The Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie Review

Campy, vampy, and anything but subtle, the mother of all cult hits arrived on home video after 15 years of midnight screenings. On tape, of course, the audience participation element is lost. (Or at least lessened; what you and your friends want to do and wear in the privacy of your own place is none of the Hound's business.) So, what about the movie itself? It's not bad. The story isn't too important in this kinky musical send-up of old sci-fi/horror movies. The rock score is loud and energetic; the lyrics surprisingly wiity. Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick are fine as the innocent hero and heroine, but the film belongs to Tim Curry's Dr. Frank-N-Furter. He redefines outrageous excess as the mad scientist who favors mascara, high heels, and fishnet hose. Curry wrings every drop of mad humor from the role – and there's a lot to wring. In the process, he shows how a talented stage actor can overpower a screen production, either film or video. Followed by the disappointing Shock Treatment.

The Time Warp; Science Fiction Double Feature; Wedding Song; Sweet Transvestite; The Sword of Damocles; Charles Atlas Song; Whatever Happened to Saturday Night; Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me; Eddie's Teddy.

1975 (R) 105m/C Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Meat Loaf, Little Nell, Richard O'Brien; D: Jim Sharman; W: Jim Sharman, Richard O'Brien; M: John Barry. VHS, LV FOX, FCT, PMS