It is time once again to break out the face paint, gather up those extra rolls of toilet paper and prepare to do the Time Warp. This Saturday night marks the return to the College of the longest running cult film phenomenon in Hollywood history. This Hanover Halloween weekend, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" will grace Webster Hall on Oct. 29. at 10 p.m.
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has proven to be an indefatigable box office success. In late night movie theaters throughout Britain and the United States, its cult fans traditionally don the costumes of their favorite cast members and perform in the aisles. Live performance and audience participation combine with the actual film to generate a vivacious atmosphere that continues to attract large crowds.
The event only partially focuses on the action on screen. The script, written in 1974 by Richard O'Brien (who stars as the incestuous butler), is a musical spoof of 1950's B horror movies. The film opens on the typical hapless horror movie couple, played by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon. A suspiciously contrived flat tire finds them seeking sanctuary in a thunderstorm. The newlyweds stumble into an unusual celebration, which leads to aliens from Transylvania, experiments in the spirit of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and endless hedonistic revelry.
The film is carried by the enthusiastic performance of Tim Curry as the libidinous but misunderstood Dr. Frank-n-Furter. However, it is the ceaseless audience participation, including one full audience dance number, which transformed the low budget film into an unprecedented cult phenomenon.
Audiences can expect to dance, yell, heave rice at weddings and further interact with the film. Dressing up is a vital piece of the "Rocky Horror" repertoire. This weekend there will be a door prize for the best audience costume. First time "Rocky Horror" goers (virgins) need not be intimidated, since one can easily follow the cues of the surrounding audience, or simply relish the novelty and humor.
Sally Rosenthal '95 is director of the floor show cast, which mimics the film's every line and musical number. While precise in dialogue, the floor show is fairly spontaneous live entertainment performed by students.
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has not been shown at the College for the past six years. The Dartmouth Film Society singularly cited "theater damage" as the cause for its discontinuation.
Film Society Director Owen Gottlieb '95 has attempted to resuscitate the tradition this Halloween weekend. Water projectiles and open flames will not be permitted, but the usual list of props is heartily encouraged: toast, noisemakers, confetti, deck of cards, flashlights and rolls of excess toilet paper. Newspapers and rice will be provided at the door. One can also expect a few unique surprises Saturday night.
Tickets for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" are on sale at the Hopkins Center Box Office for $5 ($3 with a Film Society pass).
