the rocky horror picture show u.k. (1975)
Director Jim Sharman Producer Michael White Screenplay Jim Sharman, Richard O’Brien Cinematography Peter Suschitzky Music Richard O’Brien, Richard Hartley Cast Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O’Brien, Meat Loaf,
Still being shown in cinemas decades after its release, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has become a cult classic thanks to great rock-and-roll songs, a superb cast and a tradition of audience participation that makes for a fun night out. Based on a musical written by Richard O’Brien the film is directed by Jim Sharman. Known for directing stage productions of the musicals Hair in 1969 and Jesus Christ Superstar in 1972, Sharman also directed the original 1973 stage production of The Rocky Horror Show in London that led to its screen version. The movie includes cast members from the original London cast, such as Tim Curry as the crazy transvestite Transylvanian scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, added to which are Susan Sarandon The promotional and Barry Bostwick as the naive young couple Janet Weiss and materials for the Brad Majors. A deliberate homage to Hammer Horror films, The movie’s release Rocky Horror Picture Show revels in its B-movie-fest feel, coupling parodied the cross-dressing and cannibalism in an outrageous plot that sees contemporary the Weiss and Majors introduced to the wild side of life when actioner Jaws (1975) and the red they stumble upon a Transylvanian convention held at a castle lips were touted when their car breaks down. Their innocence does not last long as being ‘a different when they are initiated into the bizarre world of the debauched set of jaws.’
The 1970s 105 Frank-N-Furter who attempts to seduce each of them. When it was first released the film found a lukewarm response as its edgy content with its trashy celebration of hedonism and wicked humour failed to appeal to critics and audiences. But it went on to find a niche at midnight showings particularly among students, who loved its transgressive nature and rocky tunes. Soon viewers began to dress up as characters “Swim the warm waters of sins of the flesh, erotic nightmares beyond any measure...” Dr. Frank-N-Furter
from the movie and a ritual evolved as audiences joined in chanting, dancing and talking back to the screen. What began with ad libbing became almost a script for the participants, and as people returned to watch the film again and again, watching the movie became an event. Soon the audience started to bring props and customs like throwing rice at the screen during the wedding scene became an expected rite.
The glitzy combination of glitter and fishnets, line dancing, Curry’s brilliant performance as anarchic chaos and carnal frenzy may seem dated to a twenty- Frank-N-Furter was first century viewer less inclined to like seventies glam rock. But his film debut. His The Rocky Horror Picture Show was, and is a phenomenon: Curry powerful singing belts out tunes like Freddie Mercury, O’Brien’s performance as and rendition of the hunchback butler Riff-Raff ranks alongside those of Boris the evil madcap scientist made Karloff at his best, and Sarandon’s take on the fresh-faced him a star. ingenue who loosens up helped make her a household name.
106 The 1970s