When Halloween rolls around and old movie theaters add horror films to their rosters, the British musical film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” always seems to have a cemented spot.
According to Manship Theatre film intern Matthew Sewell, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has a large following around Halloween because it’s “a sort of parody on horror films that are associated with Halloween.”
In the film, the newly engaged Brad and Janet find themselves having car trouble on a rainy night, so they search for a phone to call for help. They end up at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite who has better ideas for the two. The title sequence of the film, composed of disembodied lips introducing the movie, is one of the most iconic in film history.
Known for its cult following and tendency toward midnight showings, “Rocky Horror” has continuously played in theaters since its original release in 1975 (it claims the title of longest-running release in film history). In recent years, the film been heralded for many other factors.
“There are a few things that make ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ so popular. Perhaps the biggest factor is the audience participation. People do the dances, yell back at the screen and incorporate props throughout the showing.” Sewell said. “On top of that, it’s just a great film filled with a bunch of fun, catchy songs riddled with vulgarity and awesomeness.”
On top of audience participation, some theaters incorporate a “shadow cast” or team of actors who take the stage as characters from the movie and perform along with the film. Unlike a typical cast of actors, “Rocky Horror” shadow casts are known for their participation with the audience.
“‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ is different from ‘[The] Rocky Horror Show.’ The picture show is the film as compared to the live performance of the latter. We [Manship Theatre] will be screening the film adaptation. That being said, attending a screening of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ still involves a performance,” Sewell said.
According to Sewell, the audience gets involved with the show.
Participation in Rocky Horror can range from simply wearing a sequined outfit to decking out in full garb, including fishnets and a bustier. The same goes for audience participation — some participants bring “kits” complete with rice to throw in the opening wedding scene and toast to throw when Frank-N-Furter makes a toast at dinner. This tradition ensures that each showing of “Rocky Horror” is unique.
You can catch Manship Theatre’s showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 30 at 10 p.m. Admission is $10.