At the late night, double feature picture show, you might bump into a tall dark man in a basque. We’re talking about a film that has made many a rational human being shout random sections of script, just for the sheer pleasure of doing so. The musical on which the film is based opened June 1973 at the Royal Court's upstairs experimental Theatre.
It took Richard O’ Brien six months to write… music and all!
Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) is engaged to Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick). They met while at High School and embody Americana to the point that they’d make Britney green with envy. But, I would like if I may to take you on a strange journey, far outside the safeness of Denton. While visiting their ex tutor and friend Dr Everett Scott, the couple unfortunately have a blow out in the front left hand tyre…
In the velvet darkness of the blackest night, they happen to reach a castle. A castle that holds more than a few secrets…
That is the basic plot. Basic. Ah basic brilliantness that is. As a person who was made to sit through many Sci-Fi B Movies as a child, this was like walking into a familiar room, but finding that you’re actually on the ceiling.
Dr. Frank N Furter (The strangely alluring Tim Curry) is a transvestite scientist who makes Eddie Izzard look like your plain and hairy Aunt Betty. This man puts the more into ‘glamour’. Frank is having ‘one of his affairs’.
As Frank lives in what could be called ‘a hunting lodge for rich weirdo’s’, with Riff Raff (Richard O’ Brien) Magenta (Patricia Quinn) and Columbia (Nell Cambell)…. Ah and what is that strange noise from the vaults…
could it be Eddie, the ex delivery boy (Meatloaf) and ex lover of the Dr himself?
While this motley band of debauched individuals saunter around delivering double entendre after entendre, Frank finally unveils his latest creation. A lip-gloss wearing muscled ‘Adonis’ called Rocky Horror ( Peter Hinwood, who isn’t actually as gorgeous as the many hours of toil suggest).
The only voice of reason in this world of strangeness comes from the narrator. The Criminologist ( Charles Gray) holds our hand while Frank strokes our thighs… Tim Curry stroking my thigh… steady on old chap. I’ll sing and I’ll dance with you, but I’m really not that kind of girl. No really. Stop doing that with your suspenders…
No. Really. You really are taking a liberty. There seems to be someone at your front door. Dr Everett Scott (Jonathon Adams) if my eyes don’t deceive me….
Therefore, if you want to be the next guest in the Zen Room, you’ll have to:
1. Strip down to your undies/ Wear a basque.
2. Have a well defined sense of humour, preferably camp/dirty
3. Fail to be surprised when Columbia’s nipples poke you in the eye.
Some lines I have been known to slur when drunk :
Magenta: I ask for nothing Master
Frank: And you shall receive it in abundance
Riff-Raff: The master is not yet married, nor do I think he ever will be.
Frank: It's not easy having a good time! Even smiling makes my face ache!
Dr Everett Scott: My wheels, My God, I can’t move my wheels.
Frank (To Rocky): Oh that really is no way to behave on your first day out.
Brad: (singing ) : It’s beyond me , help me Mommy !
Magenta: (To Frank)How sentimental
Riff- Raff : (To Frank) And also presumptuous of you.
Riff-Raff: ( To Frank) Say goodbye to your lovelies and helloooooooo to oblivion
The songs :
1.Science Fiction (Double Feature)
Usherette:
And I really got hot
When I saw Jeanette Scott
Fight a triffid that spits poison and kills.
Dana Andrews said Prunes
Gave him the runes
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FACT: The opening song "Science Fiction Double Feature," contains references to many classic science fiction films. Originally, the credits rolled over a montage from these films, but audience reaction was poor. These films (For you SciFi buffs) included The Day the Earth Stood Still, (1951), Flash Gordon (1936)The Invisible Man, (1933), King Kong (1933), It Came from Outer Space (1953), Doctor X (1932), Forbidden Planet (1956), Tarantula (1955), The Day of the Triffids, (1962),Night of the Demon (1957), When Worlds Collide (1951).
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2.Dammit Janet
Brad:
Here's a ring to prove that I'm no joker.
There's three ways that love can grow.
That's good, bad, or mediocre.
Oh, J-A-N-E-T I love you so.
