"It’s astounding. Time is fleeting. Madness takes control;" it's a phrase that will forever echo in the ears of die-hard fans. In 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was adapted from the stage to the screen. In April 1976, the movie found its home during the midnight time-slot at the Waverly Theater (now the IFC Center) in New York City. The midnight showing was the perfect opportunity for the fans of both stage and screen to come together and share their love of the experience. However, they began to express their admiration in a way that inspired a phenomenon.

From 1976 onward, the audience started interacting with the film in ways no theater has ever seen before. Toilet paper, rice, newspapers, and even hot dogs were all involved. To the general audience member who may or may not have seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show, these items seem more random than the next, but to the fanbase, these are staples of the viewing experience. Not only that, but audiences will shout at the screen before or after dialogue to gather a response from the rest of the viewers. The audience participation is just one of the many components that made this film one of the most successful musical adaptations of all time. In addition, these are are crucial components that made The Rocky Horror Picture Show so iconic.

Tim Curry

Tim Curry Rocky
20th Century Fox

There cannot be a discussion of The Rocky Horror Picture Show without including the brilliance of the beloved Tim Curry. Perhaps one of the best, if not the best character actor of all time, Curry’s dedication to his roles draws audiences into all of his performances. However, his role as the powerhouse that is Dr. Frank N-Furter (a scientist) is widely regarded as his most notable. From the moment he appears on screen, he radiates sheer electricity.

Reprising his role from the original stage company, Tim Curry was able to captivate audiences in both mediums. The skill for an actor to play a role on the stage and then transfer that over to the screen but surpass any and all expectations, and even transcend his original portrayal, makes this performer one of the greatest of all time. His singing brilliantly matches the intensity or sensual nature of the scenes.

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But the most important factor to his performance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the unpredictability and gleeful "antici ... pation" behind the character. We have no idea what Dr. Frank N.-Furter is about to do or say next. Curry plays upon those elements with fourth wall breaks and subtle quips. No matter the scene or moment, Tim Curry will give you something visual and stimulating.

The Soundtrack

Meat Loaf Rocky
20th Century Fox

Richard O’Brien’s score for The Rocky Horror Picture Show is both unique and stylistic, combining a glam-rock element with musical theater theatrics, warped sound, and hypnotic vocals. The music is what truly makes the film a party. The score perfectly emphasizes the mood of each scene, which allows the audience to truly interact. From “Dammit Janet” to the most notable “Time Warp,” each musical sequence is filled with unexpected twists and turns.

In addition, what makes this score stand out is the addition of the late singer/actor Meat Loaf. His powerful “Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul” is a standout in the picture and gives Meat Loaf the center stage. Combining with Tim Curry, the two create a masterful dynamic with a bombastic conclusion.

The Fanbase

Rocky Horror fans
Rocky Horror Picture Show Montreal

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has established one of the most prominent cult followings in recent cinema history. The cult following is a group of dedicated fans who show their support frequently in various group settings. Through audience participation, cosplay, and even lip-syncing, these fans are what made the film what it is today. Seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the small screen in the comfort of your own home is always fun, but it really does the film no justice. In major cities around the country, the movie is shown in theaters well-equipped for its die-hard fans.

Arriving at the screening, you will see dozens of passionate audience members dressed as various characters. Costumes each more glamorous and film-accurate than the last will pass you by. When armed with your toilet paper, rice, and other tools, it's time to enter the cinema. There you will be exposed to a party before the party. Setting the tone for what's to come, there will be unforgettable moments of jaw-dropping entertainment. When the famous lips appear on the big screen, the crowd goes berserk and from then on, you’ll have to see it to believe it.

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This experience emphasizes the truest meaning of fandom. It’s about a group of people who all have the same interest who come together and have a joint communal experience. That is the kind of empathy and entertainment that cinema is all about. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the highest grossing musical adaptations (pulling in an estimated $226 million since its release). This is all due to the dedicated fans who continue to buy tickets and share the film with first time viewers, along with the “repeat offenders.”

The Normal Meets the Phenomenal

Rocky Horror Picture Show
20th Century Fox

Did we mention there are aliens in it too? The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an extraordinary film because of its off the wall plot. However, the movie starts out with a cookie-cutter suburban couple, who find themselves at the wrong place at the wrong time. Brad and Janet are the fish out of water brought to the madness of Transylvania by chance.

What makes this film and its characters so unique is how it can beautifully blend the normal with the phenomenal. This is epitomized by Brad and Janet, who become hypnotized by the essence of Dr. Frank N-Furter’s sensuality. Not only do they fall under his spell, they become a part of the show. Nevertheless, Brad and Janet are representations of the audience and how we find ourselves seeing the madness in real time with them. But somehow, the film has a power to it that makes us never want to leave.

Social Impacts

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20th Century Fox

“Don’t dream it, be it.” This important statement from Dr. Frank N-Furter himself speaks enormous volumes of what makes the film so popular. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a movie about liberating yourself and showing your own originality. The beauty of expression is showcased by the millions of fans who dress up and party like there is no tomorrow in the theaters. This may be a story of a doctor who comes from another planet, but the true meaning of this film is about love, expression, and the communal experience.

The movie represents social themes of sexual freedom, the importance of music, and how to just have plain fun. The film brings out an element of joy in everyone who sees it in the theaters. Joining in with a bunch of boisterous audience members as they dance to the “Time Warp” is a highlight of the experience. But the ability to do so with a group of like-minded souls who just want to have a good time is what makes The Rocky Horror Picture Show a powerhouse on screen and in the seats.