The Rocky Horror Picture Show | |
---|---|
Directed by | Jim Sharman |
Written by | Richard O'Brien Jim Sharman |
Produced by | Michael White |
Starring | Tim Curry Susan Sarandon Barry Bostwick Richard O'Brien Patricia Quinn Nell Campbell Jonathan Adams Peter Hinwood Charles Gray Meat Loaf |
Cinematography | Peter Suschitzky |
Edited by | Graeme Clifford |
Music by | Richard O'Brien |
Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release dates | 14 August, 1975 26 September, 1975 |
Running time | 100 min. 98 min. |
Country | UK |
Language | English |
Budget | $1,200,000 (estimated) |
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy film that parodies horror films, based on the British musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show, with the screenplay written by Richard O'Brien and Jim Sharman. The film features Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.
The film is considered as a cult classic, and a midnight movie — although it is widely known by mainstream audiences. It has a large national and international following. While it can be said that the popularity is high, critics point to the lack of plot and cartoonish style as well as the overly sexual nature of the film as some of its major draw backs. Regardless of these facts the movie has gone on to become one of the most well known and financially successful midnight movies of all time.[1] It is the longest running theatrical release in film history.[2] 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 added The Rocky Horror Picture Show to the National Film Registry, a list that contains only 450 films.[3]
Plot
The film spoofs many genres, such as horror films, science fiction films and beach movies.
The story, narrated by a Criminologist (Charles Gray), is that of a young newly engaged couple, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon), who find themselves lost on a cold rainy night with a flat tire. The two, seeking a phone, find shelter at a nearby castle inhabited by strange and outlandish characters that are holding a Transylvanian Convention. They watch, still wet from the rain as the Transylvanians dance The Time Warp, the film's signature song.
They are soon swept into the world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a self proclaimed "Sweet Transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania" along with his staff of servants Riff Raff (Richard O'Brien), his sister Magenta (Patricia Quinn), groupie Columbia (Nell Campbell), and an ensemble of convention attendees.
It is the Doctor's intention to bring life to his "creation". In a scene inspired by Frankenstein movies, "Rocky Horror" (Peter Hinwood) is brought to life. After being 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 death at the hands of the Doctor.
Brad and Janet are shown to separate rooms where their host has his way with both. Janet, overcome with emotion, wanders off looking for Brad. She discovers a cowering Rocky, hiding in his birth tank from servants Riff Raff and Magenta, who torment the creature, much as Igor tormented Frankenstein's monster. Janet, having just discovered Brad's infidelity, chooses to take advantage of the situation with Rocky.
After discovering the "creation" is missing, Frank, Brad and Riff Raff return to the lab where they learn that an intruder has entered the building. Dr. Scott (Jonathan Adams), Brad and Janet's old high school tutor and science teacher, has come looking for his nephew Eddie. It is at this point that Rocky and Janet are discovered hiding together.
In a scene added specifically for the film version, the new guests are prepared a dinner consisting of the remains of Dr. Scott's nephew. After they see what they have consumed, horror and disgust lead to a chase of Janet who runs screaming from the room.
Frank captures all and electronically commands them to participate in cabaret-style floor show. The show is disrupted by Riff Raff along with his sister who take command, killing Columbia, Frank and Rocky. They release the earthlings Brad, Janet and Dr. Scott as the castle takes off into space to return to the planet of Transexual, 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 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 of its original production staff returned to work on the film. Director Jim Sharman, production designer Brian Thomson, and costume designer Sue Blane had built the original London production with many of the actors that made it into the film version.[4] 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. Richard O'Brien returned for the film as well from the British team, as did Little Nell and Patricia Quinn. 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 30th, 1974, the 81st anniversary of the birth of Charles Atlas.[5]
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".[6] 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.[6] The two processes of color film and black-and-white turned out to be incompatible and nearly impossibly costly to achieve, so this idea was also discarded.
Casting
- 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. Her character transforms from the stage production as simply a vampira into a maid for the film, giving her more purpose.
- Nell Campbell as Columbia, a Groupie. It is Columbia's relationship with Eddie that drives Frank into a jealous rage, killing him with an ax. Laura "Little Nell" Campell recreates her character from the original stage production, as well.
- Jonathan Adams as Dr. Everett V. 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 does not speak in the film, although his character does sing "Sword of Damocles" and his own verse in "Rose Tint My World". This was changed from the stage show. Also, Hinwood did not sing his songs, they 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.
