Dr. Everett Scott (Jonathan Adams). A flat tire leaves them stranded far from town on a dark and stormy night. The couple seek shelter at a nearby castle. They are ushered inside by Riff Raff (Richard O'Brien), an Igor-like manservant, who informs them that "the master" is hosting a party that evening. Brad and Janet are puzzled by the strange, colorful characters attending this "Annual Transylvanian Convention". They watch, still wet from the rain, as the Transylvanians dance to the film's signature song, Time Warp.

They are soon swept into the world of mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a self-proclaimed "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania". Also living in the castle are Riff Raff, a housemaid named Magenta (Patricia Quinn), and groupie Columbia (Nell Campbell).

It is Frank's intention to unveil the "secret to life itself" for the convention attendees. In a scene inspired by Frankenstein movies, Frank's hunky creation "Rocky Horror" (Peter Hinwood) is brought to life. After the disoriented Rocky is chased down by Frank, the party is interrupted by Eddie (Meat Loaf), an ex-delivery boy, who rides out of a deep freeze on a motorcycle. The scene ends with his bloody murder at the hands of Frank.

Brad and Janet are shown to separate bedrooms, and Frank soon has his way with both. Janet, feeling guilty about her infidelity to Brad, wanders off looking for Brad. She discovers that Brad too has had sex with Frank when she sees them together on a security monitor. Janet also finds an injured Rocky hiding in his birth tank from Riff Raff, who enjoys tormenting him much as Igor tormented Frankenstein's monster.

File:Rocky Horror 2.JPG
Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) self proclaimed "Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania

Overcome with emotion, Janet decides to have sex with Rocky.

Frank, followed by Brad, and Riff Raff, goes looking for Rocky. They return to the lab, where they learn that an intruder has entered the building. Dr. Scott, Brad and Janet's old science teacher, arrives just as Frank and Brad discover Rocky and Janet hiding together. This awkward reunion is interrupted by Magenta, who announces that dinner is ready.

In a scene added specifically for the film version, the guests are served a special dinner in honor of Rocky's birthday. Frank is suspicious of Dr. Scott, and accuses him of being former Nazi scientist "Dr. von Scott". Dr. Scott explains that he is only looking for his rebellious nephew Eddie. Frank reveals that Eddie is dead and they have all been eating his remains. Janet runs screaming from the room, pursued by Frank. Brad and Dr. Scott follow, intending to protect Janet.

Frank captures all the guests, using his sonic transducer to temporarily turn them into statues and later force them to participate in a cabaret-style floor show. The performance is interrupted by Riff Raff and Magenta. Riff Raff announces that Frank has been relieved of his command, and that their mission to Earth is over. He explains that Frank will not be accompanying them back to their home planet, and proceeds to kill Columbia, Frank, and Rocky with a laser gun. Riff Raff releases Brad, Janet, and Dr. Scott just before the castle takes off into space, bound for Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania.

Production

Based on the London stage production "The Rocky Horror Show", by Richard O'Brien, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is slightly different from its original theatrical conception. In the production of the film, many of the original aspects from the Kings Road stage production changed, as did characters and dialogue, although many from its original production returned to work on the film. Director Jim Sharman, production designer Brian Thomson, and costume designer Sue Blane collaborated on the original London production with many of the cast that made it into the film version.[5] Tim Curry reprised his role from the London and Los Angeles stage productions. After the film, Curry also did a short run on Broadway as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Creator Richard O'Brien also returned for the film from the British stage team, as did Little Nell and Patricia Quinn.[6] The film was shot at Bray Studios and Oakley Court castle in Berkshire, England, UK from October 21, 1974 to December 19, 1974. Filming of Rocky's birth occurred on October 30, 1974, the 81st anniversary of the birth of Charles Atlas.[7]

Several ideas from the original conception of the film were dropped before production. During the opening theme, the film was supposed to include clips from all the movies mentioned in the song "Science Fiction Double Feature".[8] Producers discovered quickly that obtaining the rights to all the various film clips would be very costly, and cut the idea. Another idea was to parallel The Wizard of Oz by having the first 20 minutes of the film in black-and-white and Academy ratio until the doors burst open showing the Transylvanians in wide-screen and then to full color at Frank's entrance.[8] This effect would have been prohibitively expensive, so the idea was discarded.

