Michael Man
MED 231 Australian Cinema
Garry Gillard
April 2005

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Directed by Jim Sharman
Written by Jim Sharman and Richard O’Brien
Original play and music by Richard O’Brien

Executive Producer: Lou Adler
Associate Producer: John Goldstone
Producer: Michael White
Cinematographer: Peter Suschitzky
Casting Agent: Celestia Fox
Production Designer: Brian Thomson
Costume Designer: Sue Blane
Film Editor: Graeme Clifford
Production Manager: John Comfort
Distributed by Twentieth Century Fox

Cast of characters
Tim Curry…   Dr. Frank-N-Furter
Susan Sarandon…   Janet Weiss
Barry Bostwick…   Brad Majors
Richard O’Brien…   Riff Raff
Patricia Quinn…   Magenta
Nell Campbell…   Columbia
Jonathan Adams…   Dr. Everett Von Scott
Peter Hinwood…   Rocky Horror
Meat Loaf…   Eddie
Charles Gray…   the Criminologist
Jeremy Newson…   Ralph Hapschatt
Hilar Labow…   Betty Munroe Hapschatt
Perry Bedden…   Transylvanian
Christopher Biggins…   Transylvanian
Gaye Brown…   Transylvanian
Ishaq Bux…   Transylvanian
Stephen Calcutt…   Transylvanian
Hugh Cecil…   Transylvanian
Imogen Claire…   Transylvanian
Tony Cowan…   Transylvanian
Sadie Corre…   Transylvanian
Fran Fullenwider…   Transylvanian
Lindsay Ingram…   Transylvanian
Peggy Ledger…   Transylvanian
Annagel Leventon…   Transylvanian
Anthony Milner…   Transylvanian
Pamela Obermeyer…   Transylvanian
Tony Then…   Transylvanian
Kimi Wong…   Transylvanian
Henry Woolf…   Transylvanian

Box Office Release Dates
UK: 14 August 1975
Italy: 31 August 1975
US: 26 September 1975
Australia: 18 December 1975
Germany: 24 June 1976
Spain: 6 February 1978
Sweden: 4 June 1978
Finland: 1 July 1988
South Korea: 20 June 1998
Czech Republic: 18 January 2001
Singapore: 11 November 2003

Reviews, Interviews, Online Presence, and Literature
Spanning an active history of nearly 30 years, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS) has appeared in countless articles and reviews and even has a number of books and magazines to its credit. Interviews about the film however, are extremely hard to find. This is perhaps attributable to the age of the film, as well as the extreme lack of interest upon the film’s initial release, which grossed under $300,000 (USD) . Peter Hinwood, the actor who plays Rocky Horror has even refused to do interviews about the film1. Commentary can be found by Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn on the 25th anniversary edition of the DVD, which also includes interviews from the show VH1 Behind the Music, with Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, and Meatloaf. The following list of Rocky Horror related media is not comprehensive, but a selection of just a few major instances of RHPS in print and on online. Most of the internet sources listed are websites dedicated to gathering information on the film, as trying to repeat them would be superfluous.

Published Books
Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult by David Evans and Scott Michaels

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Book by William Henkin

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien

Creatures of the Night: the Rocky Horror Experience by Sal Piro

Rocky Horror: Creatures of the Night II by Sal Piro

The Official Rocky Horror Picture Show Audience Par-Tic-I-Pation Guide by Sal Piro and Michael Hess

Magazines
Most of these publications are presented online as collector’s items or memorabilia from the 1970’s and therefore are not archived. Limited access and information about these magazines can be found at the Rocky Horror Preservation Foundation website at http://www.rhpf.org/. This is a short list of magazines that were printed featuring RHPS.

Inside Insanity

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Magazine
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Official Australian Magazine
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Official Magazine
The Transylvanian
Reviews
The following websites have been designed for the function of collecting reviews and articles about RHPS.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rocky_horror_picture_show/ -A film review website that includes reviews from dozens of film critics and newspapers, as well as user reviews.
http://news.surfwax.com/dramatheatre/files/Rocky_Horror_Show_Show.html -A gathering of news articles and reviews related to RHPS.
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Studio/8849/Moviemusicals/Leather/Timewarp.htm
http://www.allsands.com/Entertainment/rockyhorrormo_sng_gn.htm
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073629/ -the Internet Movie Data Base is an essential tool for those searching for information on film. IMDB includes dozens of reviews and some literature and articles that mention RHPS.
Online Presence
The presence of online material about the Rocky Horror picture show is immense. A combination of the dedicated following of long time fans, groups and organizations created around The Rocky Horror Picture show, and the continual existence of Rocky Horror events all contribute to a vast array of Rocky Horror web pages. The following is a list of some of the largest and most popular websites that store a wealth of information on RHPS and link to too many web pages to count.

http://www.rockyhorror.com/ -The Official RHPS website

http://www.cosmosfactory.org/ -Claims to be “The Internets Largest Rocky Horror Web Site”

http://www.rhpf.org/ -The Rocky Horror Preservation Foundation, collects information and memorabilia from the show

http://n.webring.com/hub?ring=rhps&list&page=0 -A web ring consisting of dozens of fan sites

http://www.towson.edu/~lwood/theater/overseas.html -Lists theaters with Rocky Horror productions still showing around the world

http://www.milesago.com/stage/rocky-horror.htm

http://www.midnightmadness.org/ultimatelink.htm -“The Ultimate Rocky Horror Links Page”. The nearest thing to a comprehensive list of websites that refer to Rocky Horror.