The Transylvanians
- Perry Bedden has performed the role of Riff Raff in the London production of "The Rocky Horror Show as well as other theatrical productions, including "The Sound of Music", "Jesus Christ Superstar", and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". Bedden has made several guest appearances at "Rocky Horror" fan conventions.
- Christopher Biggins is a veteran of Television and film. Trained at the Bristol Old Vic School he has appeared in both the Young Vic as well as the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Gaye Brown has credits from film such as "A Clockwork Orange" and "A Touch of Class".
- Ishaq Bux has film and television credits that include "Inadmissible Evidence", "Leo the Last" and "Nine Hours to Rama".
- Stephen Calcutt has experience as a fashion model at 6' 7" for tall men. Among his film and television credits is his role as Toulouse-Lautrec.
- Hugh Cecil is a magician who has performed since 1924. his other credits include "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell", the stage production "Henry VIII" and the musical "Jekyll & Hyde".
- Imogen Claire has danced with the Opera Ballet and the Royal Ballet, having training at the Royal Ballet School. Her other film credits include "The Devils, Mahler" and "Tommy".
- Tony Cowan replaced Henry Woolf as a Transylvanian during filming.
- Rufus Collins trained with the Actors Studio in New York. He was an accomplished Choreographer with credits including "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar".
- Sadie Corre is a cabaret performer who stands at 4'3". She is credited as working in every form of show business except the circus. Film credits include "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang " and "Quilp".
- Fran Fullenwider began her career as a child stunt rider in westerns. She studied at Munich University and the New York University's Film School. Film credits include "The Great Gatsby" and "Mutations".
- Lindsay Ingram has studied with the Drama Centre. She has performed in repertory theatre and toured though Europe. She has appeared in such films as "Butley", "The 14" and "Adult Fun".
- Peggy Ledger is an opera singer, ballerina as well as a variety entertainer. She performed with several repertory companies.
- Annabelle Leventon appeared in the Original cast of "Hair" as Shiela. Her film credits include "Every Home Should Have One", and "The Atlantic Wall".
- Anthony Milner Studied theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is his first feature film.
- Pamela Obermeyer was a member of the Glasgow production of "Hair" when only 17. She later joined the national touring company and then the London production of the same show.
- Tony Then studied at the Singapore Ballet Acadamy and the Rambert School of Ballet. Film credits include "Blade of Vengeance" and "Dr. Frankenstein".
- Kimi Wong was married to Richard O'Brien. At one time the two performed together as "Kimi and Ritz". They have one son together named Linus.
- Henry Woolf trained at Bristol Drama School. Film credits include "The Lion in Winter" and "Catherine the Great".
(all credit references for transylvanians.[7])
Locations, Sets and Props
What did make it into the movie was an echo of old Hammer Horror films. Much like Univeral Studio's Horror films had their own style, Hammer productions did as well. Reuse of sets and props thruogh 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 many old Hammer productions. The castle is known as the Hammer House for the number of films that it appeared in. Today, the castle, Oakley Court, has been completely refurbished and is now a first class hotel.[8] The classic "Creation" scene in Rocky Horror re-uses the tank and dummy from a Hammer production of "The Revenge of Frankenstein" starring Peter Cushing.[9]
Costumes
Perhaps the most unique 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.[10] Ms. Blane compared the relatively small budget of the stage show to the $1600 budget in 1974 for the film.[11] Compared to budgets of other more mainstream films, that would be considered a "shoestring" budget.
Make-up
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.[12]
Production Stills
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.
Box office and theatrical run
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has taken in $139,876,417 (USA) (sub-total) in box office receipts since its release.[13] 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.[14] The original budget for the movie was $1,200,000 (estimated).[15]
The film has found longevity in many venues throughout the years in the US, as well as throughout the world. This movie is considered to be the longest running film release in history.[16] The message and a good deal of counterculture has influences in both musical theatre and horror films. Rocky Horror has become a phenomenon, and so to have the fans themselves. Dori Hartley, a fan from the original New York shadow cast went on to appear in "Paradise Garage," a Tim Curry music video.[17]
Critical and Fan Response
The film opened in the US at the UA Theatre in Westwood, California on September 26th, 1975. It did well at that location but not elsewhere.[18] The RHPS Cult following did not begin until the movie began it's midnight run at the Waverly Theare in New York on April 1st, 1976.[19]
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.[20] 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.
