Celebrating 51 years!
This article was first published in 2025 and updated 2026.
If you’re like me, you’ve spent th greater part of your life wondering why this movie is so popular. Why are people bringing rubber gloves and newspapers to the theatres. Why is it so often shown at midnight? And why do people throw toast into the air?
With the approach of Halloween, there are always many opportunities to view, or take part in, this cult phenomenon at theatres and venues around the city. Various theatres run the movie itself, other venues feature drag performances, and others musical performances.
To get you ready for the experience, whatever it might be, here’s some history, facts, and tips.
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What is it?
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is a 1975 musical comedy horror film that has become a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Jim Sharman and based on the 1973 stage musical "The Rocky Horror Show" by Richard O'Brien, the movie quickly gained a cult following and is considered one of the most enduring midnight movies of all time. We’ve listed the original cast, and linked to the movie soundtrack at the end of this article.
Known for its unique blend of camp, audience participation, and transgressive themes, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is an event you must experience at least once in your life.
Here’s the Plot
The story follows Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, a young, innocent couple whose car breaks down during a storm. They seek refuge in a nearby mansion owned by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a charismatic and flamboyant scientist who is hosting an eccentric gathering. The night turns bizarre as Brad and Janet are introduced to Frank-N-Furter's latest creation, Rocky, a muscular man designed to fulfill his creator’s desires. As the evening unfolds, the couple gets entangled in a world of strange experiments, seduction, and rock and roll.
Cult Following and Audience Participation
What sets "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" apart from other films is its dedicated fanbase and interactive screenings. From the late 1970s onwards, audiences began attending midnight showings dressed as their favorite characters and bringing props like newspapers, toast, and rice to recreate scenes. We’ve provided a list of ‘What to Bring’ at the bottom of this article.
Also, callbacks, which are scripted or spontaneous lines shouted by the audience, are a way for fans to interact with the movie, adding a layer of engagement rarely seen in cinema. See below for a list of typical Callbacks!
Themes and Legacy
The movie explores themes of self-expression, sexual liberation, and nonconformity, resonating with audiences who felt marginalized by mainstream society. The character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, portrayed by the recently deceased Tim Curry, embodies this spirit of defiance, embracing his identity with unapologetic confidence. The film's tagline, "Don't dream it, be it," encapsulates the message of embracing one's true self, regardless of societal expectations.
Despite mixed reviews upon release, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has stood the test of time, becoming a symbol of rebellion and self-expression. It has influenced countless films, TV shows, and theatrical productions, proving that its impact extends far beyond the midnight movie circuit.
The film's success can be attributed to its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, where fans from all walks of life can gather, dress up, and be part of a community. The audience participation aspect keeps the movie fresh, as no two screenings are ever the same. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the experience remains engaging and full of surprises.
At its core, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has always belonged to the queer community.
Long before mainstream media embraced gender and sexual diversity, the movie offered a rare space where queerness was central. The film’s camp sensibility, its fluid approach to identity, and its rejection of shame made it both a mirror and a refuge for 2SLGBTQiA+ audiences. The ritual of gathering in theatres, dressed in fishnets or glitter, became an act of joyful defiance and collective visibility. Even decades later, Rocky Horror screenings continue to serve as an entry point into queer culture, passing along a sense of belonging that feels as vital now as it did in the 1970s.
What to Bring
Planning to attend a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show? You’ll want to take along some particular items. But note: Often a theatre will include a Prop Bag as part of the ticket price for their screening.
For those screenings where the is no prop bag included, here’s a list with tips for when to use them:
Rice - DO NOT BRING RICE
Although it has been used in the past during the wedding scene at the beginning of the movie, when the audience throws rice as the characters celebrate - it’s not recommended as the tiny bits are difficult for theatres and venues to clean up and can attract rodents.
Newspaper
When to Use: When Janet covers her head with a newspaper during the rainstorm ("Over at the Frankenstein Place" scene), audience members use their newspapers to mimic the action.
Flashlight or Glow Stick
When to Use: During the song "There's a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place)," the audience waves flashlights or glow sticks to add to the effect.
Rubber Gloves
When to Use: During Dr. Frank-N-Furter's creation speech, he snaps his rubber gloves three times. Fans often snap their own gloves along with him.
Noisemakers
When to Use: During the celebration of Rocky's birth, audience members use noisemakers when the Transylvanians do.
Toast
When to Use: When Frank-N-Furter proposes a toast at the dinner table, audience members throw toast into the air.
Party Hats
When to Use: Worn during the dinner scene when Frank-N-Furter dons a party hat.
Bell
When to Use: Ring a bell when Frank-N-Furter sings the line, “Did you hear a bell ring?” in the song "Planet Schmanet Janet."
Cards
When to Use: During the song “I'm Going Home,” throw playing cards when Frank-N-Furter sings, “Cards for sorrow, cards for pain.”
