On September 26, 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show debuts in U.S. movie theaters. Based on a London-based musical stage production with a similar title, the film pays tribute to B-rated science fiction and monster movies, like Frankenstein. And it introduces moviegoers to a cast of exotic characters, including the cross-dressing scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and his artificially made “perfect man,” Rocky Horror.
The film centers around Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), a newly engaged couple whose car breaks down in an isolated area during a storm. While looking for help, the couple stumbles on the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), who reveals to them his latest creation: the blond and chiseled epitome of manhood he has named Rocky Horror.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” flopped at first. But in 1976, the Waverly Theater (now known as the IFC Center) in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village began showing the film once a week at midnight, and it soon gained a cultlike status.
Ahead of the midnight screenings, the theater would play the soundtrack to the film to energize and engage the audience. The musical featured original songs like “Time Warp,” “Science Fiction/Double Feature” and “Dammit Janet.” Also included on the soundtrack: Meatloaf's "What Ever Happened to Saturday Night?"
