The Rocky Horror Picture Show turns 50 – CBS Sunday Morning – September 7, 2025

CBS Sunday Morning today looked back at the 50-year history of the cult cinema classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” embedded above.

In addition, I’ve researched, aided by my trust sidesick AI, some highlights of the best RHPS history and notes about the film, its history, midnight showings, cast, and include those excerpts here in the post. “Let’s Do the Timewarp Again!”

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again! 50 Years of Rocky Horror History

Film Origins & Creation

• Stage to Screen: Based on Richard O’Brien’s 1973 stage musical The Rocky Horror Show, the film premiered in the UK on August 14, 1975, and in the US on September 26, 1975.
• Initial Flop: Despite its later success, Rocky Horror was a complete box office disaster when first released, pulled from theaters after poor performance.
• Cultural Inspiration: O’Brien created the musical as a tribute to the science fiction and B-movie horror films he loved, with opening number Science Fiction/Double Feature referencing classics like “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “Flash Gordon,” and “King Kong.”

Record-Breaking Run

• Longest Theatrical Release: Still in limited release in 2025, Rocky Horror holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-running theatrical release in film history—50 years and counting.
• Midnight Movie Pioneer: The film essentially created the midnight movie phenomenon, with the first regular midnight showings beginning in 1976.
• Global Gross: What started as a flop has earned over $170 million worldwide through its unprecedented theatrical longevity.

Iconic Cast & Characters

• Tim Curry: His breakout role as the “sweet transvestite” Dr. Frank-N-Furter became one of cinema’s most memorable performances.
• Star Power: Featured Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick as the naive couple Brad and Janet, with Meat Loaf as motorcycle-riding Eddie.
• Supporting Cast: Richard O’Brien (also the writer) as Riff Raff, Patricia Quinn as Magenta, and Little Nell as Columbia rounded out the core ensemble.

Midnight Madness & Audience Participation

• Shadow Casts: Live amateur performers act out the film in front of the screen during screenings, a tradition that began organically and continues worldwide.
• Prop Culture: Audiences bring rice, toast, water guns, and newspaper to throw at specific moments, though many theaters now regulate prop policies.
• Costume Tradition: Fans dress as characters, though this has decreased over the years, with some theaters hosting themed nights like “prom night” or “lingerie night.”
• Safe Space: The midnight showings became sanctuaries where people could express themselves freely, particularly important for LGBTQ+ communities and those feeling marginalized.

50th Anniversary Celebrations (2025)

• Special Tour: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show Spectacular Tour” is in progress, for September-November 2025, featuring original cast members Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, and Nell Campbell across 55 North American cities.
• 4K Restoration: A newly restored 4K HDR edition has a forthcoming release in October 2025 in collectible SteelBook format with Dolby Vision and Atmos audio.
• Deluxe Soundtrack: 50th anniversary edition on 180g red-in-gold vinyl featuring never-before-seen photos and production diary excerpts.
• Documentary Features: Two commemorative documentaries were produced: “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” and another exploring the Rocky Horror phenomenon.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

• Cult Classic Definition: Rocky Horror essentially defined what we mean by a “cult movie”—the first, the biggest, and the template for all others.
• Life-Changing Impact: The BBC noted the film has literally “saved lives” by providing community and acceptance for outsiders and marginalized individuals.
• Continuing Tradition: Famous venues like Los Angeles’ Nuart Theatre have hosted weekly Saturday night screenings since 1986, with shadow cast performances by groups like “Sins O’ The Flesh.”
• Pandemic Resilience: Even during COVID-19 lockdowns, a Portland theater continued showing the film to empty houses for 54 weeks, and celebrities did live-streamed readings to support political causes.

Additional Resources:

• Official Rocky Horror Fan Site: rockyhorror.com
• Landmark Theatres’ Nuart (historic LA venue): landmarktheatres.com
• Academy Museum 50th Anniversary Events – https://www.academymuseum.org/en/programs/detail/50th-anniversary-of-the-rocky-horror-picture-show-019819d5-47de-b544-831c-004abcccd6ad – The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Tim Curry, Lou Adler, and Sins O’ The Flesh, In person: Tim Curry, Lou Adler, Sins O’ The Flesh.

The unique film’s enduring appeal lies in its celebration of sexual liberation, gender fluidity, and the joy of being different—themes that continue to resonate with new generations of fans who find community in the darkness of midnight theaters worldwide. Somewhere, always, it seems now, there’ a “Time Warp” waiting for you!