Happy Halloween! - The Rocky Horror Picture Show

20th Century Fox, 1975
Starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Boswick, and Meatloaf
Directed by Jim Sharman
Music by Richard Hartley and Richard O'Brian; Lyrics by Richard O'Brian

We celebrate the scariest of all holidays with the most "cult" of all cult flops. Mainstream audiences and most critics had no idea what to make of this when it debuted. It would finally gain an audience, not on cable or video, but in midnight showings across the country where fans in costume could get in for free. The showings continue in selected cinemas to this day...and so does this movie's rabid fandom. Is it worth the adulation, or should the curtain fall on this "science fiction double feature?" Let's head to a rainy wedding, as an innocent young couple is about to leave for a honeymoon that isn't going to go at all as they expect...

The Story: Janet (Sarandon) and Brad (Boswick) are the newlyweds whose car breaks down on a dark road somewhere in Texas. They walk to a spooky castle seeking a phone, only to find a party for an "Annual Transylvanian Convention" going on. The party guests are the strangest creatures this side of the Universal monster movies. Janet and Brad are shocked by their wild "Time Warp" dance and want out.

Before they can flee, they run headlong into the head of the group, Dr. Frank-n-Furter (Curry). The mad transvestite scientist claims to have discovered the secret to creating life. He's thoroughly in love with his creation, the beefy and hunky Rocky Horror (Peter Hinwood). Not everyone is crazy about their relationship. His brain was partially donated by Eddie (Meatloaf), a former delivery boy and biker. Frank has no intention of sharing his creation with anyone and gets rid of him.

Janet and Brad are having their own problems. Frank has tried seducing both of them, and Janet has fallen for Rocky. Frank doesn't have the time to be jealous when Eddie's uncle, noted UFO scientist Dr. Everett Scott (Johnathan Adams), comes looking for his nephew. An uncomfortable (and gross) dinner ends with everyone in Frank's clutches and dancing to his wild tune. But not everyone is a fan of the "sweet transvestite"...and before the end of the night, it's his very own servants who'll turn on him.

The Song and Dance: Yeah, I can see how this got such a cult following. Glittering costumes, amazing makeup, and some truly awesome song-and-dance sequences make this one heck of a party. Tim Curry gives one of his best performances as cinema's only alien mad scientist transvestite. This is a must if you're a fan of his; he oozes oily, wily seduction from every frame. Hinwood is oddly touching as Frank's gorgeous-but-brainless creation, and Meatloaf is almost a literal blast of energy in his brief role as the wild biker who wants a piece of the action.

Extra points for spooky location shooting in an actual castle in England. The real exteriors add quite a bit to the weird and cheesy atmosphere, as do the massive stage sets inside.

Favorite Number: Of course, the most famous song from this one is the dance routine "The Time Warp." Not only is it the catchiest and most infectious song in the movie, but the steps are fun and easy to learn...and they even include the steps right in Charles Gray's narration. Frank's entrance through the cage elevator, "Sweet Transvestite," is almost as famous, with Curry introducing himself with mincing menace. Meatball's rocking entrance through the wall in "Hot Patootie - Bless My Soul" turns his cameo appearance into the movie's highlight as he rides all over the set and flirts wildly with groupie Columbia (Nell Campbell).

My favorite song from this score may be most unique opening number in musical film history. The movie begins with a pair of women's disembodied scarlet lips performing "Science Fiction Double Feature" in a male voice. It perfectly underscores the androgyny theme with Frank...and name-drops cheesy sci-fi movies of the past that likely inspired this one, from The Day the Earth Stood Still to Flash Gordon to Forbidden Planet.

What I Don't Like: Yeah, as you may have noticed, this one is pretty damn strange. While it's not as gory or bloody as Sweeney Todd, there is at least one murder...and they eat the remains. Obviously, if you're looking for a more typically romantic fling, a stronger story, or aren't into horror or sci-fi, this isn't your show. It's also not for those looking for something lower-key - this is flashy, loud, and crazy.

The Big Finale: This is as cult as cult can get. It may have been a little too wild for me...but there's no denying its cultural impact. While it is fun to watch at home, if you want the full experience or are a huge fan of Curry or Meatloaf, you may be better off looking up one of those midnight showings.

Home Media: This film's rabid fan base has assured that it can be found in every format, usually for under 10 dollars.

DVD
Blu-Ray
Amazon Prime