3.Over at The Frankenstein Place:
Janet:
In the velvet darkness,
Of the blackest night,
Burning bright,
There's a guiding star.
No matter what or who you are.
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FACT : Oakley Court,Dr. Frank N. Furter's "castle," was built in 1859, it used in a number of the notorious including The House in Nightmare Park, (1973), The Reptile, (1966), The Brides of Dracula, (1960) and The Man in Black, (1949). The property was refurbished in 1981 and is now a hotel… so you can stay in Frank’s bed afterall!
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4.The Time Warp
Magenta:
It's so dreamy, oh fantasy free me.
So you can't see me, no, not at all.
In another dimension, with voyeuristic intention,
Well secluded, I see all.
5.Sweet Transvestite
Frank:
Why don't you stay for the night? (Night)
Or maybe a bite? (Bite)
I could show you my favourite obsession.
I've been making a man
With blond hair and a tan
And he's good for relieving my... ...tension
6.The Sword of Democles:
Rocky:
My high is low, I'm dressed up with no place to go.
And all I know is I'm at the start of a pretty big downer
7.I Can Make You A Man:
Frank:
He'll eat nutritious high protein,
And swallow raw eggs...
Try to build up his shoulders, his chest, arms, and... legs.
Such an effort if he only knew of my plan.
In just seven days...
I can make you a man.
8.Hot Patootie
Eddie:
My head used to swim from the perfume I smelled.
My hands kind of fumbled with her white plastic belt.
I'd taste her baby pink lipstick and that's when I'd melt
And she'd whisper in my ear tonight she really was mine.
9.I Can Make You A Man ( Reprise)
Frank:
But a deltoid and a bicep.
A hot groin and a tricep.
Makes me, oooh, shake,
Makes me want to take Charles Atlas by the ...ha-ha-hand.
In just seven days, ... oh, baby ... I can make you a man.
I don't want no dissention, just dynamic tension.
10.Touch-a- Touch-a-Touch Me
Janet:
I thought there's no use getting
Into heavy petting
It only leads to trouble
And seat wetting.
11. Eddie’s Teddy
All:
When Eddie said he didn't like his Teddy
You knew he was a no-good kid.
But when he threatened your life with a switch-blade knife
12.Planet Schmanet
Frank:
I'll tell you once; I won't tell you twice.
You'd better wise up, Janet Weiss.
Your apple pie don't taste too nice.
You'd better wise up, Janet Weiss.
13.Rose Tint My World.
Columbia:
It was great when it all began.
I was a regular Frankie fan.
But it was over when he had the plan
To start a-working on a muscle man.
Now the only thing that gives me hope
Is my love of a certain dope.
14.Fanfare/ Don’t Dream It.
Frank:
Whatever happened to Fay Wray?
That delicate, satin-draped frame?
As it clung to her thigh
How I started to cry
Cause I wanted to be dressed just the same.
15.Wild And Untamed Thing
Frank:
I'm a wild and an untamed thing.
I'm a bee with a deadly sting.
You get a hit and your mind goes ping.
Your heart'll thump and your blood will sing.
16.I’m Going Home
Frank: :
Smile, and that will mean I may.
Cause I've seen, oh, blue skies
Through the tears in my eyes
And I realize, I'm going home.
17.Super Heroes
The Criminologist :
And crawling on the planet's face
Some insects called the human race...
Lost in time
And lost in space
And meaning.
18.Science Fiction (Double Feature) Reprise
Usherette:
Frank has built and
Lost his creature.
Darkness has conquered
Brad and Janet.
The servants gone to
A distant planet.
(Frank does not sing all the songs, I just happened to have picked those lyrics because he is my favourite character)
This production was brought to you by:
Directed by
Jim Sharman
Written by :
Richard O'Brien (play) The Rocky Horror Show)
Jim Sharman (screenplay)
Running Time: 100 Mins
Certificate: 15
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17.12.2002 15:10
Class, pure class! My son knows how to dance the Time Warp, we are working on the baby!! Been there, seen it, done the parties & still love it, Tim Curry what a woman! :)
12.10.2002 11:40
I was gong to write an opinion but you have said it all. Excellent. From a devout addict.
09.08.2002 23:50
excellent reveiw....my fave ever film :)