The Rocky Horror Picture Show Podcast Episode | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Summary

In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," the hosts delve into the cult classic movie "Rocky Horror Picture Show." The movie originated as a stage play created by Richard O'Brien and was a campy send-up of 50s sci-fi and horror movies. The plot revolves around two straight-laced characters, Brad and Janet, who stumble upon a creepy castle and encounter Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania. The hosts discuss the movie's themes of sexual liberation and gender fluidity, as well as its timeless quality despite being made in 1975. They also mention the movie's popularity in the LGBTQ community and its origins as a stage play in London.

The hosts provide a brief history of the making of the movie, including the fact that it was made on a shoestring budget and received lukewarm reviews upon its limited release in 1975. However, it gained a cult following when it began showing at midnight screenings in Greenwich Village in 1976. The audience participation, including singing along, dressing up, and shouting back at the screen, started organically and spread quickly to other theaters across the country. People began bringing props to use during the film, and shadow casting, where people acted out the movie in front of the screen, was born. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has become a cultural phenomenon and the longest-running theatrical film release in movie history.

The episode also includes a discussion of the experience of attending a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The show involves a ritual where virgins are asked to stand up and may be marked with a V on their forehead. The show is known for off-color sex jokes and audience participation. The hosts emphasize that the show is meant to be a fun and interactive experience, and may not be suitable for those who are prudish or have hang-ups. The show has become an iconic safe space for people who feel like outsiders, and has been empowering for many who have found acceptance through it.

The hosts also provide trivia about the making of the film, including the fact that the lips at the beginning of the movie belong to Patricia Quinn, who played Magenta and Usherette, but lip-synced the song instead of singing it herself. They also discuss the popularity of Meatloaf's role as Eddie in the movie and the potential casting of Elvis Presley in that role. The episode ends with a reminder to donate to a charity before the end of the year, and the hosts express their gratitude to listeners and wish them a happy new year.