Tim Curry Reflects on 50 Years of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' - The Hollywood Reporter

50 Years of Transvestite Madness: A Summary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show's Milestone Birthday

It's time to do the Time Warp again! This year marks a significant milestone for one of the most iconic and influential cult classics in cinema history – The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Released on August 14, 1975, this musical comedy horror film has been a staple of midnight movie screenings and counterculture movements for over five decades.

A Brief History

Created by Richard O'Brien, an English comedian, actor, and writer, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was initially conceived as a stage play, which premiered in London's West End in 1973. The musical comedy horror film adaptation, directed by Jim Sharman, took the original concept to the big screen with a talented ensemble cast, including Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon, and Meat Loaf.

A Film Ahead of Its Time

The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released at a pivotal moment in cultural history, coinciding with the rise of the disco era and the burgeoning LGBTQ+ rights movement. The film's bold narrative, which blends horror, comedy, music, and social commentary, resonated deeply with audiences seeking alternative expression and rebellion.

A Cast of Characters

The story follows Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon), a wholesome couple who stumble upon the eccentric scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter's (Tim Curry) mansion on a rainy night. As they become entangled in the mad scientist's world, they encounter Rocky Horror (Meat Loaf), Magenta (Patricia Quinn), Riff Raff (Richard O'Brien), and Columbia (Nell Campbell).

Musical Numbers

One of The Rocky Horror Picture Show's most distinctive features is its memorable soundtrack, featuring catchy songs like "Sweet Transvestite," "Time Warp," and "Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me." These upbeat numbers have become iconic in popular culture, often performed by audiences at midnight movie screenings.

Midnight Movie Screenings

The Rocky Horror Picture Show's cult following has been fueled by its association with midnight movie screenings. Fans would gather to watch the film on big screens, dressed in costume and participating in call-and-response interactions with the characters and audience members. This communal experience helped create a sense of community among fans, who felt empowered to express themselves freely.

Legacy and Impact

The Rocky Horror Picture Show's influence extends far beyond its initial release. The film has been named one of the greatest films of all time by various publications, including The Guardian, Entertainment Weekly, and Rolling Stone. It has also inspired numerous adaptations, parodies, and references in popular culture, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.

The Academy Museum's Celebration

To commemorate the film's 50th anniversary, The Academy Museum hosted a special screening of the new 4K restoration. This event marked an opportunity for fans to experience the beloved classic on the big screen once again, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts and cinematic historians. The museum's celebration also featured interactive exhibits, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with industry experts and cast members.

A Film That Continues to Inspire

As The Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates its milestone birthday, it serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to inspire and challenge societal norms. This cult classic continues to attract new generations of fans, who find themselves drawn to its themes of self-expression, acceptance, and inclusivity.

In conclusion, 50 years after its release, The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains an iconic cultural touchstone, inspiring new audiences with its blend of music, comedy, horror, and social commentary. As we continue to do the Time Warp again, it's essential to acknowledge the enduring legacy of this groundbreaking film and its impact on our collective imagination.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Timeline

• 1973: The Rocky Horror Picture Show premieres in London's West End as a stage play.
• 1975: The musical comedy horror film adaptation is released in theaters, coinciding with the rise of the disco era and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
• 1980s-1990s: Midnight movie screenings become an integral part of the film's cult following, fostering a sense of community among fans.
• 2005: The Rocky Horror Picture Show is selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
• 2016: A Broadway musical adaptation of the film opens on December 3rd at the Marquis Theatre.
• 2020: The Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates its 45th anniversary with a special screening event.
• 2023: The Academy Museum hosts a special screening of the new 4K restoration to commemorate the film's 50th anniversary.

Notable Cast Members

• Tim Curry (Dr. Frank-N-Furter)
• Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors)
• Susan Sarandon (Janet Weiss)
• Meat Loaf (Rocky Horror)
• Patricia Quinn (Magenta)
• Richard O'Brien (Riff Raff)
• Nell Campbell (Columbia)

Notable Crew Members

• Jim Sharman (Director)
• Richard O'Brien (Writer, Actor)
• Brian Leiva (Cinematographer)
• Paul Ziller (Editor)

Awards and Accolades

• 1976: Won the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music
• 1977: Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Art Direction and Best Sound)
• 1985: Inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress
• 2004: Ranked #2 on Entertainment Weekly's list of "New Classic Films"
• 2011: Selected as one of the greatest films of all time by The Guardian

Trivia

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show was originally titled "The Wild Ones" but was later changed to its current title.
• Tim Curry performed many of his own songs in the film, including "Time Warp."
• Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick did not appear together in any other films until 1997's "Blind Faith."
• Meat Loaf wrote several of the film's musical numbers, including "Sweet Transvestite" and "Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me."