Advertising Controversy
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.[21] The original poster was also changed late into 1975 with the popularity of other more mainstream films. "A different set of Jaws" refers to the film Jaws (film), the iconic 1975 film. The tagline is listed on the website "Great Film Taglines," [22] 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.[23]
Video Releases
On the 15th anniversary of the film in 1990, a VHS Home Video was released. 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. [24]
Songs
Song | Chiefly Sung By | Other Singers |
---|---|---|
Science Fiction/Double Feature | Richard O'Brien (no character) | N/A |
Dammit Janet | Brad, Janet | Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia |
Over at the Frankenstein Place | Brad, Janet | Riff Raff, Chorus |
The Time Warp | Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia | Criminologist, Transylvanians |
Sweet Transvestite | Frank-N-Furter | Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Transylvanians |
The Sword of Damocles | Rocky | Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Transylvanians |
I Can Make You a Man | Frank-N-Furter | Transylvanians |
Hot Patootie | Eddie | Transylvanians |
I Can Make You a Man (Reprise) | Frank-N-Furter | Janet, Transylvanians |
Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a Touch Me | Janet | Rocky, Brad, Frank-N-Furter, Magenta, Riff Raff, Columbia |
Eddie's Teddy | Dr. Scott | Full cast |
Planet Schmanet Janet | Frank-N-Furter | Brad, Janet, Dr. Scott |
Rose Tint My World | Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet | N/A |
Don't Dream It, Be It | Frank-N-Furter | Brad, Janet, Columbia, Rocky |
Wild And Untamed Thing | Frank, Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet | Riff Raff |
I'm Going Home | Frank-N-Furter | Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet |
Superheroes | Brad, Janet | Criminologist |
Science Fiction/Double Feature (Reprise) | Richard O'Brien (no character) | N/A |
See also
- RHPS Cult Following
- Rocky Horror sequels and other media
- The Rocky Horror Show
- Shock Treatment
- Cross-dressing in film and television
- Midnight movies
- RKO Pictures
References
- ^ "Cult Films MIDNIGHT MOVIES". www.filmreference.com. Retrieved 2007-08-03.
{{cite web}}
: line feed character in|title=
at position 11 (help) - ^ "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.
- ^ "Saving Rocky Horror and other classics". New Directions in Folklore 3. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
- ^ Whittaker, Jim (2005-01-01). "A Musical Dream Come True". Rocky Horror Picture Show: IMDb user comments. Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
- ^ Henkin, Bill (1979). The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book. Dutton Adult. p. 16. ISBN 978-0801564369.
- ^ 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) - ^ Henkin, Bill (1979). The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book. Dutton Adult. pp. 86–90. ISBN 978-0801564369.
- ^ "Welcome to Oakley Court". Retrieved 2007-06-13.
- ^ "Trivia for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2007-07-01.
- ^ ""Don't Blane Sue-she just made the costumes!"". Retrieved 2007-07-01.
- ^ Morrisroe, Patricia. "The costume designer for Rocky Horror shows her stuff". Retrieved 2007-07-01.
- ^ "Pierre La Roche". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
- ^ "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) - ^ "The Numbers - Top 50 Movies Never to Go Into Wide Release". The Numbers. 2007-06-13. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
- ^ "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) - ^ "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.
- ^ "Dori Hartley". Answers.com. 2006. Retrieved 2007-06-13.
- ^ Henkin, Bill (1979). The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book. Dutton Adult. p. 25. ISBN 978-0801564369.
- ^ Henkin, Bill (1979). The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book. Dutton Adult. p. 26. ISBN 978-0801564369.
- ^ "The Rocky Horror Show". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ Sutton, Lisa Kurtz. "Rocky Horror History". Absent Friends, The Australian Rocky Horror Fan Club. Retrieved 2007-07-01.
- ^ Dirks, Tim. "Great Film Taglines". FilmSite.org. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
- ^ ""Don't Dream It, Be It": The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Cultural Performance". New Directions in Folklore 3. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
- ^ Piro, Sal and Hess, Michael (1991) The Official Rocky Horror Picture Show Audience Par-tic-i-pation Guide. Livonia, MI: Stabur Press. 77.