Adulting Notes
NO Confetti NO Water Mess: Some venues may not allow messier items like confetti or excessive water due to cleanup concerns. Check with the theater in advance about any restrictions. See note about RICE above. For example, the RIO Theatre, which annually runs a Rocky Horror Festival, will give you props at the door!
Be Considerate: Throwing items should be done safely and respectfully, without aiming directly at other audience members or the screen.
Callbacks to Know
Common Callbacks for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
✓ Opening Credits:
Screen: "Science Fiction/Double Feature" plays.
Callback: Shout, “Lips! Lips! Lips!” as the lips appear on screen.
✓ When You Hear: “Dammit, Janet!”
Callback: Every time Brad says “Janet,” shout “Slut!” and every time Janet says “Brad,” shout “Asshole!”
✓ During the Wedding Scene:
Callback: When the camera shows the wedding party, yell, “Where's the rice, you cheap bstrds?”
✓ When Brad and Janet’s Car Breaks Down:
Callback: As the car breaks down, yell, “Buy a new car, you cheap bstrd!”
✓ “Over at the Frankenstein Place”:
Callback: When Janet holds the newspaper over her head, shout, “Buy an umbrella, you cheap bstrd!”
✓ Introduction of Dr. Frank-N-Furter:
Screen: Frank-N-Furter sings, “I see you shiver with antici...”
Callback: Shout, “Say it!” as Frank pauses before saying “...pation!”
✓ During “Time Warp”:
Callback: Shout, “Jump to the left!” and then “Step to the right!” along with the lyrics. Many audiences will physically do the dance in the aisles.
✓ Dinner Scene:
Screen: When Frank asks for a toast.
Callback: Throw toast and yell, “A toast!”
✓ When Rocky is Created:
Callback: Shout, “Muscle-bound!” every time Rocky flexes.
✓ When Dr. Scott Arrives:
Screen: Dr. Scott crashes through the wall.
Callback: Yell, “Great Scott!” and throw toilet paper.
The Soundtrack
Written by Richard O'Brien, the soundtrack blends 1950s rock 'n' roll, glam rock, and theatrical showtunes, parodying classic B-movie science fiction while crafting an iconic musical score. Of course, Time Warp is the most iconic track but you’ll no doubt recognize many of these songs!
You can listen to the entire soundtrack on Youtube here
Act I: Arrival & Awakening
"Science Fiction/Double Feature" – Sung by Patricia Quinn (lip-synced over O'Brien's vocals), this opening ballad sets the mood by referencing classic mid-century sci-fi and monster movies.
"Dammit Janet" – Brad (Barry Bostwick) proposes to Janet (Susan Sarandon) in a churchyard, framing their naive, suburban innocence through a upbeat 1950s pop-rock duet.
"Over at the Frankenstein Place" – A melancholic folk-rock track as Brad and Janet walk through the rain toward Frank-N-Furter's castle, clinging to a false sense of hope.
"Time Warp" – The film's defining glam-rock line-dance anthem, led by Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, and the Criminologist, establishing the party atmosphere of the Annual Transylvanian Convention.
"Sweet Transvestite" – Tim Curry’s grand entrance track. A heavy, bluesy strut where Dr. Frank-N-Furter introduces himself and sets the tone for the rest of the film.
"The Sword of Damocles" – Rocky's creation song, capturing his instant existential confusion upon being brought to life.
"Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul" – A fast-paced, 1950s rock-and-roll number performed by Meat Loaf as Eddie, bursting out of a freezer on a motorcycle before his sudden demise.
Act II: Temptation, Revolt & Departure
"Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me" – Janet's sexual awakening anthem, driven by light pop-rock melodies as she seduces Rocky in the laboratory.
"Eddie" – Dr. Scott, Frank, and the household mourn (and uncover) Eddie's fate over a cabaret-style rhythm.
"Rose Tint My World" / "Floor Show" – The climactic multi-part spectacle where the main cast, stripped of their inhibitions, perform in corsets and heels before Frank leads into the emotional ballad "I'm Going Home."
"Super Heroes" – A somber epilogue sung by Brad and Janet as they process the wreckage left behind.
Original Movie Cast
Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss
Barry Bostwick as Brad Majors
Richard O'Brien as Riff Raff
Patricia Quinn as Magenta (and the Lips in the opening title sequence)
Nell Campbell (credited as Little Nell) as Columbia
Meat Loaf as Eddie
Peter Hinwood as Rocky Horror (singing voice provided by Trevor White)
Jonathan Adams as Dr. Everett V. Scott
Charles Gray as The Criminologist (The Narrator)
Notable Supporting Cast
Hilary Labow as Betty Munroe
Perry Bedden as Transylvanian
Christopher Biggins as Transylvanian
Kym Gyngell as Transylvanian