It’s hard to describe let alone quantify the cultural impact of a little B-movie titled THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW in 1975. Until that point, Western culture was still trying to wrestle its way out of the stiff, stodgy doldrums of the fifties and sixties, and new movements in civil rights and women’s rights were were rocking deeply embedded foundations on both sides of the Atlantic.

But the last remaining social barrier – sexuality – was still mired in old-fashioned ideas. Then TRHPS erupted like a technicolor volcano that dressed like a whore and played insanely-catchy rock music, and sexual identity would never be the same.

The film’s lasting influence comes almost entirely from Tim Curry’s jaw-dropping performance as Dr. Frank-n-Furter, a self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.” Curry, decked out in drag queen makeup he invented for the part and his malevolent sneer, was brash, playful, and the instant epitome of sexual charisma.

I consider his first appearance onscreen to be one of the greatest entrances in movie history:

The film was made on a shoestring budget with nothing more than Curry, some brilliant songs by writer Richard O’Brien, and lots of risqué innuendo, but it has continued to transfix and influence generations for the 50 years since it was released.

Now a long-deserved official documentary will be arriving in theaters on October 3, 2025. And you can bet your hot patootie I’ll be there Opening Night, toast and rice at the ready!