The Rocky Horror Picture Show Celebrates 50 Years
The Academy Museum marked a major milestone this year, celebrating the 50th birthday of the iconic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. To commemorate this occasion, the museum organized a special demonstration of the new 4K remaster on Friday evening. The event was accompanied by a conversation with the star of the film, Tim Curry. Other notable attendees included Barry Bostwick, who played Brad Majors, Patricia Quinn, who played Magenta, Nell Campbell, who played Columbia, and the producer Lou Adler.
A Night to Remember
When Tim Curry took the stage, he was met with huge standing ovations from a sold-out, costumed audience. Many fans had adhered to prop-kits that were sold in the lobby, adding to the excitement of the evening. Curry’s presence was a highlight of the event, and he did not disappoint. He shared stories about the film and its production, giving the audience a glimpse into the making of a cult classic.
Behind the Scenes of Rocky Horror
Curry reminisced about the film’s director, Jim Sharman, and his unique approach to directing. He joked that Sharman’s "director’s technique was that you were not allowed to bore him, and if you weren’t boring him, you stayed in there." Curry also shared the story of how he developed his character’s accent, which was inspired by a conversation between two upper-class women he overheard on a bus in London. He said, "They wanted to sound like the queen, and that really seemed to be appropriate for Frank, who clearly thought he was the queen."
The Impact of Rocky Horror
When looking back on 50 years of cult fandom, Curry noted that the film, which has been particularly embraced by the LGBTQ audience, means "a lot, because I think that the message of the film – don’t dream it, be it – is very important." He added that the film gives people permission to be themselves and behave in a way that is true to who they are. Curry expressed his pride in being a part of a film that has had such a lasting impact on popular culture.
Life After Rocky Horror
Curry also spoke about his career after Rocky Horror, saying that the film "was certainly put out of the pack for a moment" when it came to his post-Rocky Horror career. However, he noted that it did not hinder his ability to take on other roles. In fact, director Stephen Frears once told him, "If you can play Frank-N-Furter, you can play anything." Curry has gone on to have a successful career, taking on a wide range of roles in film and theater.
A Message from Tim Curry
The evening ended with Curry addressing his health, after suffering a stroke in 2012 that left him in a wheelchair. He spoke candidly about his experiences, saying, "I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very restrictive. So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon." Despite his challenges, Curry remains optimistic and humorous, ending the evening by saying, "It’s terribly late, isn’t it? Why don’t we show the picture?"
