Let’s Do The Time Warp Again!

It’s one of the most successful cult films of all time – that flopped miserably on release.

As I continue my trip through the greatest films of the 70’s, it’s time for a “jump to the left” as we do the “time warp again!”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show!”

It’s the biggest cult movie success of all time, and for good reason!

We’ll celebrate 3 interesting facts about “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” – which started as a stage musical – written by an unemployed Actor named Richard O’ Brien!

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the 1975 musical science-fiction horror-comedy directed by Jim Sharman. The screenplay was written by Sharman and O’Brien, who also plays “Riff Raff” in the film…you can see him here on the left, next to Tim Curry and Patricia Quinn. 

The film is based O’Brien’s 1973 original musical play, and stars O’Brien, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn and Meatloaf – yes, MEATLOAF!

Ready to Do The “Time Warp” Again?

There are so many magical moments in this film, beginning with one of the most entertaining musical numbers ever!

This is an original, energetic celebration of individuality and personal liberty, with great hooks as well!

Here is the original trailer – which worked perhaps too hard to try and sell the film to a main stream audience:

Wow! Among the many iconic songs is “Time Warp” – which comes with handy instructions on screen for you to follow:

First, here are the lyrics:

“I remember doing the time-warp
Drinking those moments when
The Blackness would hit me
And the void would be calling…

Let’s do the time-warp again
Let’s do the time-warp again

It’s just a jump to the left

And then a step to the right

With your hands on your hips

You bring your knees in tight
But it’s the pelvic thrust
That really drives you insane
Let’s do the time-warp again
Let’s do the time-warp again!”

Now, let’s watch this iconic movie scene, as “Brad and Janet” meet the gang at Frank’n Furter’s castle:

If you’ve seen it MANY MANY TIMES AS I HAVE, then you know just how great this film is….here are three things that will make you love it even more!

Reason #1: It Was Written To “Keep Occupied!”

That’s right, Richard O’Brien wrote it to keep himself busy!

As wikipedia reports:

O’Brien was living as an unemployed actor in London during the early 1970s. He wrote most of The Rocky Horror Show during one winter just to occupy himself. O’Brien conceived and wrote the play set against the backdrop of the glam era that had manifested itself throughout British popular culture in the 1970s. Allowing his concept to come into being, O’Brien states “glam rock allowed me to be myself more”.

And glam it is!

Reason #2: It’s The Longest Running Film In US History!

Even though the film bombed when it was first released, within a year, it returned to the Waverly Theater in New York City as a midnight movie. Audience members went crazy for it and returned dressed as the film’s characters, spawning similar performance groups across the United States. 

AND IT HASN’T STOPPED RUNNING SINCE – 47 YEARS AND GOING STRONG!

The film is still shown at midnight screenings around the world, making it officially the longest-running theatrical release in film history! 

Reason #3: The “Time Warp” Narrator was Almost Vincent Price!

Legendary Horror Actor Vincent Price saw the play on its opening night, according to ‘Rocky Horror’ creator Richard O’Brien, and wanted to play the Narrator in the film, who helpfully jumps in to offer guidance on the dance moves before getting carried away – instead the Narrator is Actor Charles Gray, perhaps best known for playing Blofeld in the 007 film “Thunderball.”

And as you can see, he really got into the role!

Thanks to the great website “Thefw.com” for their story with lots of interesting trivia about the film!

If you want a wild 70’s musical double bill, then start with this:

“Phantom Of The Paradise” was directed by Brian DePalma, who went on to make “Carrie”, “Dressed To Kill”, “The Untouchables”, “Mission: Impossible” and so many more terrific films!

This has an amazing soundtrack as well – click here for more about “Phantom” and a look at a terrific blu-ray remaster as well!

And if this has you in the mood for all sorts of musicals, why not this tasty treat?

This is a wonderful film with music and pie recipes – and was turned into a hit Broadway musical!

Of course, my “dinner and a movie” series also cooked a classic Ratatouille – emphasis on the “RAT!”

This film is a lot of fun – and a love letter to food, especially the French classic “Byaldi!”

Click here to see the trailer and the step-by-step recipe to make this yourself!:

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Let me know if you’ve been to a midnight screening of this classic!

Categories: 70's Cinema, 70's Music, Art, Books / Media, Classic Rock, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Movies, Music, Pop Culture

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