Locations, sets, and props

Oakley Court refurbished and now a luxury hotel

The film's plot, setting, and style echoes that of the Hammer Horror films. Much like Universal Studios' Horror films had their own style, Hammer productions did as well. Reuse of sets and props through many of their films, was money and time saving. Production designer Brian Thomson and director Jim Sharman chose locations, sets, and even props that were, in many cases, used in various old Hammer productions. The castle is known as the Hammer House for the number of films that it appeared in. A great deal of location shooting took place here. At the time, the manor was in very dilapidated condition. Filming took place during the fall and winter with English weather, and made conditions very harsh. Susan Sarandon became ill due to the cold conditions and the lack of covering with most of the character's costumes. Today, the castle, Oakley Court, has been completely refurbished and is now a luxury hotel.[9] It recently hosted a Rocky Horror picnic on its grounds.

The classic "Creation" scene in Rocky Horror, so reminiscent of "Frankenstein" movies, has a good reason for that feel. The scene re-uses the tank and dummy from a Hammer production of "The Revenge of Frankenstein" starring Peter Cushing.[10] Other props and set pieces were used as well from stock that may be seen in many old British television shows and feature films.

Costumes

File:Blane Frank N Furter designs.JPG
Original costume designs by Sue Blane depict Frank-N-Furter as a blond

Perhaps the most unusual parts of this film are the costumes worn by the cast. Costume designer Sue Blane based all her designs on what little she knew of 1950's America as well as a previous stage production she designed called "The Maids". It is from this production that Tim Curry's Victorian corset is borrowed.[11] Ms. Blane compared the relatively small ($400) costume budget of the stage show to the $1600 costume budget in 1974 for the film.[12] Compared to costume budgets of other more mainstream films, that would be considered a "shoestring" budget.

Nearly all the costume designs from the original stage production were transferred directly to the film, with a few exceptions. Some new designs appeared as well as a few that were discarded. In the London stage production, Tim Curry began the role of Frank-N-Furter as a blond, although it was short lived, the original design sketches by Ms. Blane do reflect that. Magenta gained a new maids costume to give the character more purpose and Columbia gained a sequined tuxedo and tails.

The introduction of new characters such as the Transylvanians presented Sue Blane with a challenge to costume a number of extras who reappear throughout the film. The outcome of their costuming did not satisfy Blane who stated that she wished she had more time for those particular costumes.

In the stage productions, actors generally did their own make-up, but for this film producers chose famed artist Pierre La Roche to redesign the make-up for each character. La Roche is also famous for designing make-up for David Bowie.[13] Production stills were taken by an artist famous for his 1970's rock photographs, Mick Rock. The photographer has published many calendars and photo books from his Rocky Horror work.

Casting

File:RHPS cast.JPG
The majority of the cast from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" posing for the wedding photo at Ralph and Betty's wedding in the movies opening scene
  • Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a Scientist. Auditioning for the part for the original stage production Tim Curry sang the song "Tutti Frutti". He originated the role and recreated it in all productions except the Australian production up to filming.
  • Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss, a Heroine. Sarandon was not the first choice for the Production but Twentieth Century Fox insisted on American casting for the part of both Brad and Janet.
  • Barry Bostwick as Brad Majors, a Hero. Barry has training in singing, juggling, trapeze, clown techniques, fencing, mime and ballet.
  • Richard O'Brien as Riff Raff, a Handyman. The author and song writer, Richard O'Brien had originally seen himself as Eddie. It was director Jim Sharman who cast him as Riff Raff.
  • Patricia Quinn as Magenta, a Domestic. Quinn reprises her role from the original stage production, however she was not in any of the other productions. She almost did not return for the filming, as the part was drastically reduced from the stage play.
  • Nell Campbell as Columbia, a Groupie. Laura "Little Nell" Campell recreates her character from the original stage production.
  • Jonathan Adams as Dr. Everett Von Scott, a Rival Scientist. He is Brad and Janet's science teacher. He has come to the castle in search of his nephew Eddie. Adams originally played the role of the Narrator in the London production.
  • Peter Hinwood as Rocky Horror, a Creation. Muscle bound with blond hair and a tan. Peter Hinwood has his own solo in "Sword of Damocles", but does not speak throughout the show. This was changed from the stage show. Rocky's songs are performed by Trevor White.
  • Charles Gray as The Criminologist, an Expert. Narrator of the film. Gray accepted role by saying, "Why not?" The character becomes a criminologist in the film, another change from the stage production.
  • Meat Loaf as Eddie, an Ex-delivery boy. Columbia's boyfriend. Dr. Frank-N-Furter murders Eddie in the film version. In the stage version, Eddie merely pops out of a Coke machine and then jumps back in at the end of the scene.

