The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy-horror film directed by Jim Sharman and adapted by Sharman and Richard O'Brien from O'Brien's 1973 stage musical, The Rocky Horror Show. It opens with newly engaged Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, played by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon, stranded after their car breaks down during a storm. Seeking a telephone, they reach a castle inhabited by flamboyant scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, portrayed by Tim Curry in his film debut. The film begins and ends with the lips of Patricia Quinn, with vocals dubbed by O'Brien, singing "Science Fiction/Double Feature," a tribute. To the creature features and science-fiction serials that informed its imagery. At the castle, Frank-N-Furter unveils Rocky, a man he has assembled as his companion; Peter Hinwood plays Rocky, while Trevor White provided the voice. Frank's household includes Riff Raff, played by O'Brien; Magenta, played by Patricia Quinn; and Columbia, played by Nell Campbell. Meat Loaf appears as Eddie, a delivery boy and Columbia's lover, performing "Hot Patootie - Bless My Soul." Jonathan Adams plays Dr. Everett V. Scott, Brad's teacher, who arrives looking for Eddie. Frank seduces Brad and Janet before guests discover that the castle is a spacecraft. Produced on a budget at Bray Studios in Berkshire, England, the film used Oakley Court, a country house, for castle scenes. Its soundtrack includes "Time Warp," led by Riff Raff, Magenta, and Columbia, and "Sweet Transvestite," Curry's entrance number. Lou Adler, who produced the Los Angeles stage production, was a producer of the film. The movie opened in Britain in August 1975 and in the United States the month. Initial response was weak, and 20th Century Fox withdrew it from first-run cinemas. Fox began midnight screenings in 1976, notably at New York City's Waverly Theater, where audience participation became a central phenomenon. Viewers developed rituals including shouted replies, props, and dancing the "Time Warp." These practices vary by theater and audience. Costumed shadow casts perform before the screen at midnight presentations, synchronizing movements with the movie. The film's longevity made it an enduring cult title. Adaptations include the 2016 Fox remake The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again, starring Laverne Cox as Frank-N-Furter. Curry had played Frank-N-Furter onstage before making the film and was identified with the role. He did not reprise it in the remake; his screen performance nevertheless became the character's defining portrayal for many audiences.