Plot and Synopsis
The introduction to the Rocky Horror Picture Show leaves a memorable impression, as symbolized by the now iconic lips of Patricia Quinn mouthing the tune “Science Fiction/Double Feature”. At the time, it could not have been predicted that the image would become a symbol of what has been dubbed as the greatest cult phenomenon of all time. The story begins innocently enough with a young couple in love, Brad and Janet (played by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon), that decide to get engaged after attending a friend’s wedding. Inexplicably, their first inclination is to visit their old science professor Dr. Everett Von Scott. The story is intermingled with Charles Gray providing narrative. On their way to his house, Brad and Janet encounter a flat tire, and that is where the fun begins.
The duo seeks refuge from the rain at the nearest premises- Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle. After meeting the master’s servant Riff Raff, the innocent couple is thrust into a wild and strange world of “one of the master’s affairs”- THE TIME WARP! Perhaps the sequence that characterizes RHPS best, the catchy and fun tune would later become almost compulsory to perform during the end credits at a midnight showing. However, there is barely time to savor the number- it is quickly replaced by an equally brilliant performance- Tim Curry’s entrance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. One is not likely to forget the sweet transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania after this introduction. Dr. Frank welcomes his guests and invites them to the unveiling of his latest creation- the perfect man.
After a mock science procedure, Rocky Horror is presented. Expectedly, the unexpected occurs: Eddie, played by Meat Loaf, bursts through the wall and riles the Transylvanians up. He is promptly killed by Dr. Frank. In a film that combines music, sexuality, and the parodying of the sci-fi/ horror genre, logic and reason does not always apply to the plot. Retiring for the night, Brad and Janet get their first taste of forbidden fruit (and perhaps the audience too) in one of the more hilarious scenes in the film, as Dr. Frank seduces them both with the identical lines. The corruption continues when Rocky and Janet are struck with Cupid’s arrow to the beat of “Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me”. Meanwhile Dr. Everett appears to investigate the cause of his missing nephew Eddie. Throughout these occurrences, from whipping Riff Raff to carving a turkey, the brilliance of Tim Curry’s performance increases with its randomness. Following some frustrations, Dr. Frank turns his guests into stone and uses them to stage a performance (of course). Meanwhile, Riff Raff and Magenta turn out to be more than what meets the eye - they rebel against Dr. Frank for killing Eddie, and return to Transsexual Transylvania, presumably their home planet. Meanwhile Brad, Janet, Dr. Everett, and the audience are left to do the time warp again.

Production, Release, and Critical Uptake
The Rocky Horror Picture Show began as a play written by Richard O’Brien for performance at a Royal Court studio theatre in London in June 1973 . Its popularity quickly expanded beyond the seating capacity of the theatre. After spreading through audiences with rave reviews, the show was seen by a prominent American producer, Lou Adler. Although having only minimal experience with theater and film, Adler had been established as “One of the most dynamic and creative forces of the American music industry”2. He immediately brought the show to the US, which shortly after gave birth to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Richard O’Brien had been an actor for several years in London when he wrote the Rocky Horror Show. He had performed in British theater productions such as Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, which is how he met Jim Sharman, who at the time was the director for Jesus Christ Superstar . Sharman, a native of Australia, was to direct all of the original productions of The Rocky Horror Shows in London, LA, and Sydney3, and later the film. RHPS would be Sharman’s second film - his first being Shirley Thompson Versus the Aliens, 1972. Although perhaps most well-known for RHPS, Sharman “went on to become one of Australia's most respected theatre directors” . Summer of Secrets, The Night, the Prowler, and Shock Treatment would later be added to his directing filmography.
RHPS flopped during its opening run at the box office, making under $300,0001. But then, with the push of some faithful fans, the movie began to be screened at midnight, an experimental idea at the time. Crowds gathered slowly, and then quickly snowballed into the cult phenomenon that would last for decades. Fans flocked to the theatre dressed in full costume and gimmicks and props to use interactively throughout the show. Midnight showings and theater productions bloomed all over the world. A presumably small, yet active and dedicated fan base served as the backbone to the film’s screening life, while attracting the curious and adventurous. Those who enjoy the film may have been drawn to its controversial depiction of sexuality and the combination of genres and music to create a distinctly wild and fun experience. After its release in 1975, RHPS reached its peak at midnight showings in the early 1980’s, lasting most of the decade before calming down in the late 1980’s, which is what prompted distributors to finally release the video in 19901. Exactly how and why RHPS was beloved by so many remains a mystery to many who have not had the experience first-hand. The devotion and fondness of followers is undeniable though- even today, over thirty years after being created, Rocky Horror productions and midnight showings are still active in different parts of the world.
The film featured many of the same actors and crew from the original London production of Rocky Horror. For some of the principal actors in the film, RHPS was a launch pad into their profession. Tim Curry, after his screen debut in RHPS, would go on to have a long and illustrious career in theater and film. Barry Bostwick found more success in stage and television acting , while Susan Sarandon became one of Hollywood’s leading actresses after receiving one of her first lead roles in RHPS.