Release

The film has found longevity in many venues throughout the years in the United States, as well as throughout the world. The movie is considered to be the longest running release in film history.[14] It has never been pulled by Twentieth Century Fox from its original 1975 release, and continues to play in cinemas more than thirty years later. Some cinemas showing the movie have run it for decades at a time.

The film was released on VHS during the home video boom of the 1980s, except for in the U.S., which had to wait for the 15th anniversary in 1990. The limited edition release had a suggested retail price of $100. In 1993 a LaserDisc was released, and in 1995 a Special Edition LaserDisc was released. On the 25th anniversary in 2000, the DVD with all the special features from the LaserDisc, as well as new features and DVD-Rom games was released. Before the mainstream use of home video a Super 8 version of selected scenes of the film was available. [15]

Reaction

Main article: The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult following

The film opened in the U.S. at the UA Theatre in Westwood, California on September 26, 1975. It did well at that location but not elsewhere.[16] The cult following did not begin until the movie began its midnight run at the Waverly Theare in New York on April 1, 1976.[17] The film is still shown with audience members acting out the entire movie in front of the screen.

Critics were overall negative with their reviews of the movie. The overly sexual nature of this British rock comedy was not a success for mainstream media in 1975. There were several issues with the film that got reviewed negatively, the concept did not go over well. There were positive reviews. The music was reviewed in high regard, as was Tim Curry's performance. However, before it took off as a midnight movie, the film was withdrawn from its eight opening cities due to very small audiences, and its planned New York opening (on Halloween night) was cancelled.[18] Fox re-released it around college campuses on a double-bill with another rock music film parody, Paul Williams' Phantom of the Paradise, but again it drew small audiences.[18] With Pink Flamingos and Reefer Madness making money in midnight showings nationwide, RHPS was screened at midnights, starting in New York City on April Fools' Day of 1976.[19] By that Halloween, people were attending in costume and talking back to the screen. By mid-1978, RHPS was playing in over fifty locations on Friday and Saturday midnights, newsletters were published by local performance groups, and fans gathered for Rocky Horror conventions.[20] By the end of 1979, there were twice-weekly showings at over 230 theaters.[21]

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has taken in $139,876,417 (USA) (sub-total) in box office receipts since its release.[22] The length of its run in cinemas (weekly for over 30 years), combined with its considerable total box office gross, is unparalleled by any other film.[23] The original budget for the movie was $1,200,000 (estimated).[24]

The audience participation and a good deal of counterculture has propelled the film to become a worldwide phenomenon. In its early beginnings, and even today, fans can become somewhat notable as well, finding themselves as the subject of local news stories and national publications. Dori Hartley, a fan from the original New York shadow cast went on to appear in "Paradise Garage," a Tim Curry music video.[25]

After the release the original advertising campaign for screen and television was pulled by Twentieth Century Fox executives in the very early stage. They objected strongly to the use of the red lipsticked lips uttering the words Twentieth Century Fox.[26] The original poster was also changed late into 1975 with the popularity of other more mainstream films. "A different set of Jaws" refers to Jaws, the 1975 film. The tagline is listed on the website "Great Film Taglines,"[27] and has been associated with Rocky Horror for three decades. Another tagline, "Don't Dream It, Be It", also a song from the film, was used in an advertising campaign for Frederick's of Hollywood and has found its way into the English language in a variety of ways.[28]

The FOX network hosted the film's much-publicized world television premiere on October 25, 1993.

Merchandising is not as big as other mainstream films, however the film's popularity has breathed new life to the stage productions which had only a 45-day run on Broadway early in 1975 at the Belasco Theatre.[29] As with all fan favorites, Rocky Horror sequels and other media have found their way into production. Today there are pre-fabricated costumes sold in stores and online, as well as years of computer-related games and various soundtrack releases.

