Since Halloween is literally just right around the corner, I figured I’d share with you some random Rocky Horror facts that you might not know but definitely NEED to know!! So hurry up and start reading because
1. Sick on set?!
Actress Susan Sarandon who played the role of Janet in the dark comedic film was actually very sick during filming. Although she passed it off as the flu, some sources said she had a very severe case of pneumonia. Richard O’Brien stated that during the filming of the “Floor Show”, Sarandon was “shaking with a fever" but put on an outstanding performance as if nothing were wrong.
2. The silent underwear model…
Peter Hinwood who portrays the one and only “Rocky” himself, was actually an underwear model with no prior acting experience. All of Hinwood’s lines ended up being cut from the film and his singing voice was dubbed by singer Trevor White.
(I suppose well defined muscles and a itty-bitty gold thong is all you need sometimes.)
3. A truly Rocky Horrific dinner
During the dinner scene, only Tim Curry and Richard O’Brien knew that Eddie’s (portrayed by the iconic Meat Loaf) remains were under the table, so the fear on the other actors faces when the remains were revealed was 100% real!
(Uhh.. Bon Appétit??)
(I know I know.. like this year's election..)
4. Rocky relationship???
According to creator and actor Richard O‘Brien (Riff Raff), Susan Sarandon (Janet) and Barry Bostwick (Brad) were actually an item during the film's production. Bostwick recently disclosed during a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Logo Tv, that his least favorite scene to shoot was one that he was not in himself, rather one that his girlfriend at the time (Susan Sarandon) was. You may recall ‘Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me’? Well, Bostwick stated that though he was not in the scene, he got rather jealous of seeing co-star Peter Hinwood (Rocky) putting his hands all over his girlfriend, but then proceeded to make the joke “..my girlfriend who seemed to rather enjoy it, saying things like ‘Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me’.”
(I’d get jealous too if a ripped underwear model was groping my girlfriend… jealous of my girlfriend that is! But seriously at least he has a sense of humor about it; it only took, what? 41 years? Lol I’m only teasing of course!)
5. Three's a crowd?
When Rocky Horror first opened, Meat Loaf and director Jim Sherman bought tickets for a screening in the midwest…they were the only ones in the theater.
(That's bit socking I know! Seeing as how iconic the film and play is today but believe it or not cult classic horror comedies about transvestite scientists weren’t the most popular back in 1975. although the original release totally bombed, it killed in later years to come!)
6. An unexpected royal Rocky fan!
Princess Diana herself was a huge Rocky Horror fan! The princess actually requested a meeting with Tim Curry and in an interview, Curry remembers she told him with a “wicked smile” that The Rocky Horror Picture Show “quite completed my education.”
(She really was a woman before her time. It just breaks my heart that she isn’t still here today.)
7. The royal touch
Tim Curry got the inspiration for Dr. Frank-N-Furter's voice from the Queen of England.
(I don't know about you but he seemed to pull off "Queen" pretty damn well if you ask me.)
8. IMPOSTER!!
Curry attempted to see a midnight showing at the Waverly Theatre and was kicked out by an usher for being “an imposter” but after proving his identity via passport, the usher apologized and invited him back in but Curry declined.
9. More dinner drama!
In the middle of the dinner scene when Brad (Bostwick) pounds his fist on the table, he accidentally hit Susan Sarandon’s (Janet) hand!!
(Ouch!! Sarandon's reaction is pretty priceless though!!)
10. Susan’s revenge
While shooting the “Floor Show” Sarandon stepped on Barry Bostwick’s foot with her heel, visually hurting him.
(Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Kidding of course! She didn't do it on purpose, when the scene was over the couple actually shared a laugh about it.)
11. A film for the ages
The Rocky Horror Picture Show still holds the record for the longest time a movie has been in theaters…EVER! Even though the original release in 1975 was a HUGE flop.
(why yes, I look forward to the day I can watch this film with my grandch…
….okay maybe not.)
12. The beauty of boredom
Creator Richard O’Brien was unemployed one winter in the early 70’s and to pass the time, wrote “They Came from Denton High” (which was the original name.) O’Brien showed the unfinished script to director Jim Sharman who decided to direct it, as the script came along the title however did not. It was later changed to “The Rock Hor-Roar Show” and finally (right before previews) Sharman suggested “The Rocky Horror Show.”
(Proof that something beautiful can indeed come from boredom and unemployment… however I used that line on my mother and unfortunately she didn't buy into it. I don't know about you but I'm glad they changed the title, otherwise the abbreviation wouldn't be “The Rocky Horror Show” it would be the “They Came Picture Show” … and well… although it's not the most appropriate film, it isn't THAT kind of film. Lol So good call Sharman...good call.)
