10 Behind The Scenes Facts About The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Rocky Horror Picture Show was a popular stage show that was performed internationally, from the stages of London to Broadway. Its renown prompted a film adaptation that was released in 1975, which involved its original creator, some of the original stage actors, and newcomers. And while the film was an initial box office disappointment, its relevance was revived following its successful run on the midnight film circuit of the 80s.

Over 40 years later, the film has been translated into over 20 languages and has accumulated over $135 million in box office revenue, worldwide. The ubiquity of Rocky Horror can be attributed to its classic songs, tongue-in-cheek humor, fabulous performances, costumes and set pieces, and its inspiring message of, “Don’t dream it. Be it.”

10 The Source Of “Don’t Dream It. Be It.”

The movie’s signature message of, “Don’t dream it. Be It” was inspired by an encounter with an older established director. Actor, writer, composer, and lyricist Richard O’Brien, at the time, was a young, struggling artist who had been consistently told by others to choose a practical career path. According to an interview with Number 9, he mentioned a piece of advice that stuck with him and was the source behind the movie’s famous quote.

While speaking with O’Brien, he quoted him as saying, “There’s only one thing you should do in your life, Richard, and that is realize your dreams.” This was one of the rare times someone encouraged his ambitions and he was inspired.

9 Prince By Day, Mad Scientist By Night

Before appearing in the film, Tim Curry portrayed the iconic role of Dr. Frank N Furter on the West London stage production of Rocky Horror. In a 1974 interview with L.A. Times, Curry explained that the part led to some TV work. One of these gigs was portraying Josephine’s son Eugene in the BBC mini-series, Napoleon and Love.

Curry performed this role during the day while moonlighting as Frank N Furter. During the interview, he chuckled about the stark contrast between the two characters.

8 Frank’s Performance

Needless to say, Dr. Frank N Furter is the stand-out character in the musical and film, with his trademark music number being “Sweet Transvestite.” In the same interview with the L.A. Times, Curry mentioned that despite his character’s self-proclamation, he says he did not “play him as a transexual.” He said that he felt Frank was a “complex guy” who just “takes anything he can get.”

“He’s kind of an extremist, Frank. His life is devoted to … extremity.” Curry further elaborated. “… I think he’s something of a wham-bam-thank you-mam.”

7 Brad And Janet’s Actors

For the film adaptation of Rocky Horror, its studio, Fox, wanted to hire Americans as the two leads, Brad and Janet. Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon auditioned together before being cast. Bostwick’s musical experience was playing greaser Danny Zuko in the original Broadway production of Grease, while Bostwick was part of a pop group called The Knows.

Meanwhile, Sarandon had no prior experience, but still worked it like a champ and gave an unforgettable performance.

6 Quinn On Board

In a Studio 10 interview, Patricia Quinn (Magenta) said that she knew she wanted to be part of the stage show after hearing its introductory song, “Science Fiction: Double Feature.” Despite her agent’s protests that it was a small part and had few lines, Quinn was not as concerned. In the film, apart from Magenta, Quinn’s lips were photographed while lip-synching the song, with O’Brien singing the lyrics.

Despite her agent claiming the role to be minuscule, Magenta went on to become one of the best known Rocky Horror characters, with fans still dressing up as the character during participation shows and over events, much to Quinn’s delight.

5 Dinner Table Decor

While speaking with Red Carpet News TV, Quinn explained that the disarray of the dining room and its setting was meant to imply that the inhabitants of the castle did not know how to throw a proper dinner party. This was shown through the table’s eclectic assortment of dishware and silverware (including an electric carving knife), misplaced eatery, and the staff’s crude methods of serving their guests.

The scene was designed by the movie’s set designer, Brian Thomson, who had been a set designer on various Broadway and stage productions. Additionally, he was the production designer for the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

4 One Take

The dinner scene where Furter effortlessly pulled away the dining cloth from the table, only to reveal the corpse of Eddie (Meatloaf) was miraculously done in one take.

In the same interview with Red Carpet News, Quinn remembered the crew being nervous about the act not being achieved the first time, only to have to reassemble the clutter in its exact place once again, adding more time to the shooting schedule. However, Curry managed to achieve this act without knocking anything over, much to the relief of everyone on set.

3 Frank’s Accent

According to Stoic, Curry initially contemplated playing Furter with a German accent. Considering his surname. However, he changed his mind after hearing an English woman speaking in an ostentatious manner while traveling by bus, in London.

“One day I was on a London bus when I heard a woman say, ‘Do you have a house in the country?’ And I thought, that’s it. That’s what he should sound like: the Queen.”

2 Casting Columbia

While casting was underway, the actress who played Columbia, Nell Campbell, was a soda jerk who sang and tap-danced to ’30s and ’40s tunes while working. Campbell recalled to Retro LadyLand that director Jim Sharman and musical director Richard Hartley approached her about the role while at her job. They sampled a few songs, which she remembered.

O’Brien decided to feature her skills and incorporated tap-dancing into her character’s dance number during the song, “Time Warp.”

1 Modern Perspective

To this day, the majority of the actors who were in Rocky Horror have fond memories and feelings about the experience, especially Bostwick. Despite his family having mixed feelings about the film, he is proud of the effect it has had on audiences, from learning to love themselves to accepting their sexuality. While speaking to NOLA, Bostwick noted its profound impact.

“It saved lives, it changed lives, it brought people into communities that they didn’t know even existed.” He added that couples have been married during shows and some have even giving birth.