Australian Film and Genre
            The lasting success of RHPS testifies to the fact that many of its underlying values and themes were well ahead of their time. In addition to adding originality and fun to the musical and other genres, one of the more striking features of RHPS is the unrestrained sexuality and unconventional sex-roles of some of its characters. Rarely are cross-gender roles such as Dr. Frank-N-Furter presented in such a bold and unapologetic fashion. Beyond being a good laugh, the bedroom scenes with Brad and Janet force us to reconsider the assumed gendered nature of sexuality. During Janet’s raunchy affair with Rocky, the topic of lesbianism is addressed by the frisky behavior of Columbia and Magenta. The comfort and naturalness which these characters embrace their sexuality is never portrayed as an issue, which is probably what promoted the spirit of those who love Rocky Horror. Particularly in Australia, with some of the most gay-friendly cities in the world6, the acceptance of these unconventional practices is part of a general trend of acknowledgment throughout time.
            To talk of film, transvestites, and musicals and not mention The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert would be almost impossible. Coming 21 years after RHPS, The Adventures of Priscilla was received so well by audiences for perhaps many similar reasons. Society has been shifting towards increasing awareness and acceptance of different people and lifestyles. In the midst of political, legal, and moral debates, subcultures and minority groups have been receiving more attention and expanding rights than ever before. Unlike many other areas, every state and territory in Australia legally permits homosexual activity . When films like Priscilla: Queen of the Desert are released and become successful, one can be both surprised and grateful that films depicting alternate and sometimes controversial lifestyles are received with such positive attitudes. In many instances, The Adventures of Priscilla addresses these issues, and the varied perspectives people have on them. Displaying the reactions from Aboriginals, city crowds, and small town inhabitants to the drag queens, the film traces the depths which alternate lifestyles are accepted and rejected by varying communities. As a comedy and musical, RHPS does not confront the social barriers and perceptions of cross-dressing and sexual preferences, but the roles are presented unabashedly, which served as a catalyst rather than a hindrance to the film’s success.
            The original Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show premiered in Sydney on 15 April 1974 at the New Arts Cinema, Glebe (now the Valhalla Cinema)3. Defining the film as a musical is obvious- almost the entire story is carried by song and dance. But with a weak storyline and ridiculous plot, The Rocky Horror Show had not much else to rely on besides its music, visuals, and humor. Employing the use of comedy and visual appeal seems to be a popular theme for musicals. The use of costumes is important to the production of a musical- in the case of RHPS, dressing up to the shows was half the fun. Considering Australian musicals such as Strictly Ballroom and The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, another common theme in musicals and film in general, is the presence of diversity- often in a positive light, as Garry Gillard suggests in his online lecture- “Strictly Ballroom is one of a number of films to emerge in Australia in the 1990s related to the government policy of multiculturalism - which has to do with the tolerance - indeed the celebration - of ethnic difference” . While Strictly Ballroom deals with ethnic celebrations, RHPS and Priscilla deal with transvestites and the transsexual. To a far lesser extent, even Ewan McGregor is a staged as a foreigner and part of a subgroup, being a poor Englishman that joins a Bohemian movement in a French backdrop, vying for his French love against a bourgeois duke.
The issue of diversity in Australian film seems familiar, as Rama Venkatasawmy et al. describes a similar feature in the road movie, seeing them as “a metaphor for the continual process of transformation of the Australian identity” . Particularly in Australia, a relatively young country with peoples as varied as its landscape, the attitudes and values of its inhabitants are continually changing and adjusting. It is important to reflect these changes in cinema, and allow alternate and open minded ideas be presented and enjoyed like in RHPS. Having grossed between estimates of $112-150million (USD) in approximately 30 years of midnight showings1, the Rocky Horror Picture Show has stood the test of time. For the millions that were involved in the phenomenon, the experience will always be savored and recalled with just a little time warp, because it’s just a jump to the left… and a step to the right…