Soundtrack

Song Lead Singer(s) Other Singers Scene
Science Fiction/Double Feature Richard O'Brien N/A Opening credits
Dammit Janet Brad, Janet Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia Hapschatt wedding
Over at the Frankenstein Place Brad, Janet Riff Raff, Chorus A rainy night on the way to Dr. Scott's
The Time Warp Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia Criminologist, Transylvanians Ballroom of the castle
Sweet Transvestite Frank-N-Furter Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Transylvanians Ballroom of the castle immediately after Time Warp
The Sword of Damocles Rocky Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Transylvanians The "Lab"
I Can Make You a Man Frank-N-Furter Transylvanians The "Lab"
Hot Patootie Eddie Transylvanians The "Lab"
I Can Make You a Man (Reprise) Frank-N-Furter Janet, Transylvanians The "Lab"
Once in a While (deleted scene/song) Brad N/A Brad's Bedroom (intercut with scenes of him and Janet from the first half of the movie)
Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a Touch Me Janet Rocky, Brad, Frank, Magenta, Riff Raff, Columbia Rocky's birth tank in the lab
Eddie Dr. Scott full cast The dining room in the castle
Planet Schmanet Janet Frank-N-Furter Brad, Janet, Dr. Scott Stairway and corridors of the castle then back to the lab
Rose Tint My World Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet Floor show stage
Don't Dream It, Be It Frank-N-Furter Brad, Janet, Columbia, Rocky, Dr. Scott Floor show pool
Wild And Untamed Thing Frank-N-Furter, Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet Riff Raff Floor show stage
I'm Going Home Frank-N-Furter Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet Floor show theater stage and aisle
Superheroes (deleted scene/song) Brad, Janet Criminologist Exterior of the castle and the criminologist's office
Science Fiction/Double Feature (Reprise) Richard O'Brien (no character) N/A Ending credits

See also

References

  1. ^ Samuels, Stuart (1983). Midnight Movies. Collier Books. p. 11. ISBN 0-02-081450-X.
  2. ^ "Cult Films MIDNIGHT MOVIES". www.filmreference.com. Retrieved 2007-08-03.
  3. ^ "Fox Celebrates 25 Years of Absolute Pleasure, Pop Culture Phenomenon and Midnight Classic" (Press release). RHPS Official Fan Site. 2000-08-24. Retrieved 2007-08-03.
  4. ^ "Saving Rocky Horror and other classics". New Directions in Folklore 3. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  5. ^ Whittaker, Jim (2005-01-01). "A Musical Dream Come True". Rocky Horror Picture Show: IMDb user comments. Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
  6. ^ Samuels, Stuart (1983). Midnight Movies. Collier Books. pp. 127, 132. ISBN 0-02-081450-X.
  7. ^ Henkin, Bill (1979). The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book. Dutton Adult. p. 16. ISBN 978-0801564369.
  8. ^ a b O'Brien, Richard, Sharman, Jim (2005-01-01). "The Rocky Horror Picture Show (original shooting script)". www.godamongdirectors.com. Retrieved 2007-07-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "Welcome to Oakley Court". Retrieved 2007-06-13.
  10. ^ "Trivia for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2007-07-01.
  11. ^ ""Don't Blane Sue-she just made the costumes!"". Retrieved 2007-07-01.
  12. ^ Morrisroe, Patricia. "The costume designer for Rocky Horror shows her stuff". Retrieved 2007-07-01.
  13. ^ "Pierre La Roche". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
  14. ^ "Fox Celebrates 25 Years of Absolute Pleasure, Pop Culture Phenomenon and Midnight Classic" (Press release). RHPS Official Fan Site. 2000-08-24. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
  15. ^ Piro, Sal and Hess, Michael (1991) The Official Rocky Horror Picture Show Audience Par-tic-i-pation Guide. Livonia, MI: Stabur Press. 77.
  16. ^ Henkin, Bill (1979). The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book. Dutton Adult. p. 25. ISBN 978-0801564369.
  17. ^ Henkin, Bill (1979). The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book. Dutton Adult. p. 26. ISBN 978-0801564369.
  18. ^ a b Samuels, Stuart (1983). Midnight Movies. Collier Books. p. 133. ISBN 0-02-081450-X.
  19. ^ Samuels, Stuart (1983). Midnight Movies. Collier Books. p. 134. ISBN 0-02-081450-X.
  20. ^ Samuels, Stuart (1983). Midnight Movies. Collier Books. p. 136. ISBN 0-02-081450-X.
  21. ^ Samuels, Stuart (1983). Midnight Movies. Collier Books. p. 137. ISBN 0-02-081450-X.
  22. ^ "Box office / business for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)". www.imdb.com. Retrieved 2007-08-02. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 26 (help)
  23. ^ "The Numbers - Top 50 Movies Never to Go Into Wide Release". The Numbers. 2007-06-13. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
  24. ^ "Box office / business for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)". www.imdb.com. Retrieved 2007-08-02. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 26 (help)
  25. ^ "Dori Hartley". Answers.com. 2006. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
  26. ^ Sutton, Lisa Kurtz. "Rocky Horror History". Absent Friends, The Australian Rocky Horror Fan Club. Retrieved 2007-07-01.
  27. ^ Dirks, Tim. "Great Film Taglines". FilmSite.org. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  28. ^ ""Don't Dream It, Be It": The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Cultural Performance". New Directions in Folklore 3. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  29. ^ "The Rocky Horror Show". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
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